During the grand finals of Prince and Princess of Shukran Festival 2025 at Sahara Center, Sharjah on December 13, 2025. SUPPLIED

Two young advocates of positivity and purpose took centre stage in Sharjah over the weekend as the inaugural Prince and Princess of Shukran Festival 2025 crowned its first-ever winners. James Marquez and Nayara Catrin Gonzales emerged victorious at the grand finals held at Sahara Centre on Saturday (December 13), marking a milestone for the teen-focused pageant that celebrates gratitude, talent and responsible digital citizenship. Gonzales was crowned Princess of Shukran Festival 2025, while Marquez earned the title of Prince of Shukran Festival 2025, outperforming five other princesses and six other princes, respectively. The winners received bespoke crowns specially crafted by UAE-based One Fab Outlet, whose owner personally crowned the titleholders during the ceremony. The pageant carried the theme “Digital Kindness: Using Social Media for Good,” reflecting a growing focus on guiding young people to use online platforms responsibly and positively.

Multiple awards

Beyond the main titles, both winners dominated several special categories. Gonzales also took home Best in Advocacy and Best in Formal Wear, while Marquez won Best in Talent, Best in Formal Wear, and the Social Media Award Prince. Other winners recognised during the evening included: • Runners-up: Glyd Maron and Meeckaellah Zoe Madronio • Best in Advocacy: Jayden Leone and Nayara Catrin Gonzales • Best in Talent: James Marquez and Francess Tatiana Lepana Ore • Best in Formal Wear: James Marquez and Nayara Catrin Gonzales • Social Media Award Prince and Princess: James Marquez and Meeckaellah Zoe Madronio Winners received prizes including cash vouchers from Sahara Centre, a roundtrip ticket to Armenia from Terelle Travel, and other sponsored gifts. Organiser Infinite Communities described the festival as a celebration of youth, culture and shared values. “The Shukran Festival was a true showcase of talent, culture, and togetherness—celebrating the strength of our communities and the power of gratitude,” the organisers said. Speaking to Expat Media, organisers explained that the pageant was designed to empower teenagers to become responsible digital citizens, encourage kindness online, and help foster a healthier social media environment.

Judges, special guests and handcrafted crowns

Adding prestige to the event, Binibining Pilipinas International 2004 Maan Bayot and pageant queen Jenny Casa Dy served as judges for the competition. This year’s crowns, exclusively designed and handcrafted by One Fab Outlet in Al Ain, were officially unveiled during the awarding ceremony. The grand finals also featured a special appearance by actress-producer Bela Padilla, delighting contestants and audiences alike. ICA/Expat Media
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