Eminent panel of judges begins assessment of Emirates Businesswomen Award entries

"The third Emirates Businesswomen Award attracted a record number of entries this year, representing a cross section of women from all walks of life," said Judith Barton, Chief Assessor for the EBWA 2005 and Managing Consultant of The Development Partnership- Middle East. "This response indicates the enhanced prestige of the award as well as the changing role and rising importance of women in the UAE society."

"The Emirates Businesswomen Award has now entered a crucial stage with the panel of judges screening and assessing the entries, prior to shortlisting the more distinguished among them," added Judith Barton. "This process takes five days as we want to ensure that all entries are judged fairly. The ultimate phase of the contest will be site visits by members of the jury to the applicant's workplace or activity location. We believe this process will help us select businesswomen who will serve as role models to all women."

The panel is made up of Brenda McKay- Director of Nursing, Cromwell Hospital, London, Maggie Clifton- Head of Research & Quality Assurance, The Development Partnership-UK, Dr. Lway Nackasha, Quality Awards Manager, Department of Economic Development; Stuart Jones, Director, Al Futtaim Tarmac; Thanaa Mahmoud El Tabie, Institutional Organisation Specialist, Department of Economic Development; Michelle Hooker, Manager of Performance Development, Emirates Airline; Rimzie Ismail, Manager, Marketing and Business Development, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Judith Mary Barton, Chief Assessor, Emirates Businesswomen Awards 2005.

This year's award has been enhanced to honour both National and expatriate women in the UAE. Established in 2003, Emirates Businesswomen Award recognises and celebrates the important role that women in the UAE play in both the business and professional spheres, as well as the important ways in which they inspire and encourage others to achieve their full potential.

The Emirates Businesswomen Award 2005 has two categories, Business Owners and Professionals. The awards will be presented at a glittering awards ceremony in Dubai in May 2005.

In supporting the Emirates Businesswomen Award, Shell is driven by its global corporate philosophy that gives priority to the empowerment of women. The award is particularly relevant in the UAE, a country that epitomises the region's entrepreneurial spirit that is manifest in its thriving economy and booming business enterprises.