The Middle East Excellence Awards Institute has announced the winners of the 11th Middle East Women Leaders Awards 2012, at Armani Hotel- Burj Khalifa, Dubai on March 8, 2012. The glittering ceremony held annually in conjunction with the International Women’s Day and attended by H.E. Reem Al Hashimi, UAE Minister of State, honored exceptional women leaders from different sectors for their outstanding achievements in their fields.

The top award of Middle East Woman Personality of the Year, 2012, was awarded to H.H. Princess Ameerah Al Taweel, Wife of His Royal Highness Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal Al Saoud, and Vice President of Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation. The award was presented by the guest of honor H.E. Reem Al-Hashimi, UAE Minister of State.

Mr. Ali Al Kamali, Managing Director, Middle East Excellence Awards Institute, said: “Since time immemorial, women have been playing a significant role in the development of humankind. The objective of the Middle East Women's Achievement Awards is to recognize how women and their organizations in the Middle East have made significant contributions to the development of the Arab society. The qualities of women that are most appreciated include their ingenious ideas, value addition to the organization, ability to adapt to new technology, and consistent performance even in trying situations.”

The awards recognize and encourage the grit and determination of women who have conquered the odds and have reached challenging positions in diverse areas like Business, Government, Industry, Education and other related fields. Mr. Al Kamali further stated that H.H. Princess Ameerah Al Taweel is a good example of women leaders who support a wide range of humanitarian interests regionally and globally, which H.H. Princess Ameerah Al Taweel achieves through the Al waleed Bin Talal Foundation. Her work is dedicated to supporting programs and projects aimed at poverty alleviation, disaster relief, interfaith dialogue, and women empowerment.

She has become one of the most prominent pillars in promoting cultural understanding within a modern digital economy as well as women empowerment. Her work also has a significant impact on the younger generation, helping them to gain more knowledge and inspiring them with her forward thinking approach to socioeconomic reforms. Her self-described approach to reform is one of “evolution not revolution” and it is this positive and determined attitude that defines her view of the future of her country. Her humanitarian and philanthropic efforts spread far and wide globally.

In her speech, H.H. Princess Ameerah Al Taweel thanked the Middle East Excellence Institute for choosing her as the Women Personality of the Year 2012. She highlighted her achievements and efforts towards the empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia and in the region. She dedicated the award to all women leaders who deserve to be recognized on international women’s day but don’t get due recognition and media spotlight for their work and achievements.

The awards ceremony and luncheon in honor of distinguished women was attended by distinguished women leaders from all over the World.

Middle East Women Leaders Awards 2012 has been organized for the past several years as a leading platform to raise awareness about the role of women in the 21st century. It also hosts a conference that provides information that help women effectively run their business and professional careers. It further recognizes the achievements of several pioneering women from the region and encourages other women to learn from their experiences. It provides an environment conducive to the exchange of views, discussion, healthy argument and face-to-face networking among women leaders of the region.

The winners of the 2012, 11th Middle East Women Leaders Awards:

• Women Personality of the Year Award 2012: H.R.H Princess Ameerah Al Taweel, Wife of His Royal Highness Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal Al Saoud, and Vice President of Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation
• Corporate Management Woman CEO Excellence Award: Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Assistant Director-General, The Executive Office
• Woman in Society Development Excellence Award: Mrs. Sonia Al Hashimi, Chariperson, UAE Down Syndrone Association
• Woman in Society Development Excellence Award: Mrs. Afra Al Basti, Director General for Dubai, Foundation for Women and Children
• Woman in Society Development Excellence Award: Mrs. Fawziah A. Alhani, Social development & Women empowerment center, Founder & Manager
• Woman in Society Development Excellence Award: Naima Abdel-Rahman Al-Zamil, Society President Dr. Charity
• Best Organization for Women Talents Development: General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training- Received by Dr. Muneerah Sulimana Al-Aloula, Deputy Governor for Girls training
• Best Organization for Women Talent Development: American University of Sharjah, received by Dr. Thomas Hochstettler – Provost, American University of Sharjah
• Woman in Knowledge Management Excellence Award: Dr. Asmae El Koutbi – UAE, President of UAE Geography Association
• Women in Medicine and Science Research Excellence Award: Dr. Marwa Bint Muhammad Al- Bakri
• Women in Oil Industry Excellence Award: Dr. Meena Marafie, Manager Petroleum Refining Department at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research
• Women Pilot Excellence Award: Captain Kalina Comenho,Emirates Airline
• Women Pilot Excellence Award: Salma Al Beloushi, Etihad Airways, Etihad's first Emirati female pilot
• Woman in ICT Development Excellence Award: Mrs. Iman Al-Humeidan, Assistant General Secretary, Kuwait Awqaf
• Woman in Engineering and Architecture Excellence Award: Ms. Nadia Bakhurji, First Saudi Lady Architect, Secretary General of Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation
• Women Poets and Writers Excellence Award: Dr. Thuraya al Arrayed, Arab thought leader, poet & writer
• Women in Film Production Excellence Awards: Haifaa Al-Mansour, Saudi Producer