EW’s loyal supporters, friends and patrons pulled out all of the stops to celebrate our annual event, The Emirates Woman of the Year Awards in association with ADCB. Hosted by Senior Editor, Sophia Serin in the grand ballroom of the Armani Hotel Dubai.
Pre-ceremony, animated chatter filled the candle-lit terrace as guests sipped bubbly and nibbled on canapés, speculating who could be the lucky ones to leave with the EW trophies and ADCB Ambition Award.
A seated dinner followed where guests feasted on gourmet treats, including grilled beef tenderloin and a deliciously indulgent white chocolate cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce.
With the awards well under way, the crowd gave a rapturous applause as the winners took to the stage to be congratulated by Sophia Serin and Motivate’s Group Editor and Managing Partner, Ian Fairservice.
The evening was a glittering success and a wonderful celebration of woman in the region.
EW’s Elizabeth and Annah hit the red carpet
C’est Moi designer Rashmi Sahar Ahmad strikes a pose
Zeina Abdulla of Fishfayce
Goody bags galore
EW’s Jade and Arezou
Zaina and Rania Kanaan
EW’s Editor Sophia
Blogger of Thefiercediaries.com, Nadya Hasan
EW’s Cherith with Colette Griplas
Motivate’s Group Senior Editor Gina Johnson with Josette Awwad from Dior
EW’s Elizabeth, Annah and Alexandra do their best Charlie’s Angels stride
Melina Mitri from S*uce
Rosemin Manji
Nina Zandnia
EW’s Nina and Alexandria chat with Melina Mitri
And the awards goes to….
The ADCB Ambition Award | Colette Griplas
“I want to express my gratitude. It’s with real excitement that I accept this award. I have an amazing business partner and wouldn’t be able to do this without her, thank you.”
The Visionaries Award | Najla Essa Al-Ansari
“I want to congratulate everyone nominated. I am proud to be the youngest entrepreneur in the region and hope to carry on doing what I’m doing.”
The Humanitarians Award | Afra Al Basti
“Thank you everybody. This award will give power to woman suffering from domestic violence.”
The Achievers Award | Asma Hilal Lootah
“Thank you Emirates Woman. I’m so honoured that all these sleepless nights have been rewarded. I want to also thank my parents.”
The Artists Award | Kritika Rawat
“I’ve seen a lot of awards and always wondered what people get so breathless, now I know why – that’s a long walk! Thank you to my husband, fans and the entire team of Emirates Woman.
The Emirates Woman of the Year Award | Afra Al Basti
“ I can’t even express my gratitude, I am so happy. The support and power we give woman and families is important and we never shut the door. You are all welcome to visit us at the Dubai Foundation For Woman & Children, people always leave empowered and happy.”
Afra Al Basti
