Businesswomen urged to play key role in economic growth

Abu Dhabi: Women's effective participation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has been emphasised at the fourth National Businesswomen's Campaign concluded in the capital yesterday.

The campaign took place under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Presidential Affairs, and the support of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI).

"We are committed to the promotion and development of the businesswomen's community in Abu Dhabi, as they represent a substantial portion of the society, and their contribution can have very positive effects on our economic development," said Salah Al Shamsi, president of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The campaign extended from September 17 to 21, and included workshops, seminars, and lectures, as well as training courses in both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

A new centre for developing women's business skills will be launched in the western zone of the emirate, with the Ruler's court providing the land as well as construction costs, according to Dr Rawda Al Mutawa, chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen's Council.

Joint venture

"General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has instructed speeding up the feasibility studies to allow for the work to commence as soon as possible," she said.

"There is also a joint venture with Egypt that will be announced soon, as we wee granted the site from an Egyptian governorate for establishing a branch there, an invitation will be addressed to the chamber's president soon to inaugurate our first project in Egypt," Abu Dhabi Businesswomen's Council's Dr Rawda added.

Tangible activity

There are about 2,700 members of the council, with varied activities across the different economic sectors.

"Membership is categorised as active and associate members to ensure that all the active members are positively participating in our activities, whereas we had many women applying for licenses at the outset, maybe through their husbands, without having any tangible activity," she said.

New certificates were added to the council's portfolio this year including insurance, real estate, and stocks.

Award

Fatima receives

top honour

Her highness shaikha fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women's Union, has been honoured by UAE businesswomen in Al Ain.

Dr. Rowda Al Mutawwa, Chief executive of the abu dhabi businesswomen council, received the souvenir on behalf of shaikha fatima.

The move was in recognition of shaikha fatima's great support for UAE national women engaged in business, trade and services activities through a special programme formulated to train UAE national women to engage in these activities from their homes.

WAM