Dr. Manal Taryam honoured

Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of the Noor Dubai Foundation, is among the winners of the L’Officiel Arab Woman Awards 2011 for Dubai. The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony on Tuesday at The Westin Hotel, Dubai. The function was attended by over 300 women. The awards are supported by the Dubai Ladies Club and are a celebration of the achievements of inspirational Arab women from the region in fields including business, the arts, charity and fashion. Among the other winners are businesswoman Dr Amina Al Rustamani, humanitarian Nadia Khalil Al Sayegh and fashion designer Maryam Selaich, while the ultimate award for the L’Officiel Most Inspirational Arab Woman of Dubai was presented to 90-year old Osha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi for her lifelong work in poetry and culture. Al Suwaidi has been reciting poetry since a child and her latest book, written by Dr Rafia Ghobash, has just been published. On receiving the award winner, Al Suwaidi said, “In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful, to my sisters organising the L’Officiel Arab Woman Awards, I would like to thank you so much for nominating me the ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year 2011’. For me this means that the strength of other women will always be present amongst you, no matter how old they grow. I would like to salute and thank you all,notably judge Dr Manahel Tabet, for this nomination.” Judge and president of Smart Tips Consultancy Dr Thabet was thrilled to be part of the event, ‘’It is an honour to be associated with the L’Officiel Arab Woman Awards. After winning the ultimate award last year, ‘Inspirational Woman of the Year 2010’, I can empathise with the judges and appreciate the time and consideration that comes with the judging process,’’ she continued. “In my position as a primary judge in this competition, I wanted to highlight the achievements and success of women in the region, in the near future our ambition for these awards are to reach every inspiring woman in the Arab world.” The winners were selected by a panel of judges led by L’Officiel Middle East Editor Nadine El Chaer and included Dr Manahel Thabet, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club Muna Bin Kalli, CEO of Dubai Women’s Establishment Shamsa Saleh and Arabic fashion boutique owner Sarah Belhasa of Studio 8. The prestigious awards were sponsored by Mercedes Benz Gargash Enterprises, Carrera y Carrera, La Reine, Cleopatra’s Spa, Elemis, Kludi Rak, Bellefontaine, Al Aan TV and the New York Film Academy.   List of winners of L’Officiel Arab Woman Awards Dubai 2011   Medicine — Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation L’Officiel Inspirational Woman - Osha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi Businesswoman — Dr Amina Al Rustamani, CEO of TECOM Business Parks Entrepreneur - Yasmine & Nivine Albanna, owners of ‘Dot the I’s’ Events Sports — Zena Habi, founder of Fitness O2 Writer — Rima Jbara Artist — Khawla Al Marri Fashion Designer — Maryam Selaich, Slouchy’Z Young Designer — Khulood Bin Arab Humanitarian — Nadia Khalil al Sayegh, co-founder of Senses Care Home Media — Maryam Bin Fahad, Executive Director of Dubai Press Club Most Stylish Woman - Nayri Estepanian Young Talent — Fatma Al Ghaith & Meera Al Siri, co-founders of Boum App.