Together Shaping Dreams: A Night to Remember at the 2025 ACS Gala
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On May 10, 2025, against the glittering backdrop of the Conrad Etihad Towers, the ACS community gathered for a remarkable night of celebration, connection, and purpose. The 2025 ACS Gala, co-chaired by Serena Carnevale and Adib Martin Mattar, welcomed over 500 distinguished guests to an unforgettable evening under the inspiring theme, “Together Shaping Dreams.”
The gala not only embodied elegance and excitement, it showcased the deep spirit of unity and shared mission that defines the American Community School of Abu Dhabi. As guests arrived and the ballroom buzzed with anticipation, the evening promised, and delivered, moments of inspiration, artistry, and impact.
One of the most powerful highlights of the evening was the presentation of the ACS Community Leadership Award to Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi. On stage to honor her were ACS Superintendent Monique Flickinger, HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and US Ambassador to the UAE Martina Strong.
“We are humbled to have celebrated HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, a trailblazer, a visionary, and a role model whose courage and dedication have elevated a nation,” said Co-Chair and ACS Trustee Serena Carnevale.
“In the UAE’s Year of Community, we were honored to recognize a leader whose legacy transcends borders and generations,” said Superintendent Flickinger. “Sheikha Lubna is a beacon of courage and conviction whose life’s work continues to inspire a culture of leadership and compassion for our community.”
The event drew an impressive roster of high-profile guests, including HE Fredrik Floren (UAE Ambassador of Sweden), HE Alison Milton (UAE Ambassador of Ireland), HE Lorenzo Fanara (UAE Ambassador to Italy), Samer Abdelhaq (General Counsel, UAE Department of Finance), Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari (Executive Director, UAE Department of Government Enablement), and Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana and Diamond Sponsor of the evening.
But it wasn’t just the dignitaries who lit up the night. The heart of the gala belonged to ACS’s talented students. Their performances brought warmth, energy, and heartfelt emotion to the stage. Guests were captivated by the Middle School Choir, led by Heather Massaquoi, enchanted by a duet and dance number from Aladdin the Musical, and deeply moved by high school solo performances featuring Italian arias, guitar and vocals, and Beethoven sonatas.
Later in the evening, the Goldsingers brought down the house with an electrifying set that had the crowd dancing well into the night. The celebration continued at the gala after party at Ray’s Bar, high above the Abu Dhabi skyline, where a live DJ and panoramic city views capped off the extraordinary evening.
Thanks to the generosity of guests and sponsors, including Nadine & Nasser Al Nowais, Rotana, Ethara, Serena Carnevale & Luca Molinari, Adib Martin Mattar, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Etihad Airways, and ExxonMobil, the event raised an astounding AED 1.3 million in just one evening.
These funds will directly support enhancements across academics, arts, athletics, and service learning at ACS, as well as expanded professional development for faculty and improvements to campus facilities, investments that elevate every aspect of the student experience.
“As a nonprofit school, our annual gala has a profound impact on what we can offer our students,” said Flickinger. “It allows us to go beyond what tuition alone can support and helps ensure that every student thrives in an environment that champions innovation, compassion, and leadership.”
The 2025 theme, Together Shaping Dreams, could not have been more fitting. In the words of the school’s leadership: “No dream is too big when it is carried by many hands.”
Through the collective efforts of our community of parents, alumni, staff, partners, and friends, we are shaping a future where young minds are empowered to lead, innovate, and uplift. Together, we are not just shaping dreams, we are making them a reality.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible team of volunteers the ACS Gala Planning Committee, whose time, talent, and energy made every detail of the evening – from decor to guest experience – possible. And to our dedicated maintenance team, whose behind-the-scenes work ensured that our gala supplies and artwork was delivered effortlessly. Your contributions were essential to the success of this unforgettable night.
