Shell and Dubai Quality Group announce the launch of the Emirates Businesswomen Award 2006

The criterion, categories and requirements of the Emirates Businesswomen Awards to be held in May 2006 were presented during the event, which was attended by previous winners of the award and members of Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Businesswomen's Council.

The Emirates Businesswomen Award is organised jointly by Shell and DQG to recognise the role and contribution of businesswomen to UAE's economy and growth. The award honours women in the UAE who have excelled in their field and have made a difference with their leadership and skill.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Qader Obaid Ali, Chairman, Dubai Quality Group, said, "The Emirates Businesswomen Award was instituted by DQG, in association with Shell, to give a renewed impetus to women's emergence as businesswomen and corporate achievers by creating role models to inspire others. We are glad that the award has been successful in achieving this primary objective. This award is designed not only to recognize winners but to be used as a self-assessment tool for continuous development."

Obaid Ali also highlighted that for the 2006 edition of EBWA the applicants will be receiving one-to-one feedback, in addition to coaching for the shortlisted applicants.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, Head of External Affairs and HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment), Shell, said,

"The Emirates Businesswoman Award has today evolved into one of the most prestigious awards in the UAE. The award is seen as the ultimate recognition for excellence among the country's women entrepreneurs and business professionals. Time and again, women have proved that when it comes to ability and professional excellence, they are as good as men, if not better. For proof, we need to look no farther than the UAE, where women continue to outnumber men in the job sector."

"Shell is pleased to continue its strong support to the Emirates Businesswoman Award. We have been at the forefront of supporting socially relevant causes, and empowerment of women has been foremost among them. Shell has always considered corporate social responsibility as an essential part of our operations, and our support to EBWA is an extension of our commitment to the UAE society," he added.

The Emirates Businesswoman Award 2006 is open to Nationals and expatriates and is awarded in two categories- Business Owners and Professionals. To qualify for the Business Owners category, the applicant must currently own a business located in the UAE; the business must have been in operation for a minimum of three years and the applicant must be primarily responsible for the current performance of her business. To qualify for the Professional category, the applicant may be employed in any professional sector and she must be employed in the UAE and must have worked in the UAE for a minimum of three years.

Presenting the objectives, benefits, categories and criterion for the Emirates Businesswoman Award, Judith Barton, Chief Assessor for the award said, "Ever since its inception, the Emirates Businesswoman Award has been successful in motivating an increasing number of women in the UAE to assume roles of responsibility and leadership, as it honours the contribution of women to the country's growth. The award is an opportunity for women to benchmark themselves against an international standard. Moreover, it presents increased opportunities for networking and enhances career prospects."

Awards awareness workshops will be held throughout the UAE from November 2005 to February 2006. The deadline for applications is March 4th and the moderation panel will draw up a shortlist of applicants by the end of March. The final assessment by the Jury will be done by May 2006 in time for the grand award ceremony to be held in May.

The trophy for EBWA 2006 was also unveiled at the press conference in the presence of Farida Abdulla Kamber, Managing Director, Cinmar Design, Architectural & Interior Design and Salwa Al Shibani, Executive Member, Abu Dhabi Business Women Council.

"Shell is confident that the Emirates Businesswoman Award will inspire more women in the UAE to believe in their abilities, and come forward to demonstrate their skills in the challenging world of business. We are certain that EBWA 2006 will generate tremendous participation from National and expatriate businesswomen and professionals across the UAE," concluded Al Mahmoudi.