Dubai Quality Group (DQG) and Shell have extended the deadline for receiving applications for the Emirates Business Women Award (EBWA) 2008.

The last date for receiving applications is April 14, 2008. The extended submission period for entries allows EBWA, which is also supported by Paris Gallery, the prize sponsor, to widen its reach and encourage participation from more candidates, said an official spokesman.

'There are a lot of women in the UAE who deserve to be recognised,while there has also been strong interest from potential candidates; we are offering these new prospects the opportunity to be considered for EBWA 2008 by giving them more time to prepare and consolidate their credentials. As such, we have decided to extend the deadline for submission of applications in order to accommodate more candidates,' said general manager of DQG Samia Al Yousuf.

“The significant impact of EBWA 2008 on the professional development of UAE's working women is clearly reflected by the number of successful career women who have been part of this initiative over the years. We must therefore provide all the necessary assistance to allow all deserving professional and business women to take part in the EBWA program,' said communications manager, Shell, Omar Al Qurashi.

Organised under the patronage of president of the Department of Civil Aviation, chairman of Emirates Group and patron of DQG Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, EBWA 2008 aims to recognise and reward the exemplary contributions of women in the business and professional sectors of the UAE.

The award has generated strong response from business and professional women after DQG successfully organised several promotional activities, including a series of workshops held in the different emirates.

EBWA is open to nationals and expatriates and is awarded in two categories – Business Owners and Professionals. To qualify for the Business Owners category, the applicant must own a business in the UAE and must also be primarily responsible for the current performance of the business, while the Professional category requires the applicant to be employed in any professional sector in the UAE.

On receiving the applications, the award panel would shortlist the candidates based on their achievements and arrange site visits to further assess them, before announcing the winners of the award during the final on May 20, 2008. – TradeArabia News Service