Al Qassimi named Inspirational Woman of the Year at Arab Woman Awards 2016

Sheikha Dr. Alia Humaid Al Qassimi was named Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Arab Woman Awards 2016.

Now in its eighth year, the Arab Woman Awards honoured 22 inspiring Arab women who were selected to win in the award’s various categories in recognition of their outstanding contributions across fields including business, the arts, philanthropy and medicine.

This year’s edition of the awards paid tribute to the late Ameera Bin Karam, the former vice chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and President of Friends of Cancer Patients who was recognised posthumously with the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award.

Patron Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development said, “Today we celebrate the multitude of Arab women’s achievements and their vital role in developing our Arab societies.

“We honour the accomplishments of the late Ameera Bin Karam, may the Almighty rest her soul in peace, and pay tribute to the efforts she spent for the good of her country and the Arab world. It was her ambition and vision that made these efforts a solid ground for women’s development and progression in various fields.”

The private event was attended by over 300 dignitaries, leading business women, winners and special guests.

This year’s winners included partner and managing director at Dubai based Boston Consulting Group, Dr Leila Hoteit; Director of Dubai Smart Office, H.E. Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr and Sheikha Dr. Alia Humaid AlQassimi, CEO of Social Care and Development Sector at Community Development Authority, who won the Inspirational Woman of the Year 2016 award.

On winning Sheikha Dr. Alia Humaid AlQassimi said, “I am extremely proud to receive this award ... It will motivate me to excel both in the medical field as a gynaecologist specialised in plastic aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, innovative urogynecologist, as well as the social field as the Acting CEO of Social and Care and Development Sector in Dubai government and being responsible about disability and the treatment of persons with special needs.

“The UAE provided us with help and support and that increases our determination to be its ambassadors and inspire generations in the future.”

The partners of the Arab Woman Awards UAE were Childsplay Clothing, Cocojalila, Rotana Media Group, Forever Rose and Dar La Beaute.

The Arab Woman Awards were launched in 2009 with the aim of raising public awareness of the significant achievements by Arab women and to provide young women with inspirational role models.

The event is an annual opportunity to shed light on inspiring Arab women and offers attendees and winners the chance to open communication channels, create networks and share their stories of success.

Winners of the Arab Women's Award 2016:

Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous): Ameera Bin Karam

Inspirational Woman of the Year: Sheikha Dr. Alia Humaid AlQassimi

Businesswoman of the Year: Dr. Leila Hoteit

Finance: Dr. Florence Eid- Oakden

Education: Dr. Narimane Hadj-Hamou

Business of Education: Dr. Behjat Al Yousef

Art: Wafa Al Qasimi

Entrepreneur: Lamia Tabbaa-Bibi & Rama Kayyali-Jardeneh

Social Entrepreneur: Najla Al Midfa

Literature: Souad Sleibi

Fashion Designer: Reem Juan Al Daheri

Young Designer: Reema Al Banna

Medical: Nora Al Suwaidi

Media: Aysha Taryam

New Media: Hayla Ghazal

Sport: Amna Al Haddad

Humanitarian: Amna Zaal

Legal: Diana Al Ghurair

Young Talent: Fatima Al Kaabi

Energy: Dr. Dalya Al Muthanna

Recognition: Hala Ghandour

Woman in Government: H.E. Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr