Who We Are
London Arabia
The Arab Women of the Year Awards were started in 2014 by London Arabia Organisation, in conjunction with the Mayor of London and Regent’s University London. The aim was simple: to promote and show appreciation for the Arab women achieving remarkable things around the world and bring the UK and Arab world together to support them. This event was the first of its kind and remains the most prestigious award for Arab women in London.
This mission remains strong ten years later, as we continue to recognise some of the most influential women in the world alongside those who have gone completely unnoticed for their achievements. Uniquely, the Arab Women of the Year Awards do not have set categories. This is to allow us to select the most deserving women each year, regardless of their background or chosen field. Our Advisory Board works tirelessly to recognise the most outstanding women for their achievements and journeys, from the thousands of nominations we receive annually.
Over the past ten years, the Awards have grown not only in size and scale, but in prestige and recognition. The event has always been attended by world leaders, royal family members, ambassadors, celebrities, entrepreneurs and more and we are delighted to continue to receive their support. In 2022, we had the honour and privilege of welcoming HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to attend as the Guest of Honour. HRH’s presence was a symbol of the entire Royal Family’s belief in empowering women around the world and that London is eager to accept Arab culture with open arms.
London is the ideal setting for this event as it is a truly global city; it is home to the heart of the United Kingdom but also a diverse range of cultures that mix on the glamourous streets of the city. Arab women and Arab culture are a key component of the city. This event and the associated side events allow the city an opportunity to recognise this and celebrate the differences in our culture and what ties us together.
In 2024, the first annual Arab Women’s Summit will be hosted in conjunction with the Arab Women of the Year Awards, to take our mission one step further and start open conversations about culture and our duty to empower women around the world. We are privileged to be hosting this event in the iconic Lancaster House, presenting a royal welcome to all who attend. We will also be hosting numerous networking and cultural events throughout the week.
To get involved, please email info@londonarabia.com for more information.
Supporting our efforts to continuously build on the credibility and integrity associated with the Arab Women of the Year Awards. They have worked at the highest level around the world in public, private and third sector in the fields of journalism, policy making, academia and business.
Advisory Board
Meet the Board
The Rt Hon Sir Hugh Robertson
Chairman,
British Olympic Association
HE Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed AlKhalifa
Dean Arab Ambassadors, Ambassador for Bahrain
Writer, Journalist and Middle East Expert
Baria Alamuddin
Lord Purvis of Tweed
Member of the House of Lords
Lord Purvis of Tweed
The Rt Hon Sir Hugh Robertson
Chairman, British Olympic Association
Omar Bdour
CEO, London Arabia Organisation
HE Najat Vallaud-Belkacem
Former Minister of Education and Former Minister for Women's Rights in France
Flick Drummond
Member of Parliament for Meon Valley
Nashwa Al Ruwaini
Founder and Chairwoman Nashwa Foundation
PRESS
London Arabia in the News
Nawal El Kuwaitia
Musical Icon
Mayssoun Habra
CEO, MH Global Management
Salwa Idrissi Akhannouch
Founder & CEO, Aksal-Morocco Mall Group