United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, March 24 - 2004 at 15:20
H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum urges women to take on a more active role in business
At the Emirates Businesswoman Award workshop, held yesterday evening at the Dubai Municipality Club, H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister, spoke to the participants about the need to raise the profile of women in business in the UAE.
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Attendees at the workshop also heard the organizers - the women's working group of Dubai Municipality, Shell and Dubai Quality Group - highlight the objectives, criteria and entry guidelines of the Award.
The workshop was attended by Sheikha Hessa bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, Sheikha Amina Hamid Al Tayer, Director of Al Nahda Women's Group in Dubai, and Sheikha Mariam bint Hashar Al Maktoum as well as a number of other prominent personalities, including the wife of His Excellency Qasim Sultan Al Banna, General Manager, Dubai Municipality, women of the diplomatic corps, businesswomen and government sector employees.
The workshop began with a speech by the Award's patron, Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, given on behalf of Her Highness by Mrs Raja Essa Al Gurg, Chairwoman, Emirates Businesswomen Council & President, Dubai Businesswomen Council.
'Women constitute 50 per cent of the population and represent 50 per cent of the intellect, creativity, enterprise and energy available to us,' said H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister. 'It is essential that we recognise and use this enormous resource to the full, across all facets of life in the UAE, not least in business.
'It is a great pleasure to address you on this occasion, at an event which can claim to be a true gathering of elite women's leaders, a group that has taken upon its shoulders the responsibility of empowering national talent and has worked hard to achieve excellence in both private sector business and the public sector
'This level of excellence would never have been achieved without the continuous support of our wise leadership, mainly H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the UAE president, and His brother H. H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, the head of the ministerial cabinet, and ruler of Dubai, as well as their brothers, the members of the Supreme Council, the rulers of the Emirates.
'We must feel proud of the pioneering role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the chairwomen of the Women Union. She has always been keen on promoting the status of the UAE woman to occupy leading positions in the country, as she deeply believes in her abilities and potentials. In addition we should appreciate the positive role of the various initiatives that have been adopted by public and private sector bodies, women's associations and professional societies. They are making great efforts to strengthen the woman's role in our nation's progress and development with the aim of enhancing self confidence among women and of opening up new horizons of active participation for women.'
She continued: 'Development cannot be realized in any country without an equal and a balanced contribution from women, as has been clearly stated in the noble teachings of our religion and the wise sayings of our prophet Mohammed peace be upon him. Our wise and generous leadership are guided by these principles.'
The Sheikha's speech urged women to continue to strive for more accomplishments while adapting to the changes that arise within the business environment.
Engineer Hawa Al Bastaki, Assistant Manager at the Department of Administrative Development, President of the Corporate Planning Section and Head of Women's Working team at Dubai Municipality stated: 'This generous patronage highlights the commitment of our wise government to support all efforts and initiatives that aim to enforce the status of women and to appreciate her effective role in our development march.
'The beginning of this progress was established by H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President, and followed by H. H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Head of the Ministerial Cabinet, Ruler of Dubai, by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
'Dubai Municipality has committed itself to adhere to these directions. As a result it has strengthened the basic principles of women's care by finding job opportunities and progress in all sectors and specializations. Moreover, Dubai Municipality has created the supporting ideal environment for women. Consequently, there are a large number of women in the workforce Dubai Municipality.'
She continued: 'The total number of women employees is 759 which form 13 per cent of the total number of the Municipality employees, where national women comprise 32 per cent of the total number of the total national work force. Dubai Municipality was a pioneer in forming a women's work team in 1999 under an administrative decree issued by the general manger of his Excellency Qasim Sultan Al Banna.
'Since its formation, the women's work team has been actively implementing its objectives. One of the reasons for us to host this event is to raise awareness of women's activities and to fulfill our vision of supporting the efforts of working women. In addition, we are also assuring her role in the development and progress of society, besides fulfilling her role towards her family. It has become clear that these elite qualified women actively participate in these objectives through performing the various tasks in Dubai Municipality.'
The evening carried on with the presentation of a video on the Emirates Businesswomen Award which reviews the achievements of the first Award launched in 2003.
'With the award, we wish to encourage women to participate in the economic development of our country and recognize women who can prove to be valuable role models,' said Najla Al-Midfa, Shell Markets Middle East: 'Shell is committed to making diversity and inclusiveness a cornerstone of how we do business around the world. One of the company's goals worldwide is to have at least 20 percent of women in senior executive positions by the year 2008.'
She continued: 'Entries will be assessed by a panel including representatives of both the public and private sectors according to a number of criteria such as style of leadership, future goals of the business, professional and career achievements as well as community participation. The 2004 Award will also have the added advantage of being a self-assessment tool for those applicants short-listed for the Award. They will be provided with advice on the steps they can take to further enhance their performance and capabilities for the future.'
The next speech was given by Mrs. Badriya Al Tamimi, Executive Director of the Dubai Quality Group, who explained the four criteria for selection. 'The first criterion involves leadership skills that include depth of management, adaptability, tenacity, productivity, creativity, and good human resource management. The second criterion revolves around Future Goals and Financial Performance. The third criterion focuses on professional and career achievements whereas the fourth is based on community contributions and participation.'
At the end of the Emirates Businesswoman Award Workshop, both Hawa Al Bastaki, Assistant Manager at the Department of Administrative Development, President of the Corporate Planning Section and Head of Women's Working team at Dubai Municipality and Najla Al Midfa from Shell Markets Middle East presented an award to H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum
The 2004 Award follows the success of the first Emirates Businesswomen Award in 2003. The last date for submitting entries is 7th April, culminating in a presentation ceremony in Dubai in May. The Award is supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Emirates Businesswomen's Council.
H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum urges women to take on a more active role in business
At the Emirates Businesswoman Award workshop, held yesterday evening at the Dubai Municipality Club, H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister, spoke to the participants about the need to raise the profile of women in business in the UAE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attendees at the workshop also heard the organizers - the women's working group of Dubai Municipality, Shell and Dubai Quality Group - highlight the objectives, criteria and entry guidelines of the Award.
The workshop was attended by Sheikha Hessa bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, Sheikha Amina Hamid Al Tayer, Director of Al Nahda Women's Group in Dubai, and Sheikha Mariam bint Hashar Al Maktoum as well as a number of other prominent personalities, including the wife of His Excellency Qasim Sultan Al Banna, General Manager, Dubai Municipality, women of the diplomatic corps, businesswomen and government sector employees.
The workshop began with a speech by the Award's patron, Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, given on behalf of Her Highness by Mrs Raja Essa Al Gurg, Chairwoman, Emirates Businesswomen Council & President, Dubai Businesswomen Council.
'Women constitute 50 per cent of the population and represent 50 per cent of the intellect, creativity, enterprise and energy available to us,' said H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of H.H General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defense Minister. 'It is essential that we recognise and use this enormous resource to the full, across all facets of life in the UAE, not least in business.
'It is a great pleasure to address you on this occasion, at an event which can claim to be a true gathering of elite women's leaders, a group that has taken upon its shoulders the responsibility of empowering national talent and has worked hard to achieve excellence in both private sector business and the public sector
'This level of excellence would never have been achieved without the continuous support of our wise leadership, mainly H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the UAE president, and His brother H. H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president, the head of the ministerial cabinet, and ruler of Dubai, as well as their brothers, the members of the Supreme Council, the rulers of the Emirates.
'We must feel proud of the pioneering role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the chairwomen of the Women Union. She has always been keen on promoting the status of the UAE woman to occupy leading positions in the country, as she deeply believes in her abilities and potentials. In addition we should appreciate the positive role of the various initiatives that have been adopted by public and private sector bodies, women's associations and professional societies. They are making great efforts to strengthen the woman's role in our nation's progress and development with the aim of enhancing self confidence among women and of opening up new horizons of active participation for women.'
She continued: 'Development cannot be realized in any country without an equal and a balanced contribution from women, as has been clearly stated in the noble teachings of our religion and the wise sayings of our prophet Mohammed peace be upon him. Our wise and generous leadership are guided by these principles.'
The Sheikha's speech urged women to continue to strive for more accomplishments while adapting to the changes that arise within the business environment.
Engineer Hawa Al Bastaki, Assistant Manager at the Department of Administrative Development, President of the Corporate Planning Section and Head of Women's Working team at Dubai Municipality stated: 'This generous patronage highlights the commitment of our wise government to support all efforts and initiatives that aim to enforce the status of women and to appreciate her effective role in our development march.
'The beginning of this progress was established by H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President, and followed by H. H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Head of the Ministerial Cabinet, Ruler of Dubai, by H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
'Dubai Municipality has committed itself to adhere to these directions. As a result it has strengthened the basic principles of women's care by finding job opportunities and progress in all sectors and specializations. Moreover, Dubai Municipality has created the supporting ideal environment for women. Consequently, there are a large number of women in the workforce Dubai Municipality.'
She continued: 'The total number of women employees is 759 which form 13 per cent of the total number of the Municipality employees, where national women comprise 32 per cent of the total number of the total national work force. Dubai Municipality was a pioneer in forming a women's work team in 1999 under an administrative decree issued by the general manger of his Excellency Qasim Sultan Al Banna.
'Since its formation, the women's work team has been actively implementing its objectives. One of the reasons for us to host this event is to raise awareness of women's activities and to fulfill our vision of supporting the efforts of working women. In addition, we are also assuring her role in the development and progress of society, besides fulfilling her role towards her family. It has become clear that these elite qualified women actively participate in these objectives through performing the various tasks in Dubai Municipality.'
The evening carried on with the presentation of a video on the Emirates Businesswomen Award which reviews the achievements of the first Award launched in 2003.
'With the award, we wish to encourage women to participate in the economic development of our country and recognize women who can prove to be valuable role models,' said Najla Al-Midfa, Shell Markets Middle East: 'Shell is committed to making diversity and inclusiveness a cornerstone of how we do business around the world. One of the company's goals worldwide is to have at least 20 percent of women in senior executive positions by the year 2008.'
She continued: 'Entries will be assessed by a panel including representatives of both the public and private sectors according to a number of criteria such as style of leadership, future goals of the business, professional and career achievements as well as community participation. The 2004 Award will also have the added advantage of being a self-assessment tool for those applicants short-listed for the Award. They will be provided with advice on the steps they can take to further enhance their performance and capabilities for the future.'
The next speech was given by Mrs. Badriya Al Tamimi, Executive Director of the Dubai Quality Group, who explained the four criteria for selection. 'The first criterion involves leadership skills that include depth of management, adaptability, tenacity, productivity, creativity, and good human resource management. The second criterion revolves around Future Goals and Financial Performance. The third criterion focuses on professional and career achievements whereas the fourth is based on community contributions and participation.'
At the end of the Emirates Businesswoman Award Workshop, both Hawa Al Bastaki, Assistant Manager at the Department of Administrative Development, President of the Corporate Planning Section and Head of Women's Working team at Dubai Municipality and Najla Al Midfa from Shell Markets Middle East presented an award to H.H Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum
The 2004 Award follows the success of the first Emirates Businesswomen Award in 2003. The last date for submitting entries is 7th April, culminating in a presentation ceremony in Dubai in May. The Award is supported by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Emirates Businesswomen's Council.
