Emirates Businesswomen's Award provides self-assessment facilities for applicants

Expectations are running high as Shell and Dubai Quality Group (DQG) begin receiving entries for the 2004 Award that includes a new element.

This year, the 2004 Award will also have the added advantage of being a self-assessment tool for those applicants short-listed for the Award.

Explained Ahmed Al Banna, Chairman, DQG: "The panel of judges will review each application, make an indepth assessment of how the applicants have measured up against the criteria, and advise on steps they can take to enhance their performance and capabilities in the future. In other words, this is not just about rewarding the best, but also recognising the efforts of all the other deserving participants and helping them move ahead in their careers and achieve their goals."

The core objectives of the Award remain constant - to encourage women to participate in the economic development of the country, honour the contribution of those who have excelled in their field, and can be role models to women who nurture similar aspirations.

"There is no denying the vital role that women in the UAE - one can see them across a diverse range of sectors as professionals and businesswomen. We are proud to partner with DQG whose mission reflects Shell's own - that of creating equal opportunities for women. In fact, Shell's Diversity and Inclusiveness standard that is being applied throughout its business aims to have 20% women in senior positions by 2008," said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets Middle East.

Entries for the Award will be assessed by a panel that will take into account a number of criteria including style of leadership, future goals of the business, professional and career achievements as well as community participation. The Award is open to both UAE national and expatriate women.

The last date for submitting entries is 7th April following which the judges will begin their evaluation process, and will culminate in the award presentation ceremony in Dubai in May.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Emirates Group and President Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, the Emirates Businsswomen Award is also supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Emirates Businesswomen's Council.