Raja Al Gurg, one of the most influential female figures in the Arab business world, has received a coveted international award for her dedication to promoting the economic advancement of women.

Al Gurg, managing director of the leading UAE-based trading company Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, was awarded the 'World of Difference 100 Award' at a gala ceremony on Tuesday in Toronto.

The award was presented by The International Alliance for Women (TIAW), an international umbrella organisation of women’s networks representing more than 50,000 women worldwide.

Created in 2008, the 'World of Difference 100 Award' honours annually up to 100 women who have contributed to the economic advancement of women. Al Gurg was one of only three women from the Middle East to be recognised.

“It is important to highlight that women are just as capable of succeeding in the business world as men, and that Arab women are just as competent as their Western counterparts,” she stated.

“The World of Difference 100 Award provides an invaluable international platform for the achievements of women in the Middle East and will inspire others in the region to follow their own path,” Al Gurg added.

This year, TIAW received nominations from more than 20 countries across six continents, from as far afield as Iceland and Panama.

Celebrating ‘unsung heroes’ responsible for extraordinary achievements in their communities, the award is split into six categories: Entrepreneurial, Educational, Public Service/Government, Corporate, Non-Profit, and Community.

Al Gurg was recognised under the Entrepreneurial category as one of the leading business figures in the UAE.

At Easa Al Gurg Group, a family business involved in trading, manufacturing, retail, franchising and real estate, she is responsible for 23 companies with more than 4,000 employees.

She has earned a variety of prestigious accolades during her career and was named among the most powerful Arab businesswomen by Forbes International Magazine.

Among her many advisory roles, she is a board member of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a member of the Dubai Economic Council. She is also a board member of the Dubai Women Association and the Arab International Women’s Forum.

TIAW’s mission is to further the economic empowerment of women, from supporting those running small businesses in the developing world to securing board-level representation for women at multinational companies.

TIAW encourages professional women and their organisations to work together, share resources and leverage ideas through best practice.

Commenting on the award, Stephanie MacKendrick, past president of the Board of TIAW, said: “We have been inspired and humbled by the stories of women like Raja Al Gurg, who, often without fanfare, have taken action to support women’s advancement in society and business.”-TradeArabia News Service