The Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year Awards is the region’s most prestigious, glamorous and inspiring annual event. The awards were held at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, where 350 guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of women in the business, arts and culture, philanthropic and visionary fields in the UAE.
The esteemed event celebrating its 13th year, and the 36th anniversary of the magazine, saw a total of six awards presented during the evening. More than 12,000 votes were cast resulting in Jumana Abu-Hannoud being crowned the Emirates Woman, Woman of the Year 2017.
The event’s guest of honour and Emirates Woman September cover star, Mariah Idrissi, spoke on stage about opening the door to diversity and how she became the first hijab-wearing model.
Editorial Director, Gina Johnson, said: ‘Emirates Woman was the first magazine in the region for women and these awards were also the first of their kind celebrating female game changers. With a combined audience of more than half a million people every month, Emirates Woman is proud to offer a significant platform to champion the achievements of women in the GCC. The nominees, the category winners and Jumana herself are an inspiring example to all women of what is possible. Sponsors: Tory Burch, 55 Fifty 7, Grand Optics and Volvo.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
·ACHEIVER AWARD – SHAFEENA YUSSUFF ALI
Shafeena Yusuff Ali is the CEO of Abu Dhabi-based business Tablez. Since its launch, the food and beverage company has successfully brought several home-grown brands, such as Peppermill and Bloomsbury’s, and internationally renowned food concepts like Famous Dave’s, Genghis Grill and Sugar Factory, to the GCC and India.
·ARTIST AWARD – LAYLA KARDAN
After completing a Master’s degree in business and working in the corporate world for 13 years, Layla Kardan quit her job to follow her dream of being a singer/songwriter. Despite the social stigma of being a female performer in the region, Layla has an EP in the works and wants to be the first Middle Eastern female crossover artist in the electronic soul/pop genre globally.
·HUMANITARIAN AWARD – JUMANA ABU-HANNOUD
As the Managing Director of the Gulf area office for SOS Children’s Villages International, Jumana Abu-Hannoud is responsible for developing strategies, mobilising resources and spreading awareness of children’s rights and healthcare issues. Prior to this role, Jumana worked alongside H.R.H. Princess Haya for five years implementing national, regional and international strategies around education, peace and health.
·VISIONARY AWARD – SHABANA KARIM
After seeing a gap in the Middle Eastern beauty market, Shabana Karim launched The Nail Spa (of which she is CEO and Founder) in 2002. In the 15 years since, the company has expanded to also include Marquee hair salons, with over 16 locations across the UAE that provide one-stop pampering for the women of the region.
·YOUNG TALENT AWARD – SAIMA KHAN
Saima Khan is the 18-year-old CEO and Founder of Dubai-based social club Step Up, which serves as a platform for the region’s youth to be exposed to social and humanitarian activities. She is also a delegate of the United Nations Youth Assembly, a breast cancer awareness ambassador and the recipient of the prestigious International Diana Award.
·EMIRATES WOMAN, WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD – JUMANA ABU-HANNOUD