Woman of the Year Awards 2021
The sultanate’s most prestigious and inspiring annual event to celebrate women who have achieved remarkable success and shown great strength in their chosen fields.
Hanan Mansoor al Busaidi
Winner of Culinary Distinction category
Endowed with creative culinary traits from her talented mother, Hanan started her own home business in baking, and after acquiring esteemed training from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris she set up her own dream store - Aches For Cakes in Azaiba that offers a scrumptious variety of cakes, desserts, cookies as well as gelato. With plans to go big in the near future, she now considers her venture as 'a hidden neighbourhood gem'.
Honourable Lujaina Mohsin Darwish
Excellence in Leadership
As chairperson of the Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial & Consumer Solutions (ITICS) cluster at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (MHD) - one of the oldest and highly regarded business houses in Oman, Honourable Lujaina presides with poise and elan over a highly complex and hugely varied group of businesses. Guided by the philosophy of 'people first' of the late Mohsin Haider Darwish, she brings a humane dimension in the management of one of the oldest and largest businesses of Oman. A committed contributor to the social, cultural and business landscape of Oman, she believes that 'Reward and success are a direct function of your determination and hard work.'
Areej Mohsin Darwish
Winner of Inspirational Woman category
Areej is the chairperson of ACERE cluster of MHD LLC, who embarked on her career with MHD in 1994 and subsequently rose on the corporate ladder with her perseverance and determination. Following the footsteps of her illustrious father - the late Mohsin Haider Darwish - in leading an organisation to develop better practices and sustained growth, Areej proved to be an exemplary role model for young business leaders in Oman and continues to build a constructive business environment with optimism and positivity.
Budoor Abduljalil Moosa
Winner of Legal Services category
(The award was accepted on her behalf by her sister)
Budoor is a qualified lawyer in the Energy team of Dentons' Muscat office with vast experience advising international and local clients in Oman, including in real estate, energy, banking and finance related projects and transactions. Truly enjoying a fulfilling career as a lawyer, she says, “It has given me the opportunity to challenge my thinking, meet people from around the world and work on landmark projects. There is still so much to learn and achieve.”
Othaila al Saifi
Winner of Communications category
As a communication whizkid, Othaila is well-versed in the use of all modern tools, and believes that the future of the industry relies heavily on building an online presence. As Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager, she also enjoys the distinction of maintaining the reputation of one of the world’s most luxurious resorts - Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Her Highness Meyyan bint Shihab al Said
Winner of Arts category
Sayyida Meyyan's first solo exhibition held at the Mall of Muscat in January 2021 broadened her vision and made her want to continue on a path of 'Art Philanthropy'. Her artworks have been displayed in cafes, magazines, and multiple corporate publications. She now has an array of colourful and creative ambitions before her.
Dr Kaltham bint Mohammed bin Ali al Zadjali:
Lifetime Achievement
An expert media public authority for radio and television, she is considered one of the pillars of the Ministry of Information in Oman. She is fondly known as 'Mama Kaltham', because she has been providing Omani women, youths, and families with hope and happiness, and instilling in them a love for their homeland over the years. She says, “The key to success lies in a person loving what he does, besides self-confidence and determination.”
Dr Fannah Abdullah al Fannah al Araimi
Winner of COVID Warrior category
With an illustrious journey of excellence in the field of medicine over the past two decades, Dr Fannah organised live radio workshops to educate the Omani community on all health issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, besides conducting regular field visits to various governorates in the sultanate. She devoted her time relentlessly in the service of COVID-19 patients, sharing their fears and concerns besides offering the best care and treatment to them.
Jokha Mohammed Khamis al Farsi
Winner of Charity Work category
In 2013, Jokha created a team to spread awareness about caring for the elderly and succeeded in officially establishing the Ihasan Association which was the runner up of the Sultan Qaboos Award for Voluntary Work in 2019, for providing care and assistance for the elderly. Jokha is the Head of Health Education in the Directorate General of Health Services of Muscat Governorate.
Ziyoun al Jabri, Country Manager, BTC Fashion
Winner for the category of Corporate Development
She asserts that 'Sound leadership serves as a link between the soul and the body of an organisation.' Excelling in corporate development strategies aimed at moving the business ahead in the face of a challenging environment, she is a person of commitment who sets goals and walks her business plans.
Badriya Darwish al Hamdani
Winner of Customer Service category
Known for her friendly and helpful disposition and her dedication to excellent customer service, Badriya believes that the most important qualities that a person must possess, whether at work or at home, is sincerity in everything that you do, in addition to perfection and honesty. And her biggest motivation in life is her limitless ambition itself. Badriya is customer service supervisor at Al Meera Hypermarket.
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Sahra al Sabti
Winner of Education category
Transforming her dream of becoming architect to a more fulfilling mission as a qualified Montessori teacher, she set out teaching and helping underprivileged mothers on the developmental needs of children in the 21st Century. Today, she is an experienced school leader who has assisted in the overall development of two schools, besides having a strong working relationship with the Ministry of Education. Sahra is Deputy Principal & Operations Manager, Finland Oman School.
Dr Rauhiya Rashid al Khaifi
Winner of Entrepreneur category
A medical doctor at the Armed Forces Hospital who chose to take on a new professional path as an entrepreneur, Dr Rauhiya set up Latafa, a cosmetics brand that sells only natural and organic cosmetics. Gifted with sound leadership skills from childhood, she succeeded in transforming her company from an online business into a company with four branches, a wholesale division distributing to ten Carrefour branches, and a proper online store. In February this year, she also opened a new branch in Kuwait, and believes that a strong faith in one's abilities is what leads you to success.
Suhaila Nasser al Kindi
Winner of Environment category
A committed member of the Oman Environment Association, Suhaila has always been passionate above preserving Oman's natural beauty and has participated in many awareness campaigns and social welfare drives to convey this message. Her biggest achievement was in 2020 - walking from Muscat to Dhofar, a distance of 890km in 30 days with a message - 'Preserve our beautiful Oman'. She believes that everyone in Oman has a social responsibility to keep the environment clean.
Maha Faraz al Balushi
Excellence in Uniform category
During 2020, when the economy was crashing and SME’s were the most affected, Maha decided to start a campaign on her social media platforms for supporting SMEs for free. The effort bore fruit and soon there was a huge number of business, including home business, that added up to her list. “We can’t expect better outcomes or changes around us unless we start with ourselves,” she says, asserting “If we've gone through the night, the sun will surely rise again.”
Rayan al Sulaimani
Winner of Fashion category
Rayan took over the reins of a vibrant fashion business from her mother Mouza al Awfi, and worked hard in scaling up the business to a more sophisticated level with outstanding designs and quality products that made her stand out from the rest in the fray. “The moment I decided to follow my heart was the very moment that turned me from a chartered accountant to one owning a successful women’s wear label,” she says.
Sabrina al Bakri
Winner of Finance category
A finance professional, who started her career in the finance department of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and subsequently served in esteemed international firms, Sabrina is now passionate about developing others and creating an environment that encourages people to reach their own potential. One who believes that we can only achieve greater milestones if we believe in our own people and feel responsible for what we achieve. Sabrina is acting CFO of OQ, a global integrated energy company in Oman.
Nadiya Asghar al Balushi
Winner of Health Services category
An ambitious professional in the field of health services who thrives on challenges, Nadiya began on a humble note as a salesperson but soon upgraded her skills in customer care and subsequently rose up to the position of HR director. Over the past year, she and her team started a “Home care service' which helped hundreds of patients overcome their struggles with the deadly virus. She believes that “our struggle in life is the sum total of our achievements, success, failures, and mistakes.” Nadiya is HR director of Aster Al Raffah Hospital.
Dr Noor Kamal
Winner of Healthcare category
(The award was received by her sister-in-law, Dr Farah Al Aani on her behalf)
The only female general practitioner from Burjeel Hospital who actively put in efforts in the COVID-19 ward to take compassionate care of COVID-19 patients, both mentally and physically, Dr Noor is regarded for her selfless service during the time of the pandemic. Awarded the 'Best GP' and 'Most popular female doctor' of Burjeel Hospital, in April 2021, she has the distinction of consulting and examining around 1000 patients - the highest number of patients seen by a doctor in a month at Burjeel Hospital – a unique record.
Leen al Atassi
Winner of Innovation & Technology category
As head of Innovation at Oman Arab Bank, Leen was entrusted the task of connecting technology, emerging trends, and talent across various ecosystems, to accelerate innovation and growth in the financial services industry, by developing Fintech partnerships and facilitating the development of an innovation eco-system for entrepreneurship in Oman. “There is a sweet spot for everyone between what you are good at and what you love,” she says, asserting that success is primarily driven by a mindset rather than a skillset.
Dr Samah Mahmoud al Sharif
Winner of International Achiever category
Dr Samah is a veterinarian doctor who started out her career in the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources after learning how to alleviate the suffering of animals, since they cannot help themselves. A firm supporter of animal welfare in Oman, she also enjoys the distinction of being appointed as a delegate representing Oman in the World Organization for Animal Health OIE, which is the primary intergovernmental constitutional organisation, coordinating, supporting and promoting animal disease control.
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Ruqaya Ali Nasser al Harthy
Winner of Literature category
Ruqaya is a writer-poet who works as a school activity specialist at Al Yahamdi School of Basic Education, one who became 'a woman of words' from an early age. A regular at many poetry competitions and a recipients of numerous awards in the Gulf, the most recent being the first place in the poetry category of the Sharjah Award for Gulf Women's Creations in 2021, she believes that it is very important to leave behind a trail of good works in one's life. She says, “Everyone is capable of giving as well as achieving success, as long as you do it with love.”
Sherifa Ibrahim al Maskari
Winner of Marketing category
Sherifa is a dedicated marketing professional who believes that challenges build resilience and potential, and has been responsible for transforming National Bank of Oman's marketing strategy so as to bring forth a modern brand message. With a career spanning 17 years, an excellent understanding of what drives brands, and strong organisational skilles, she has developed a number of impactful marketing campaigns.
Intisaar al Kindy
Winner of Oil & Gas category
(The award was received by Dr Malik Abu Ruman on her behalf)
Intisaar is the first woman to be awarded the prestigious American Association of Petroleum Geologists award for her role in promoting and building human geoscience talents in the region. With 30 years of exploring oil and gas, she is a seasoned explorer, not only renowned in Oman but in the region and the globe for her focused, 'no nonsense' talent in finding profitable value that has changed the landscape of oil and gas exploration in Oman.
Nasra al Yazidi
Winner of Start-up category
Nasra is a young entrepreneur who started out looking for healthy alternatives for her family and herself and soon hit upon a wonder recipe for making butter. The creator of Peno, a brand of peanut butter that her customers love and trust, she believes in only one virtue as a blueprint for success – hard work! With great plans for a promising future in her choice of career, she hopes to take one step at a time.
Saba Said Hilal al Busaidi
Winner of Telecommunications category
Currently head of Corporate Affairs at Omantel, Saba had been part of the communications team at the sultanate's tourism vehicle that was responsible for growing the country's tourism industry. Once voted as one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the Sultanate of Oman, she also won the Omani Women’s Excellence Award in the field of technology in 2014 and is one of the first persons in the region to be certified as a social media strategist.
Nabras Hamdan al Shukaili
Young Achiever
A first year science student at Sultan Qaboos University, who is keenly interested in innovation, scientific research, and entrepreneurship, Nabras has participated in events like the Amman Science Festival, the Kuwait Innovation Girls' Scientific Competition, Gulf Hackathon, Korea International Youth Olympiad and many other events in Oman and the region. With many ambitions lined up for her future, she firmly believes, “It is not easy to achieve success in any field if ambition and passion are not part of your personality.”
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