Dubai, UAE, 27 November 2014 - Ro'Ya, a collaboration between DBWC and MasterCard, last night received the award for Start-Up Programme of the Year Award at the annual Arabian Business Start-Up Awards. The initiative, which was launched in January 2014, builds on the efforts of both organizations to mobilize and encourage women to participate in the economic sector by realizing their entrepreneurial ventures. The aim of the program is to provide coaching and mentorship to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to establish new businesses.

"We are extremely proud and honored to have won the Start-Up Programme of the Year Award as Ro'Ya has helped so many entrepreneurs succeed throughout this year," said Mrs. Raja Al Gurg, President of DBWC. "This was Ro'Ya's first year and we couldn't have been more pleased with the fantastic outcome. We look forward to launching Ro'Ya 2015 and to further contribute to all female entrepreneurs who wish to actively pursue their dreams. We are extremely thankful for this award and hope to continue on this path in the future."

"We are thrilled by the success of Ro'Ya in its first year," says Eyad Al Kurdi, Country Head – UAE, MasterCard. "Nurturing and supporting women is very close to our hearts because we recognize that the success of women will inevitably result in economic success for everyone. We look forward to growing Ro'Ya to greater heights next year and in the future."

Over the course of the year-long program, DBWC and MasterCard hosted training workshops and seminars addressing the fundamental components of a business plan. A total of ten workshops were conducted by industry experts.

The Gala Dinner was held on 18 November 2014 during which the three winners were announced. Nadia Wehbe emerged as the winner for Baby Arabia, winning USD50,000. Isabelle Millasseau came in at second place for Foot Up winning USD30,000, and Alexis Martin took the third prize for Petit Gourmet winning USD20,000.