Dubai once again became the center of business leadership and innovation as the
Entrepreneur Middle East Leadership Awards 2025 took place at W Dubai – The Palm. The
prestigious annual event brings together influential founders, CEOs, and industry leaders
whose work is shaping the future of business across the MENA region and beyond.
This year, Papa Media, led by its Founder and CEO Igor Sergeev, marked a significant
milestone, as two of the agency’s clients and strategic partners secured top honors at the
ceremony — a result widely seen as a reflection of the agency’s strategic approach to PR
and leadership positioning.

A Prestigious Platform for Global Leaders

Organized by Entrepreneur Middle East, part of the global Entrepreneur media brand, the
Leadership Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate innovation, long-term vision, and
measurable impact within their industries. The awards are considered among the most
credible business recognitions in the region, particularly in sectors driving economic
transformation.
At the 2025 edition, two major categories stood out for Papa Media:

  • Real Estate Leader of the Year
  • Fintech Leader of the Year

Both awards were claimed by leaders whose public positioning and international visibility
have been strategically supported by Papa Media.

Two Leaders, Two Industries, One Strategic Partner

Faruh Kurbanov, Co-Founder of DIA Holding, was named Real Estate Leader of the Year,
recognizing his contribution to sustainable development and socially driven real estate
projects across the UAE, Kazakhstan, and Europe.
Alexander Lozben, Founder of INTERHASH, received the Fintech Leader of the Year award
for his role in advancing digital infrastructure, sustainable mining, and fintech ecosystems
across the MENA region and international markets.
Both leaders work closely with Papa Media, which acts as a long-term strategic partner,
managing PR departments, international media positioning, and reputation development
rather than one-off publicity.

Papa Media: Recognition Through Results

For Igor Sergeev, Founder and CEO of Papa Media, the double recognition highlights the
effectiveness of the agency’s philosophy — building leadership narratives that align media
presence with real business impact.
“Awards are not the goal by themselves,” Sergeev noted during the event.
“They are the outcome of consistent strategy, strong positioning, and
leaders who have something meaningful to say to the world.”
Under his leadership, Papa Media has grown into an international PR platform working with
entrepreneurs, corporations, and personal brands across real estate, fintech, technology,
and investment sectors.

More Than PR: A Strategic Communication Model

Papa Media’s approach goes beyond traditional publicity. The agency focuses on:

  • long-term PR strategy
  • international media positioning
  • leadership visibility
  • and aligning communication with business growth

The success of its clients at the Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025 reinforces the idea
that strategic communications have become a core component of global leadership
recognition.

Looking Ahead

As business competition intensifies across global markets, recognition at platforms like the
Entrepreneur Leadership Awards serves as a benchmark of credibility and influence. For
Igor Sergeev and Papa Media, the 2025 awards represent not only a moment of celebration,
but a confirmation of their role in shaping how modern leaders are seen, heard, and trusted
internationally.