Jury panel for Excellence Awards 2024 by Gulf News and Being She announced

Gulf News and Being She have revealed the line-up of experts selected to decide the winners of the Excellence Awards 2024 that will take place on 8 June at the iconic Museum of the Future.

Chosen for their expertise and unwavering dedication to gender equality, these leaders will evaluate the nominations and select the winners.

The distinguished jury comprises Dr Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai; Ismail Al Naqi, Director General of the Free Zones Authority of Ajman; Shaikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa, Director of Hospitality Affairs in the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Paras Shahdadpuri, Chairman of the Nikai Group of Companies; and Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager for UAE at Visa.

Their collective wisdom and unwavering dedication to advancing women's empowerment will ensure a fair and thorough evaluation process, setting the stage for an unforgettable event that honours the resilience, innovation, and leadership of women across the UAE and beyond.

The Excellence Awards, now in its fourth year, serves not only as a platform for celebrating success but also as a catalyst for ushering in a new era of recognition for exceptional women who have shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless others to strive for greatness.

Speaking on the significance of these awards, each jury member shared their insights.

“I believe that women should be recognised for their achievements to encourage them to participate in the development of the nation and to contribute to the economy,” said Dr. Al Bastaki. “Women have equal rights, duties, and opportunities to excel in their careers. Awards like these inspire women to excel in their careers and add value to the country's development, in addition to fulfilling their ambitions and reaching their goals confidently.”

“The Excellence Awards for women in the UAE play a crucial role in recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in entrepreneurship and business leadership,” said Al Naqi of Ajman Free Zones Authority.

“We believe there should be more women in these fields, and events like this are a step in the right direction. My motivation to participate as a jury member stems from a commitment to supporting and encouraging women's contributions to the business world, helping to create a more inclusive and diverse landscape for future leaders,” said Al Naqi.

Shaikha Al Mutawa pointed out that women in the UAE are encouraged to participate politically, socially and economically, and their contributions are evident across sectors such as corporate, business, retail, hospitality, space and technology.

“I have always been passionate about inspiring women to express their talents and excel in their careers," she said. "I believe Excellence Awards not only recognises the efforts of women in the UAE but also offers outstanding networking opportunities to further build on their success. It’s an honour to be a part of the jury for this prestigious award.”

Shahdadpuri spoke about the imperative of women's participation in driving economic growth, stating, "In order to encourage and support the womenfolk, particularly in the Arab world, it is ideal to have their 50 per cent contribution in the national/global economy. Recognizing and honoring their achievements through platforms like the Excellence Awards is crucial in fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute meaningfully."

Gutieva shared her enthusiasm for the Excellence Awards, stating, "The Excellence Awards for women in the UAE celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women leaders, and aligns perfectly with Visa's commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs through our 'She's Next' initiative. As a jury member, I am delighted to have an opportunity to support Gulf News and Being She's efforts in creating an environment that will enable women to thrive and in turn shape a positive future for the next generation of women leaders."