In the Central Galleria of Mall of the Emirates, an intimate event marked this year’s Arab Woman Awards, which brought together female regional luminaries to celebrate their efforts towards addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and in partnership with UN Women, the part-virtual, part-physical event was sponsored by Majid Al Futtaim and presented by Harper’s Bazaar Arabia as part of World of Fashion 2020. In a special video message for the occasion, HE Sheikh Nahyan congratulated Arab women for their “engagement and participation that has enabled our country to build a model of tolerance, coexistence and prosperity.”
“Women’s talents, determination and leadership are essential to the ultimate success of COVID-19 efforts here, and across the world” – Dr Moez Doraid, Regional Director of UN Women
The event was attended by Dr Moez Doraid, Regional Director of UN Women, who commended the winners and the role of women in enhancing the socio-economic fabric of society. In an exclusive interview with Villa 88, Dr Moez shared, “A very important message that we can all take from the experience of this year’s winners and the nominees is that women’s talents, determination and leadership are essential to the ultimate success of COVID-19 efforts here, and across the world.”
Dr Moez envisions that initiatives such as this will further promote UN Women’s vision of extending gender-responsive support in the face of the pandemic. “My hope is that women and men across our region will be inspired by the achievements celebrated by the Arab Woman Awards and will increase their own efforts to ensure that women are at the center of the pandemic response and recovery,” he said. “We have a historic opportunity to refocus our socioeconomic structures and set the world on a more sustainable, equitable and gender-inclusive path.”
Also speaking at the occasion was Sue Holt, Managing Director of ITP Media Group, who acknowledged the efforts of women who have risen to the fore in the face of the pandemic and extended a helping hand to the community.
On the judging panel were Elham Al Qasim, CEO of Digital 14 and the first Emirati woman to reach the North Pole; Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority; Her Excellency Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Vice Chairwoman of TwoFour54; Nada Abou Saab, Marketing Director of Shopping Malls (ER) at Majid Al Futtaim; Nadine Maalouf, philanthropist and founder of 81 Designs Social Enterprise; Sheikha Noora Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, serial entrepreneur and founder of 9Training; Paula Askari, art patron and co-founder of Umsiyat Concert Series; and Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of Friends of Cancer Patients.
Notable Arab women were recognized across 17 categories, including finance, art, education, fashion, medical, and lifetime achievement, among others. Among the highlights was the Humanitarian Award, which was presented to Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum for ’10 million meals’, the largest national community campaign to provide meals and supplies to those in need across the UAE.
Humanitarian: HH Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum
Inspirational: HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Lifetime Achievement: HE Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson at Sharjah Private Education Authority
Business: Najla Al Midfa, CEO at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center
Finance: Reem Al Sayegh, Finance and Projects Counsel at Linklaters
Education: Alissar Nasr Soubra, Chief Academic Officer at Al Mawakeb School
Art: Hala Badri, Director General at Dubai Culture
Entrepreneur: Kenza Jarjour, Co-founder of INKED
Fashion: Marmar Halim, Fashion designer
Medical: Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Acting Head Hematology/Oncology at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
Medical: Dr Farida Al Hosani, Official spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector
Medical: Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of Primary Health Care Services Sector at DHA
Media: Manar and Sharifah Al Hinai, Founders of Sekka Magazine
Social Media: Karen Wazen, Social media influencer
Fitness: Tracy Harmoush, Fitness blogger
Social Enterprise: Lubna Haggag, Head of Marketing and Communications at Ambulatory Healthcare Services (SEHA)
Young Talent: Haneen Asfour, founder of Level-Up DXB
Young Designer: Marwa Al Blooshi, Illustrator
Special Recognition: Tamima Al Naser, Events & Exhibitions Manager at Watani Al Emarat Foundation
Don’t miss World of Fashion 2020 that’s running until 17 October in the Central Galleria at Mall of the Emirates.
