Image via Stuart Miles/freedigitalphotos.net
Two months into 2013, and Arabian Business seems to believe that it has what it takes to compile a list of the most powerful women in 2013!
I am not sure how they do it; how do they measure ‘power’ and influence,’ for instance.
Nevertheless, let’s consider it, somehow, a legitimate list and try to draw some conclusions:
- UAE is in a league of its own when it comes to women empowerment. 44 women in the list are coming from the UAE (20 native, 24 based). Its nearest challenger, Saudi Arabia, comes with 14 entries only. Maybe this is the most authentic element in this whole list. It is hard to dismiss the accomplishments of UAE. Emaratis have been, amazingly, able to set up a healthy environment for growth and prosperity. Economically and socially, the country is keeping the upward trend, climbing the ladder of success one step at a time. It knows how to attracts investors, it knows how to attract talents. It is nothing less of a multinational, multicultural heaven in the middle of the desert. The interesting thing is that they have been able to strike a balance between traditions and modernity, especially toward women. Emarati women are now standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts building the country while being honest to themselves and their heritage. Dominating the powerful women list should not come as a surprise then. 3 women from UAE come at the top 10, with Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the Minister of foreign trade, heading the list for the third consecutive year.
- 31 per cent of women in the list work in culture and society, followed by 19 per cent work in arts and entertainment. The hint; Arab women are still away from governmental and big businesses high positions.
- 3 Saudi women come at the top 10. Lubna Olayan at the second, Princess Ameerah Al Taweel at the third, and Mona Al Munajjed at the ninth. I have to say that it is the first time I hear about Mrs. Al Munajjed. My bad, I know, but such results is what makes me suspicious about the authenticity of lists without clear description of methodology.
