The nominations for the 2021 Arab Woman Awards have been announced.

There will be eighteen trophies presented this year, with the final winners selected by the Arab Woman Awards Board, including experts in their sectors and previous awardees. The members consist of:

• Alissar Nasr, Chief Academic Officer, AMSI, Al Mawakeb Schools & ISAS
• Elham Al Qasim, CEO of Digital 14 and the first Emirati woman to reach the North Pole.
• Manal Ataya, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority
• Nadine Maalouf, Founder of 81 Designs Social Enterprise & Philanthropist
• Paula Askari, Art Patron & Co-Founder of Umsiyat Concert Series
• Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)
• Susanne Mikhail, Regional Director, UN Women – Arab States

Back in 2009, The Arab Woman Awards launched to showcase outstanding woman in art, young talent, philanthropy, education and design work. To date, they have highlighted over 400 individuals across the Gulf region.

A few notable takeaways include last years winners Highness Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, who was named ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ where she was rewarded for her leadership skills in the ’10 Million Meals’ campaign. Executive Director of Communicable Diseases at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Dr Farida Al Hosani, and Dubai-based influencer Karen Wazen won the ‘Digital Media’ award for her immense contribution to social media throughout the pandemic.

On Wednesday, October 13, the winners will be revealed at the Harper’s Bazaar World of Fashion at Mall of the Emirates. The winners and judges will have the chance to enjoy a private event hosted by ITP’s Managing Director, Sue Holt and Susanne Mikhail, regional director of UN Women for the Arab States after the awards.

Individuals are also able to nominate themselves or someone they know by sending an email to [email protected]. Applications close on Sunday, September 12.