Few entrepreneurial journeys embody resilience as profoundly as that of Moonoon Jawadin. While many business success stories begin with opportunity, Moonnoon began with hardship, responsibility, and survival. His nomination for the Rising Star Award at the Influencer Magazine Awards 2026 recognises an extraordinary transformation from working to support his family at the age of eleven to becoming a multi-million-pound entrepreneur, philanthropist, three-time blood cancer survivor, and advocate dedicated to helping others overcome adversity.
Based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom, Moonoon Jawadin, widely known as Moonii, has built a career defined by perseverance and purpose. Raised in Stoke-on-Trent, he entered the workforce as a child to help support his family with 10 siblings to feed before spending years in the hospitality industry as both a chef and waiter. Those early experiences laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial mindset that would later drive him to establish successful catering businesses and expand into international property ventures. Today, he is the founder of Jawadin Estates DXB, a trusted property management company operating across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and co-owner of Football On Trent, an FA-registered football club he runs alongside his brother.
Jawadin’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, not once, but three times. His journey through multiple rounds of treatment, including a prolonged coma, critical care for months, forced him to confront life from an entirely different perspective. Chemotherapy, radiation, biopsys, blood transfusions, operations, sepsis (8 times), and a life saving blood marrow transplant with his HERO HIS SISTER PAZ. Rather than allowing illness to define him, he emerged with renewed purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. His experiences inspired him to become an advocate for cancer awareness and mental health, supporting organisations such as Blood Cancer UK, Leukemia UK, CureLeukaemia, DKMS, Kharis Change Works CIC, Anothony Nolan, and more, while also establishing recorded trustee at Jazzys Gestures Charity to assist children and families affected by cancer, similar to make a wish foundationThrough his charitable work, he has provided hope, comfort, and practical support to individuals facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic became another defining chapter in Jawadin’s entrepreneurial journey. During a period of global uncertainty, he launched a catering business with limited resources but an unwavering determination to succeed. What began as a modest venture quickly developed into a multi-million-pound operation through companies including Jawadin Catering Ltd, Moohans Kitchen, Malik’s Indian,and Jawad Catering Ltd. Building on that success, he expanded into real estate investment and property management across the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating an ability to identify opportunity even during periods of economic disruption. Started in Dubai with a property then opened a supermarket which sold at a profit when generating more business deals in the UAE. Throughout his business career, he has remained guided by a philosophy that patience and clarity consistently outperform talent alone, believing that calm decision-making and long-term thinking create more sustainable success than speed or ego.
Jawadin’s achievements have earned recognition across both business and media. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 first with the Staffordshire Chambers of commerce which then catapulted him to the national level with Lloyds Banks Business Excellence awards nominating him for the entire UK and then to received a nomination for Small Business of the Year 2025 post his diagnosis. His story has been featured by CEO Times Magazine, Dubai Magazine, London Magazine, Elite Business Magazine, and BBC Radio, while his entrepreneurial journey has also been highlighted on podcasts including the ATZ Finance, Zach Dancel Podcast, The Outliers, Thefoundersmindset and multiple othersand part of an exclusive entrepreneur club the Foundxrs Club.
Despite these accomplishments, those who know him often point not to his commercial success but to his humility, thoughtful leadership, and genuine commitment to improving the lives of those around him. He measures success not by financial milestones but by the positive impact he creates for his family, employees, communities, and those in need.
With multiple podcast appearances scheduled throughout 2026, two new businesses preparing to launch, a new charitable initiative in development, and further award nominations already underway.
Moonoon Jawadin continues to expand both his entrepreneurial ambitions and his social impact. His story demonstrates that resilience is built not by avoiding hardship but by choosing purpose after adversity. His nomination for the Rising Star Award at IMA 2026 celebrates not only his remarkable business achievements, but also his unwavering determination to transform personal struggle into lasting opportunities for others, proving that true success is measured by the lives we inspire and the hope we create along the way.
