Women leaders drawn from Africa and United Arab Emirates have called for a new era of active collaboration between female entrepreneurs in the UAE and Africa, highlighting the similarity in synergies between businesswomen in both regions and the importance of drawing on these strengths to create ambitious projects and initiatives.
In a speech delivered by H.E. Dr. Raja Al Gurg, President of Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) at an event on the sidelines of fifth edition of the Global Business Forum on Africa (GBF Africa 2019), organised by Dubai Chamber under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was delivered in the presence of Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone and, as well as an array of Emirati and African women entrepreneurs.
During her speech, H.E. Al Gurg underlined the essential role that female entrepreneurs play in propelling the business communities in their respective regions. This, she said, enriches world economies with investments and entrepreneurial enterprises which create jobs and deliver make major strides across different industries, thereby fuelling economic growth.
Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.
Her Excellency expressed her pride in the prominent role that women play in the UAE with support from the country’s wise leadership, which she said has made remarkable progress in ensuring gender equality at all levels and enabling women to take leadership roles across government and business fields.
Additionally, H.E. Al Gurg highlighted the fundamental role that Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) plays in empowering women in Dubai and equipping them with the skills necessary to become corporate leaders, successful entrepreneurs, and inspirational role models.
Her Excellency asserted that international cooperation has long been a major focus for DBWC as part of its belief that collaboration enhances the exchange of expertise, drives business growth and provides better outputs. She noted that the council regularly hosts international delegations visiting the UAE and provides its members with access to global markets through Dubai, which continues to grow as a leading global business hub.
For their part, the First Ladies of Sierra Leone and Liberia expressed their admiration for Emirati women and female entrepreneurs in Dubai and their achievements, highlighting the dynamism and vibrancy of the emirate’s business climate and the competitive advantages it offers to female entrepreneurs. The First Ladies backed H.E. Al Gurg’s call for expanding bilateral cooperation to achieve mutual goals.
