A number of distinguished Arab women will be awarded for their leadership capabilities at a prestigious event due to take place on 28 November in Dubai.

The GTF Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, which will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah, is the annual awards ceremony and gala dinner of the Global Thinkers Forum, an international non-profit think-tank for nurturing new generations of leaders.

Under the title ‘Arab Women as Changemakers: A Celebration of Achievements,” the 2014 event is held in partnership with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) to showcase the capabilities of Arab women as leaders, promote better understanding of global trends and generate opportunities for growth, investment and international exposure.

One of the 12 this year’s awardees is HE Raja Al Gurg, president of DBWC (pictured), who will receive the Excellence in Leadership Award.

“As advocates for women's empowerment it is essential to support our fellow Arab women as change makers and showcase opportunities to expatriates to work together to contribute to the economic growth and overall betterment of our community."

Featuring a live concert by Maestro Sir Dirk Brossé, music director of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the event will bring together leaders and representatives from businesses, governments and civil society with a goal to exchange knowledge, promote business and raise awareness around the success stories.

Speaking about the history of leadership of Emirati women, Dr Rafia Ghubash, founder of the Women’s Museum UAE, and the recipient of the GTF 2014 Award for Excellence in Gender Equality, said: “Arab women, including the Arabian Gulf women, are the victims of the press and social media these days as they tarnished the true value and image of today’s women.

“This reflects the West’s limited knowledge and outlook on the world. Our role now is to correct such a tarnished image and to spread awareness of the true picture hence we may be correctly judged.

“When I travel abroad and integrate with Western people I surprise them when they realise the high level of education that I have and the many international qualifications I hold reaching to the professorship grade, yet I preserve my national and traditional looks.”

Elizabeth Filippouli, founder and CEO of the GTF, echoed the same sentiment by adding: "The GTF vision and mission is to promote creativity, originality, forward thinking, and create high level forums that promote Excellence.

“It is a very special evening that will salute excellence, progress and leadership in the faces of some absolutely marvelous Arab women who are pioneers, trailblazers, creators and leaders.

“Our honourees become GTF Ambassadors and messengers of excellence.”