The inaugural ‘Arab Women of the Year Awards’ successfully celebrated the achievements and excellence of Arab women from around the world on 3rd December 2015.

Held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, London, the event recognised outstanding Arab women who have made their mark on the international stage and contributed immeasurably to public life.

Supported by education partners Regent’s University London, and the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, London & Partners, the Council of Arab Business Women and the Mayor of London, a gala dinner welcomed international business and community leaders, as well as celebrities from film, music and sport.

The Award Winners were:

• Achievement in Culture and Education – Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Bahrain Minister of Culture & Information.
• Achievement in Music – Magida El Roumi, Lebanese Soprano and an international icon.
• Lifetime Achievement – Ahlam Mosteghanemi, identified by Forbes as ‘the most successful Arabic writer in the Arab world.’
• Achievement in Cinema – Yousra, Egyptian actress, singer and television star.
• Achievement in Business – Aisha Hussein Alfardan, prominent Qatari businesswoman and vice chairwoman of the Qatari Businesswomen Association.
• Achievement in Community Service – HH Princess Nouf bint Faisal bin Turki Al Saud, member of the Saudi royal family Her Highness is active in charity and philanthropic societies.
• Achievement in Empowering Arab Women Economically – Sheikha Dr. Hissah, Gusi Peace Award holder for empowering women in the Middle East and Philippines.
• Young TV Presenter – Ola Al-Fares, renowned journalist, producer and reporter.
• Achievement in Sports – Habiba Ghribi, in September 2015 ran a personal best for the Tunisian national record, African record and the 4th fastest time ever of 9:05.36 at the Memorial van Damme in Brussels.
• Achievement in Trade Development – Shahla Ahmed Abdul Razak, leader of the Government of Dubai technology park project which includes 2,000 companies and 60,000 residents.
• Achievement in Science – Merieme Chadid, considered the first astronomer in the world to commit to installing a large astronomical observatory in Antarctica.

Professor Aldwyn Cooper, Vice Chancellor of Regent’s University London, said:

“When considering the Arab world many people simply think about the Gulf States, Saudi Arabia and oil. However, there are 22 Arabic-speaking countries and cultural centres between North Africa, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

“The total contribution made by these important nations includes education, agriculture, science, design and literature and the input from Arab women has grown substantially in all sectors including media, sports, education, business, medicine, architecture and entrepreneurism.

“We are delighted to present the first ‘Arab Women of the Year’ Awards.”

www.regents.ac.uk