Sheikh Ahmed presents the first-ever Emirates Businesswomen Award

Two of UAE's most self-motivated and skilled businesswomen became the first ever recipients of the Emirates Businesswomen Award that has been instituted to recognize the achievements of women in the professional and business world in the UAE.

The awards were presented by H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and patron of the Dubai Quality Group, at a gala ceremony held yesterday (Sunday 20 April, 2003) at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, attended by three hundred eminent personalities.

Emirates Businesswomen Award was launched by Shell Dubai and  Northern Emirates in association with the Dubai Quality Group, with the intention of singling out extraordinary women with achievements in the professional and business arena through a stringently devised points system based on five parameters of visionary leadership, future goals, professional achievements, career achievements and community contribution.

"Dubai Quality Group's (DQG) contribution and support to the Emirates Businesswomen Award is a part of its objective to support Dubai's drive for quality," said Ahmed Al Banna, Chairman, Dubai Quality Group. "Emirates Businesswomen Award has great significance for businesswomen in this region, as they have taken progress in their stride while preserving their culture, tradition and values. We are pleased to see the accomplishments of all women in the UAE. DQG would like to congratulate the winners and thank all the applicants for participating, as well as extending particular thanks to Shell for sponsoring the event,  Sikologia Consultancy for being the official award consulting company and Khalil Al Sayegh Jewellers for designing and manufacturing the special award for winners."

"Emirates Businesswomen Award is the culmination of Shell's active involvement in social issues in the Middle East as part of its corporate  philosophy," said Ian Everigham, Chairman, Shell Dubai and Northern Emirates. "Over the years, we have seen a dramatic transformation of UAE women and their successful progression into the world of business. We are proud to be associated with this award and recognize that these two winners are the embodiment of female entrepreneurship in the UAE."

Salwa Saleh Saeed Ali Shaibani, President and CEO, Condor Medical Waste Management, winner of the Business owner/investor category said: "It is a great honour to be recognized through such an auspicious award,  and I am proud to be representative of so many UAE women who have achieved success in their own fields. To constantly challenge you and not be discouraged when setbacks arise has been the secret to my achievements. Women have great abilities and those who are determined  to succeed can achieve anything they aspire to."

Habiba Hassan Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group, winner of the Professional category, said: "This award is significant in UAE  society today, which is now able to recognize the leadership and managerial quality of women. I hope that this achievement inspires other women to push their limits and excel in their respective fields of expertise."

The winners received elegantly designed crystal trophies and a citation, as well been presented a diamond butterfly brooch specifically created for the  occasion by Khalil Al Sayegh Jewellers.

Emirates Businesswomen Award attracted numerous entries from national as well as resident women in the UAE. Dr. Nadia Buhannad, Managing  Director of Sikologia Consultancy, supervised the selection process. The members of the judging panel comprised of Dr. Khalid Al Khazraji, Undersecretary of Labour, Ministry of Labour; Dr. Fatima Al Shamsi,  Associate Dean, College of Business & Economics, UAE University; Mr. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Dubai and Northern Emirates and Mr. Mohammad Asghar, Secretary General, Dubai Quality Group.