Sixteen inspirational Arab women were honoured for their contributions to Arab society on Sunday at a gala event in Abu Dhabi.
From a variety of backgrounds including art, fashion and literature, the women were honoured at the Arab Woman Awards, held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.
The lifetime achievement award went to Raja Al Gurg, managing director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group.
She said the event was “a testimony of great leadership and vision of this nation”.
In a speech at the Etihad Towers Hotel, she said: “As a young country, the UAE has achieved and exceeded global expectations and continues to push forward competing with international and more matured nations.
“Women are at the forefront of this achievement. They play a pivotal role in the vision of this nation and this can only be achieved if we continue to reflect on the spirit of our founding fathers.”
Established in 2009 by ITP Publishing, the Arab Woman Awards has recognised more than 150 nominees from various sectors, including business, education, art, literature, and humanitarian.
The 16 women were selected by a panel made up of some of the country’s most influential women, including Dr Manahel Thabet, founder and president of SmartTips Consultants; Ameera bin Karam, president of the Pan-UAE breast cancer initiative The Pink Caravan; and Hind Seddiqi, marketing vice president for Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons.
Sue Holt, deputy managing director at ITP Publishing, said the awards were a way to connect women across the emirates.
“The awards have grown and each year we are overwhelmed by the number of nominations, but more so by the achievements of the entries,” she said. “Women are becoming key players in sectors that were previously considered as male roles.”
The event was also supported by the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, whose chairwoman, Fatima Al Jaber, made a speech.
Bedour Al Raqbani, founder of the special needs school Kalimati, in 2010, after she struggled to find suitable care for her own hearing impaired daughter, won the award presented by the council.
The businesswoman award went to Muna Al Gurg who has founded non-profit organisations such as Hub Dubai.
Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan took the award for the arts for her contribution as president of the Sharjah Arts Foundation, while Dr Najat Meky received the artist’s award.
Entrepreneur Rasha Al Danhani was rewarded for her work in bringing the Malaysian food chain Pappa Roti to the UAE.
Science fiction writer Noura Al Noman won the literature award while Samira Murshed Al Romaithi won the award for sport. Ms Al Romaithi’s involvement in the jiu-jitsu community as a committee head and competitor, as well as her openness in talking about her battles with anorexia, have made her an inspiration to many. She has helped break the taboos in the local community associated with eating disorders.
Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi was given the award for fashion while the young designer award went to Aljoud Loutah.
Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan won the humanitarian award for her contributions to charities including leading the Emirates Thalassaemia Society and UAE Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Inspirational Arab Woman of the Year went to Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, who this year was made an advocate for the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, UNHCR.
Other winners were dermatologist Dr Suad Loutfi, Mona Al Marri, Dubai Abdulla Abulhoul and Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak.
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