The significant role and achievements of women in the Muslim world and particularly in the In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

The significant role and achievements of women in the Muslim world and particularly in the Middle East in contemporary times needs to be more appreciated and understood. We realize that the advances of women and the successful role models that have emerged in this trend , despite the numerous obstacles and hurdles they have faced, clearly points to the great capacity that Muslim women shoulder in their respective societies.

The 7th Global Forum for Business Women and Leaders in Dubai and the ongoing related events create an exceptional opportunity for the international community to engage in dialogue on practical experiences of leadership and entrepreneurship for women . The promotion of women who have served as role models in their society and have become successful businesswomen and entrepreneurs through their tireless efforts provides inspiration and motivation for all . These experiences show how women have combated despair and poverty, how they have stricken a balance between family and work, while not sacrificing one for the other, and how they have managed to display an Islamic paradigm of advancement for women, in a world dominated by consumerist and materialist values.

Our region, like many parts of our world still suffers from the scourges of poverty, war and terrorism. More than any time before we need to engage in a collective effort to promote peace, understanding and hope among our nations. The Forum has been an attempt in this line. I appreciate the efforts of the organizers and wish them success.

It was a great pleasure to be a part of this prestigious event with diverse group of ladies. I look forward to be a part of the 10th Global Powerful Businesswomen & Leaders Summit.

Although it has been a little while since I have returned from Dubai, and the Regional Conference for Dubai’s business women, I am still in awe of the incredible women that I met during the event. The international speakers were excellent, each offering unique insights and expertise on a number of issues which business women, across the globe experience daily - and the business women of Dubai were extraordinary. Meeting with them, speaking with them, learning from them – all were gifts that I will treasure for years to come. These are astute young women who are making an indelible mark not only in Dubai, but in the region as well. I look forward to hearing about their wonderful and continuing achievements.

It was my honor to meet them and to attend and speak at this conference. I believe that women will make a difference in the world as we know it – and the women of Dubai will be among the leaders.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Datamix for giving me the opportunity to speak at 9th Global Businesswomen and Leaders Forum and to be among the business women from various countries. I do not only feel honored to be a part of this unifying event but am also happy to encourage regional young women about entrepreneurship.

I believe all these activities contribute to the role of women entrepreneurs in sustainable development in their respective countries. No matter in how different cultures we are living in or no matter how different areas of business we are active in, I believe we are all facing similar challenges as women entrepreneurs. In every aspect, these challenges might be extremely difficult to overcome, but they share one common property; they all enforce learning. And as long as, we as women entrepreneurs have the drive to excel, we must look at these challenges from a constructive side and embrace them as valuable experiences. Thus, platforms of this kind have vital importance for sharing these experiences gained.

In hope of this unifying WOIBEX event will continue stimulating businesswomen throughout the world in the future, I am sending my sincerest wishes to all women of five continents who celebrate 8th of March as International Women’s Day.

Happy Women’s Day!

It was a tremendous honor and pleasure to be one of your keynote speakers at the 9th Global Businesswomen’s and Leaders Forum marking International Women’s Day 2009. Your conference, that both informed and created an international network among the women present, was perfect in every respect.

I was especially impressed with your attention to detail and your choice of location. How could any place be more luxurious and accommodating than Burj Al Arab? It was a tremendous backdrop for the conference that was full of outstanding information, interesting participants, stimulating discussion and an opportunity to meet and learn from other women who have attained success.

One of the exciting outcomes for me coming from the United States of America was learning more about your incredible country and the noteworthy achievements of the women in the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries. The women I met who were either on the program such as Raja Al Gurg of the Dubai Businesswomen Council and Dr. Massomeh Ebtekar, former vice president, Iran, or in the assemblage were astonishing. The knowledge, personality and talents in the conference were so remarkable that the aura of learning created inspiration for us all.

One more personal note, the friendliness and openness of the people were special gifts. Everyone was especially welcoming and open to me. The conference created a level playing field for all to exchange ideas, share understanding and build an international network.

Since returning to the United States, I have had many opportunities to talk about the conference. Also, I was the speaker at the Rotary Club here in Atlanta where I presented the same speech that I delivered in Dubai. There were many questions afterward and I was able to tell more about my experience. You can be sure that the circle of information about the 9th Gobal Businesswomen’s and Leaders Forum has been spread widely by me.