Arab Producers Union selects 'Dubai Business Women Council' as one of the Best Women-Supporting Establishments in the UAE

Date: December 13, 2011

The Arab Producers Union and "White Hands Campaign – Media for Women" has selected Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) as one of the best institutions in support of women in the UAE. DBWC has been recognized for its vitally important role in enhancing the contributions of UAE women to the overall development process of the country and in helping women achieve personal and professional excellence. The award was received by Raja Al Gurg, President of DBWC during a special ceremony held recently at the Crown Plaza Yas Island Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of a number of prominent women personalities and institutions specialized in the empowerment of Arab and UAE women.

The “White Hands Campaign – Media for Women” awarded H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak the Order of “Model Woman” in honor of her achievements in empowering UAE women to reach the highest levels of excellence and success and enhance their participation in positioning the UAE as a model for growth, leadership and development. The Campaign launched a range of programs and projects, including the "Model Woman" program that recognized most outstanding achievements of women throughout the Arab World. The program concluded with a special episode on the accomplishments of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in various fields, which served as a major driving force behind the active role of UAE women in the country. The episodes aired on 70 member television channels of the General Secretariat of the Joint Broadcasting, thus breaking the Guinness World record for the largest joint broadcast in the world.

Al Gurg expressed her pleasure in receiving the recognition during an important event that honored H.H. Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak, who has long been a symbol and role model for Emirati women, given the important role played by Sheikha Fatima in supporting the social integration and empowerment of women to participate in the continuing development of the UAE. "As we mark the UAE's 40th National Day, we can reaffirm that UAE women have been able to make great achievements under the patronage of the Mother of the Nation, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, and the guidance from the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, which continues under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates," Al Gurg said.

"Dubai Business Women Council is the best proof of the great progress achieved by UAE women to occupy their privileged place in society, which leads us to reaffirm our commitment to continue the march to achieve leadership and success in various fields. We are pleased to be chosen as one of the best institutions in support of the development of UAE women, which we consider to be a big responsibility that requires us to intensify our efforts to enhance the role of Emirati women as a model for women leaders in the Arab world, and support their ambitions to have a distinct impact on the local, regional and international arenas," Al Gurg added.

The White Hands Campaign is the largest media campaign to support issues concerning women in the Arab World. Launched in 2008 in collaboration with the Arab Producers Union and under the auspices of Arab League, the Campaign aims to promote the role of women in shaping the future of Arab societies, highlight the achievements of women and encourage all concerned institutions to contribute effectively in addressing women’s issues, protecting women’s rights and motivating governments and civil organizations to invest in these fields.

Founded in 2002, DBWC motivates women to be productive members of the society, while encouraging role models to rise up from the ranks and inspire other women around the world, especially in the Arab region, to discover their true potential. DBWC organizes the high-profile monthly event ‘Majlis Business’ to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders.