Dubai: The Arab Women of the Year Award 2016 in the UK has honoured the late Ameera Bin Karam for her numerous contributions to social and humanitarian initiatives, and her tireless efforts in voluntary and charitable work.
Bin Karam was awarded the ‘Creativity in Humanitarian and Relief Award’, a category specially created for the inspirational Emirati businesswoman. The Arab Women of the Year Award 2016 is one of the most prestigious awards dedicated to recognising the significant achievements of outstanding Arab women.
Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui, UAE ambassador to the UK, received the award on behalf of Bin Karam’s family in London, organised by the Arab British Business Association, Regents University London and London and Partners.
Bin Karam died in a house fire in October along with her sister and mother.
Al Mazroui said the UAE is proud of Bin Karam as a shining example of the country’s 45 years’ worth of efforts to empower women.
“Ameera was renowned for her creativity, her persistence and sincerity, and her tireless contribution to good causes. She stood out as a role model for others to follow,” Al Mazroui said.
Bin Karam is an institution in the field of women’s empowerment and volunteering work in the UAE and the wider Arab world. Her contributions have played a key role in the enrichment of social, relief and voluntary projects globally. She was selected as the recipient of the award because of her unswerving commitment to humanitarian organisations in which she occupied leading positions, most notably the Friends of Cancer Patients, the Pink Caravan, the Emirates Volunteering Association and the UAE Genetic Diseases Association in which she intensified efforts towards relief operations and philanthropic causes.
Omar Bdour, one of the award ceremony attendees, and CEO of Arab Women Awards launched in 2009 in the UAE, said: “[Ameera’s] contributions exemplified caring, tenderness, devotion, and love. She did not ever hesitate to give her all with the aim of elevating women and helping them realise their full potential. She was an ambassador of generosity and will forever be a role model for Arab women.”
Bin Karam led many voluntary activities and held numerous important positions. She was the vice-chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, chairperson of Sharjah Business Women’s Council, member of the Honorary Council of Founding Members at the Sharjah Tatweer Forum and member of several national committees, among others.
