In partnership with Dubai Business Women Council, Gala evening attracts leaders and representatives from businesses, governments and civil society.

Dubai, UAE, 30 November 2014 – The Global Thinkers Forum 2014 Awards (GTF 2014) was held on Friday night (28 November 2014) at Mina A'Salam at Madinat Jumeirah during which the leading Arab women in the region were awarded for their contribution as leaders and towards change. In partnership with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), the evening aimed at celebrating excellence which awarded fifteen outstanding contributors for their respective expertise.
The Awards Gala, which was hosted by Becky Anderson, CNN's high profile anchor, was attended by local, regional and international CEOs, investors, entrepreneurs and DBWC partners and mentors, in addition to a number of media representatives.

Opening the evening's proceedings, HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, highlighted the role of Arab women as change makers, the importance of 'global thinking' in an interconnected world, the importance of recognising excellence and creating role models for young women and congratulated the Global Thinkers Forum for their work in the Arab region.
"We have been honoured with the presence of some of the most powerful Arab women in the world at this year's Awards Gala," said Elizabeth Filippouli, Founder and CEO of GTF. "It was a very special evening that saluted excellence, progress and leadership in the faces of some absolutely marvelous Arab women who are pioneers, trailblazers and thought leaders. The GTF vision and mission aim to promote productive initiatives, empower and create a new ecosystem for excellence in leadership. For this reason we are delighted to announce that we have selected Dubai for our regional office for the Arab world.'
Under the title 'Arab Women as Changemakers: A Celebration of Achievements," GTF showcases the capabilities of Arab women as leaders, promote better understanding of global trends and generate opportunities for growth, investment and international exposure. The event also commemorated the 43rd National UAE day with a live concert by Belgian Maestro Sir Dirk Brosse.

"We have assembled for this prestigious occasion to celebrate and felicitate women leaders and their achievements," said H.E. Raja Al Gurg, President of the DBWC, during her welcoming address. The GTF and DBWC share one common goal of empowering women and it encourages us to further leverage the importance of platforms like these to gain a bigger share of voice. We applaud women for the role they play in our society and I would like to personally thank my peers for the ongoing support which has motivated and inspired me to work towards this cause. I am constantly energised through my interactions with the younger generation as I continue to believe that our women are destined to achieve great success in their chosen field of work."

The GTF 2014 Awards Ceremony's honorees were nominated by the GTF Board of Advisors who select leaders with a proven track record of excellence in life, ethical thinking and actions.
Global Thinkers Forum 2014 Awards of Excellence were presented to:

1. Excellence in Global Thinking (H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi)
2. Excellence in Leadership (H.E. Raja Al Gurg)
3. Excellence in Gender Equality (Dr Rafia Ghubash)
4. Excellence in Science (Dr Ismahane Elouafi)
5. Excellence in Media (Muna AbuSulayman)
6. Excellence in Positive Change (HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan)
7. Excellence in Life (Haifa Al Kaylani)
8. Excellence in Public Office (Zineb El Adaoui)
9. Excellence in Philanthropy (Dr Atallah Kuttab & Ebba Augustin)
10. Excellence in Cultural Creativity (Hayv Kahraman)
11. Excellence in Innovation (HE Noura Al Kaabi)
12. Excellence in Pioneering (Raha Moharrak)
13. Excellence in Education (EDRAAK)
14. Excellence in Cultural Understanding (HE Sheikha Mayassa Al Thani)
15. Excellence in Business (Dr Shaikha Al Maskari)