Dubai hosts 'The New Arab Woman Forum' on leadership and social responsibility

The Forum is organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group and Al Hasnaa magazine, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Arab League, ESCWA, V-Day Karama, Diplomatic Ladies Association - Dubai and North Emirates and media partner MBC1.

The forum emphasizes the fundamental role of the Arab woman and her various powers and abilities in leadership, management, politics, business, education, media, beauty, and the problems she encounters.

The New Arab Woman will bring together more than 500 high profile delegates and speakers from 30 Arab and foreign countries. Invitees include women government ministers and parliamentarians, NGO heads, and renowned actresses, artists and journalists, as well as businessmen and other specialists. The forum promises to be one of the major events on the 2007 conference agenda, combining relevance, caliber, advantage, placement power and excellent organization.

Participants include: Mrs Waddad Babaer, First Lady (Sudan); HE Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne MEP, Vice President, Foreign Affairs Committee- European Parliament (UK); HH Al Sharifa Bint Nasser, Councillor and Member of Trustees, The Hashemite Fund For Development of Jordan Badia, (Jordan); HE Dr Amal Qobeissi, Member of the Federal National Council (UAE); HE Mrs Najla Al Awadi, Member of the Federal National Council, Deputy CEO of Dubai Media Incorporated (UAE); Mrs Rajaa Al Gurg, President, Dubai Businesswomen Council, CEO, AL Gurg Group (UAE); Eng Fatima Al Jaber, Chief Operating Officer, Jaber Group (UAE); HE Ambassador Mouchira Khattab, Secretary-General of the National Council for Motherhood and Childhood (Egypt); Mrs Abby Disney, Founder of the Daphne Foundation (USA); Mrs Al Jawhara Al Angari, President, Al Iman Cancer Society for Women (KSA); Dr Lama Abdul Aziz Suleiman, Board Member, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KSA); Mrs Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco property (UAE); Hosam A. Alqurashi, Brand Manager, Pantene Procter & Gamble (KSA); Giselle Khoury (MBC).

Also among the participants will be Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmi.

"The role of Arab women is no longer limited only to building a family. She now plays a vital role in steering the change to become an effective member in facing current and future challenges,"

said Mazen Hayek, MBC Group Director of Marketing, Public Relations and commercial.

"MBC Group has always been a pioneer in encouraging Arab women to innovate and play a leading role in society," added Hayek. "Our values of integrity, trust, responsibility, transparency and innovation, are reflected in our belief in Arab women's capabilities and commitment, and the positive role they play in developing society. As a group, MBC has been the motivating force behind the rise of many women who have now become icons in the "who's who" of Arab influencers. Women who have succeeded in reaching people and promoting change through the small screen."

Faysal Abou Zaki, deputy general manager of Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, said: "The subject of the Arab woman and her present and future role in Arab society and economic life is undoubtedly one of the major and most important topics that should be discussed in depth in our region today. And there is no question that an expanding role for women is vital for the future of Arab societies and economies, as well as their ability to grow and develop, especially in terms of education and health care and the level of women's participation in the jobs market.

"Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group has chosen to participate in the organization of the New Arab Woman Forum not only because Al-Hasnaa magazine is member of the group's family of publications, but also because part of the group's mission is to bring new ideas to the fore and to encourage the debate of issues of the hour at a time when the Arab world is going through significant political, economic and social changes that coincide with the accelerated march of globalization."

Nadine Abou Zaki, editor-in-chief of Al Hasnaa and executive chair of The New Arab Woman Forum, said: "We made sure the topics discussed in the forum are vital and important issues for Arab women, and the approach to dealing with them and the challenges that they face in developing its role and developing Arab societies. A duty remains upon the Arab woman, however, and this is to know how to develop and act accordingly".

The subjects of the forum revolve around basic topics that spotlight the role of Arab women in different economic, social and political areas. The sessions will focus on the role of women in business, maternity, women and education, investment in social development, woman and the public, women and media, and women and beauty.