Inspiring Generations Of Women

This years Gulf Business Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Her ExcellencySheikhaLubnabintKhalid AlQasimifor her outstanding contribution to theUAEin both her governmental and private sector roles. Motivate Media Groups managing partner and group editor, IanFairservice, sat with Her Excellency to discuss her achievements, the growing influence ofEmiratiwomen, and the strength of the nations youth

We recently celebrated Emirati Women’s Day. How impressed are you with the growing achievements of the nation’s women, and what more can be done to encourage their development and empowerment?

"We celebrate Emirati Women’s Day to commemorate and honour the achievements, contributions and vital role Emirati women play in society. Emirati women have contributed to societal growth, working with their male counterparts in strengthening the cultural and economic fabric of the nation.

"Today, thanks to the guiding principles of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, our nation’s founding father, and the continuous support of our President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, the presenceof women is felt across all professions in industries as varied as aviation, the military, medicine, information technology, media, property development, marketing and aerospace technology, among others.

"Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the nation, has always actively promoted the role of Emirati women and worked tirelessly to raise the status of women in society, both at home and abroad. She recognised the importance of enhancing the role of women through employment and was an early adopter of initiatives that encouraged women to join the workforce.

"The UAE has established itself as a regional role model for enabling women to enter the business world and establish their own enterprises.