Two UAE women, who became the first recipients of the Emirates Businesswomen Award, said women had great abilities and could aspire to achieve anything they wanted if they had the determination.

Salwa Saleh Saeed Ali Shaibani, president and CEO, Condor Medical Waste Management, won from the business owner/investor category, and Habiba Hassan Al Marashi, chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group, was selected from the professional category. Shaibani remarked: "To constantly challenge and not be discouraged when setbacks arise has been the secret to my achievements."

Al Marashi commented: "This award is significant in today's UAE society, which is now able to recognise the leadership and managerial qualities of women. I hope this achievement inspires other women to push their limits and excel in their respective fields of expertise."

The awards were presented by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and patron of the Dubai Quality Group, at a ceremony held recently at the Grand Hyatt Dubai and attended by 300 eminent personalities. The Emirates Businesswomen Award was launched by Shell Dubai and Northern Emirates in association with the Dubai Quality Group, with the intention of singling out extraordinary women with achievements in the professional and business arena through a stringently devised points system based on five parameters - visionary leadership, future goals, professional achievements, career achievements and community contribution.

"Dubai Quality Group's (DQG) contribution and support to the Emirates Businesswomen Award is part of its objective to support Dubai's drive for quality," said Ahmed Al Banna, chairman, Dubai Quality Group.

"Emirates Businesswomen Award is the culmination of Shell's active involvement in social issues in the Middle East as part of its corporate philosophy," said Ian Everigham, chairman, Shell Dubai and Northern Emirates. "Over the years, we have seen a dramatic transformation of UAE women and their successful progression into the world of business."

The winners received elegantly designed crystal trophies and a citation, as well as being presented with a diamond butterfly brooch specifically created for the occasion by Khalil Al Sayegh Jewellers.