Qatar Business Women Award announces winners at gala ceremony

Winner of the Business Woman Category was Dr. Nawal Saleh Al Alem, General Manager and Owner of Health & Beauty Group. Dr. Muna Al Tamimi, Clinical Scientist at Hamad Medical Corporation, won the Professional Woman Category.

Two additional Qatari ladies were awarded in the Professional Woman Category. First runner-up was Mrs. Buthaina Al Ansari, Head of Qatarization Development Program at Al Rayan Investment. Second runner-up was Mrs. Mashael Al Muhannadi, Head of Training & Recruitment at Al Jazeera Children's Channel.

The award, launched in 2007 under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad, focused on women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and managerial qualities in their fields. It was organized by the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Qatari Business Women Forum and Qatar Shell.

The ceremony was the culmination of a year-long journey to recognize women who contribute to Qatar's society and economy through their significant professional or entrepreneurial achievements.

The award ceremony was hosted by Mrs. Laila Al Shaikhli, anchorwoman and TV presenter for Al Jazeera Channel. The ceremony featured a spectacular private performance by the famed Cirque du Soleil.

H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al-Thani, President of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said of the path to the awards:

"We are here tonight to celebrate a year of events, workshops and preparations. This night is a result of lots of effort and a determination to emphasize the major role women play in the community and their effective role in Qatar's industry. I congratulate the winners."

In her speech, Mrs. Aisha Alfardan, Vice-Chairwoman of Qatari Business Women Forum, said, "The Qatari women who have participated in this award have shown a desire for personal and professional progress and revealed a great confidence in their capabilities, as well as a wish to develop the community. Whether she has won or not, this award has given every woman involved a responsibility to look forward to a prosperous and successful future."

Speaking of the importance of the award to the community and the high caliber of award candidates, Mrs. Roxanne Decyk, Corporate Affairs Director at Shell, said:

"Shell views the empowerment of women as a central enabler in the development of society and strongly supports the role of women in business. We are delighted to have such a pool of qualified and professional candidates apply for the Qatar Business Women Award."

The Qatar Business Women Award Assessment Panel and Supreme Jury weighed the candidates' credentials and, although each candidate showed great achievement in her field, the two decision-making bodies were unanimous in their decisions regarding winners of the two categories.

Business Woman winner, Dr. Nawal Saleh Al Alem, established her business in 1994. In the 15 years since, she has expanded her business to include a clinic, pharmacy, spa and popular "Ideal Diet" retail and catering outlet. This year, she will launch a newly-designed polyclinic.

Dr. Mona Al Tamimi, Professional category winner, completed her Ph.D. in Breast Cancer Gene Therapy at Liverpool University in the UK in 2005. She is an enthusiastic advocate of healthcare in Qatar and focuses on developing cancer diagnostic testing improvements, as well as patient communication and information.

The qualifications and accomplishments of the candidates were so impressive that the Assessment Panel and Supreme Jury created two additional award placements for two runners-up in the Professional Woman Category.

First runner-up was Mrs. Buthaina Al Ansari, Head of Qatarization Development Program at Al Rayan Investment. The Supreme Jury found that Mrs. Ansari has contributed to the development of the company's approach to training and life-long learning with her considerable drive, energy and spirit.

Second runner-up was Mrs. Mashael Al Muhannadi, Head of Training & Recruitment at Al Jazeera Children's Channel. Mrs. Muhannadi is a pragmatic and ambitious professional with a track record of challenging business practices in an effort to enhance them, the Supreme Jury said.

The Assessment Panel and Supreme Jury members were present at the ceremony and honored for the considerable time and effort they offered to the QBWA.