A number of renowned Arab women will be awarded for their achievements at a prestigious event due to take place on December 6, in London, UK.

The high-profile event will showcase the capabilities of Arab women as leaders and will bring together illustrious representatives of governments, businesses and civil society, said a statemet.

The Arab Women of the Year Awards Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will be held for like-minded individuals to appreciate the amazing achievements of Arab women.

In attendance will be journalists, politicians, ambassadors and social media influencer who will all show their support for Arab women and who all believe in elevating the recognition of Arab women to a global audience.  

The 2018 awards are created by London Arabia Organisation, and have been supported by the Mayor of London.

This year’s event will be held in partnership with Regents University London, the Bicester Village Shopping Collection, Y Asset Management, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and London & Partners.

The event aims to honour and bring recognition to Arab women and will act as an avenue to promote cultural understanding between Britain and the Arab world.

Professor Aldwyn Cooper, advisory board chairman and vice chancellor and CEO of Regent’s University, said: “The last year has seen an increasing focus on the role of women in society all across the world.”

“We have continued to see social change in Arab countries, led and supported by the country leaders, to move from the dominance of men through to the substantial growth of input from women from many countries and many different backgrounds,” he said.

“One of the best ways to form bridges between countries is through trade and by celebrating each other’s successes. This is one of the key aspects of this event, which seeks to recognise the tremendous contributions being made by women in the Arab world as they take on new leadership roles,” he added.

Omar Bdour, chief executive officer of the London Arabia Organisation, said: “The awards can act as a way of promoting the achievements of Arab women who have become role models for our children’s generations. Giving recognition to these women can inspire even more to follow in their footsteps.”

“Hosting the awards in London highlights the close relationship between the UK and Arab world. We hope that our event will play a part in helping to end stereotyping of the Arab world and of Arab women; who accomplish so much, despite much of the West’s impression of them,” he added.

Desiree Boiler, Value Retail's chair and chief merchant, said: “Partnering with London Arabia is a clear demonstration of our commitment to The Middle East – these guests are an integral part of our business, we work hard to ensure they feel at home from home in our Villages and we’re delighted to support an event which promotes cultural understanding of the Arab world.”

This year’s Arab Women of the Year Awards Advisory Board includes: Professor Aldwyn Cooper - chairman of the Arab Women of the Year Awards, and vice chancellor and CEO of Regent’s University London; Khaled Al Duwaisan GCVO - Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador for Kuwait; Rt Hon Sir Hough Robertson, chairman of British Olympic Association; Sheikha Intisar Alsabah, founder, Alnowair & Bareec, co-founder Prismologie; Omar Bdour, CEO, London Arabia Organisation; Nawal El Kuwaitia, Musical Icon; Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch, founder and CEO of the Aksal-Morocco Mall Group; Dr Nashwa Al Ruwaini, founder and chairwoman of the Nashwa Foundation; Hala Kazim, motivational speaker and life coach; Ola Alfares, journalist and television presenter; Ibrahim Mohieldeen, ambassador of League of Arab States; Mayssoun Habra, founder and CEO of Y Asset Management. – TradeArabia News Service