The Professional Women's Subgroup of the Dubai Quality Group recently held a presentation at the DQG headquarters to raise awareness of the Emirates Businesswoman Award. The award is aimed at recognising women's contribution in the business and professional world and will be presented annually to recognise UAE women - both nationals and expatriates - for performance excellence.

Khulood Al Rostamani, chair of the DQG Women's Subgroup, who presided over the meeting said: "The Emirates Businesswomen Award is a valuable framework for assessing and measuring performance on a composite of key indicators of performance ... The criteria used for performance excellence, which has been established in association with the UKQC consultancy company, are unique in addressing important critical elements of the performance system."

The UAE Businesswomen Award has been set up by Dubai Quality Group under the umbrella of the Professional Women's Subgroup in association with Shell.

"Shell is strongly committed to supporting the government's efforts to bring more women to the economic forefront," said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, external affairs manager, Shell Middle East.

The award, to be given away in March 2003, aspires to be the most sought-after recognition for businesswomen, as the Professional Women's Subgroup in association with UKQC has devised elaborate criteria to judge the entries. The entries will be judged on the basis of visionary leadership, future goals, professional achievements, career achievements and community contribution