The Third Middle East Women Achievement Awards presented yesterday

The 'Middle East Achievement Awards for Women', was instituted to recognize the entrepreneurial zeal of women in Middle East. The awards recognize and encourage the grit and determination of these women, who have conquered the odds and have reached challenging positions in diverse areas like Business, Government, Industry, Education and other relevant fields.
Dr. Khaled Al Khazraji, Under Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs presented the awards on behalf of the Hon. Matar Humaid Al Tayer, UAE Minister for Labour and Social Affairs. The awards were presented to the winners in the presence of representatives from various Embassies, Government departments, senior government officials, Business Leaders, Decision makers from multinational organizations, CEOs and Managing Directors.

The program organized on occasion of the International women's day was opened by Mr. Nadir Hadj-Hammou, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative.

He said "While we gather once again for this special international tribute to women's accomplishments around the world, I would like to congratulate the women of the United Arab Emirates for this great occasion. International Women's Day, since its inauguration in 1911, celebrates the achievements of women, and promotes their freedom, social and economic equality. Today it is also commemorated at the United Nations in New York and designated in many countries as a national holiday. In the United Nations we place great emphasis on the promotion of women's rights. Indeed, the United Nations takes account of gender equality concerns in all policy, program, administrative and financial activities, and in organisational procedures. These commitments have been reaffirmed by the inclusion of gender equality and women's empowerment as one of the UN's Millennium Development Goals. The Millennium Declaration recognizes that gender equality is not only important as a goal in itself but is also critical to the achievement of all other goals."

Ali Al Kamali Managing Director Datamatix, who is the organizer of the Awards in his welcome address, said "Women are relatively quiet contributors to the economy. Women in the Middle East have made notable contributions to practically all areas of knowledge and practice in business and management. The awards will help focus on women as key players in the region's economic growth and will highlight their contributions and bring out constructive recommendations to better their participation in key areas of economic activity"

The award categories and winners
1. Woman of the Year - Ms. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai.

This award merits valuable contributions that nominee has delivered to her chosen field of activity. Her achievements have done a world of good to the competitive world of business and have made her a role model that will inspire more and more women to take up challenging roles of responsibility.

2. Best Social Contribution: Dr. Meshgan Al Awar, Director, Dubai Police Academy

The award is presented for her all-round contribution to diverse social activities. This award reflects the selfless and dedicated work towards our society and in improving the social conditions in her immediate surroundings.

3. Best Business Professional: Ms Afnan Rashid Al Zayani, Managing Director, Al Zayani Commercial Services

The award is for the outstanding contributions to the regional business scene. The winner has led her organization with a visionary zeal and has established benchmarking standards for other businesses to follow in today's competitive business environment, where notable and eminent personalities are struggling to meet up to expectations

4. Best Management Professional: Ms. Ferial S. Al-Freih, Deputy Director of Information, Kuwait Institute of Science and Research - Kuwait

Management plays a major role in shaping the future of an organization and in turn healthy organizations reflect on the nation's economy. This award distinguishes her achievements and significant contributions to the management profession. The Awards stresses her role in rising up to the challenges put forward by her profession.

5. Best Contribution in Information Technology: Ms. Maroua Naim, Etisalat - Emirates Internet & Multimedia


The award is for the significant achievements in the field of information technology. The winner has led her organization with merit and has been able to consistently deliver value with her innovative thinking and application. The award recognizes her achievements in building a successful information technology career which has propelled her into a position that has helped to offer contributions which will influence the future of this region.

6. Best Middle East Woman Entrepreneur: Ms. Shams Rashid, Managing Director, iManage Inc.

More and more women are turning to be entrepreneurs and in the recent times women have started playing a significant role in building businesses on innovative ideas. The opportunities are few for women to excel give these challenges; they have been fighting against all odds to be considered as equal players in many fields which were traditional male bastions. This award is presented for the significant contributions to building a successful business enterprise.

7. Best Woman Contribution in Regional Business & Trade Development

Ms. Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak Director, Sales and Marketing, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority, Dubai UAE.

Ms. Sana Bagersh, Manager Marketing Services Thuraya Satellite Communications, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Initiatives and determination of Middle East Women professionals have opened the doors for many new opportunities for them. This award will be presented to professional women who have made significant contribution to improving the regional Business and Trade Development, thereby becoming a role model for other women to follow the same profession.