Top 6 UAE-Based Socialites of 2013

We normally tend to be more aware of the movements and updates of celebrities and personas in the US and Europe. Yet like any other developing country, the UAE also has its fair share of socialites whom work very hard to achieve their dreams of becoming successful and well-recognized.

Below is a list of the top 6 UAE-based socialites who have made quite a presence during 2013 (in no particular order):

SHEIKH MOHAMMAD AL THANI

Sheikh Mohammad Al Thani is a young successful Sharjah based philanthropist, sportsman, entrepreneur, adventurous traveler, and a passionate mountaineer. The Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Al Nawras Hospitality, Tamween Catering, Grab 'N' Go, and Musafir are some of his successful ventures that are made in the Emirates.

Sheikh Al Thani is most recently known for being the first Qatari national to summit Mount Everest. He climbed the world's highest mountain as a brand ambassador for Reach Out to Asia, which is a non-profit organization that raises funds to uplift Asia and parts of the Middle East. Sheikh Al Thani's climb goal was to raise one million dollars to be used for education projects in Nepal.

Sheikh Al Mohammad Al Thani's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 40,714 likes

- Twitter: 6,494 followers

- Instagram: 6,572 followers

TAMARA AL GABBANI

Tamara Al Gabbani is a Dubai based Fashion Designer, who owns her own fashion line that is named after her, vibrant TV personality, actress, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. She is one busy woman! When she is not working on her fashion line, she is busy influencing or representing other internationally acclaimed brand names including Pepsi Arabia. Fast and Furious star Michelle Rodriguez was also spotted wearing a Tamara Al Gabbani designed dress for her 'OK! Middle East Magazine' Photoshoot.

Tamara Al Gabbani's recent accomplishments include being named as one of Ahlan Magazine's Hot 100 Pioneer; and nominated for the Emirates Woman of the Year award. She is also no stranger to being featured on many magazine covers, and interviewed by the media. Tamara is indeed one of the UAE's top personalities and fashion trendsetters.

Tamara Al Gabbani's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook page: 19,578 likes
- Twitter: 7,628 followers
- Instagram: 44k followers

KRIS FADE

ris Fade is the lead presenter on Virgin Radio Dubai's popular breakfast show, The Kris Fade Show, alongside Priti Malek and Big Rossi. Off air, he regularly emcees a number of high profile events and concerts.

Kris was spotted mid June at The Gramercy Dubai supporting and hosting a charity event that was organized to raise both awareness and funds for Sarah-Jean Masinas, an Abu Dhabi resident who was diagnosed with Acute Myleoid Leukemia (AML) and required an urgent bone-marrow transplant outside the UAE.

You can catch Kris Fade during weekdays on Virgin Radio Dubai between 6am and 10am.

Kris Fade's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 14,105 likes
- Twitter: 18,534 followers
- Instagram: 6,521 followers

MARWAN AKA DJ BLISS

Marwan, also known as DJ Bliss, is the UAE's first Emirati who is a DJ, Radio Presenter, TV Presenter, Emcee, and Actor. DJ Bliss founded 411 Nights, which is Dubai's premiere's Rnb and HipHop nightlife destination. He is also the co-lead presenter of 'That's Entertainment' on Dubai One, as well as the emcee of many high profile events including the Dubai Film Festival.

In 2013, DJ Bliss produced a song with Kardinal Offishall titled 'Let it Go' which was entirely shot and recorded in the UAE. Marwan was also a lead performance during the Nicki Minaj concert, My Music X Festival and many more gigs taking place in Europe, US, and the Middle East.

DJ Bliss's 2013 highlights also include producing 'Writer's Block', the lead track of Hip Hop legend Wyclef Jean, alongside Emirati musician, Prince Q; as well as making an appearance during the season finale of Arabs Got Talent 2013. 

DJ Bliss online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook page: 23,562 likes

- Twitter: 17,081 followers

- Instagram: 6,481 followers

JESSICA KAHAWATY

Jessica Kahawaty is a Dubai-based presenter, fashion icon, and brand ambassador. She is most recently recognized as the face of Yahoo Maktoob's new entertainment shows 'omg! NOW' and 'omg! NUJOOM' in which she interviewed many locally and internationally acclaimed celebrities including Bob Sinclair, Carmen Electra, and Ramy Ayach.

Jessica won the title of Miss World Australia in 2012, and second-runner up position of Miss World 2012.

Jessica is also active in community services, and supporting charities. In 2013, and for her 25th birthday, she has asked her fans to donate to the charity: water my age in dollars, and to support the good people of Orissa, India, to have access to more clean drinking water. 

Jessica Kahawaty online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 57,072 likes

- Twitter: 2,010 followers

- Instagram: 22k followers

WONHO CHUNG

Wonho Chung is a Dubai-based, internationally acclaimed, comedian. His career started in the UAE back in 2007 when Showtime approached him to join the Axis of Evil comedy tour from which he performed ahead of 20,000 people from around the Middle East.

Wonho's routine focuses on the idiosyncrasies of Arab and Far Eastern ways of living, and in doing so, he was able to break down many common misconceptions and stereotypes.

In 2013, Wonho was appointed by Swiss watchmaker Jaeger Le Coultre as a friend of the brand. He also hosted and performed at a number of high profile corporate events in the UAE, and in the region, including the launch of Hyundai's Centennial car, and the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Wonho Chung's online presence (as of January 5, 2014):

- Facebook Page: 191k likes

- Twitter: 65,418 followers

- Instagram: 18k followers

Follow me on twitter: @JaberRami