UAE National Maisa Al Qassimi recognized by Emirates Woman magazine as Emirates Woman of the Year 2008

Celebrating its third anniversary, the Emirates Woman of the Year Awards 2008 was held in association with Saks Fifth Avenue in the ballroom at The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

Continuing its mission to honour UAE-based women, the Awards celebrated those who are breaking down barriers, shattering stereotypes and pushing forward in the arenas of culture, lifestyle, charity, sports and business.

Emirates Woman magazine readers also voted for the recipients of the Outstanding Contribution awards of five individual categories; Nadine Kanso for culture, Shahi Hamed for lifestyle, Khadija Warsama for charity, Jillian Burns for sport and Ingie Chalhoub for business.

"Our congratulations go to all those who were presented with awards today for their exceptional contribution to the UAE," said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner of Motivate Publishing and publisher of Emirates Woman magazine. "But recognition and congratulations must also go to all of our nominees and patrons who are collectively leading the way to making this region an even more beautiful, exciting and inspiring place to be."

Winner of the title Emirates Woman of the Year 2007, Zenny Hirji, said a few words after lunch on what it meant to her to receive such an accolade: "This award has opened so many doors for us. It was a great honour to win it last year." Zenny continues to prove to be an inspiration to all who know her and continues tirelessly with the charity work she began in Dubai in 2001.

The Emirates Woman of the Year Awards were presented by Motivate Publishing in association with Saks Fifth Avenue and supported by The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, MMI, Gold Leaf Dubai and Quintessentially.