INSEAD, a major international business school, celebrated International Women’s Day 2013 with a seminar at its Abu Dhabi campus entitled “Inspire, Impact, Empower.” The event sponsored by A.T. Kearney featured influential women leaders in the Middle East who have left a significant footprint in areas from media and entrepreneurship to the arts.
The UAE, a pioneer for the empowerment of women in the region, has led the way in placing women in leadership roles in fields in both the government and private sector with more than two-thirds of the country’s government universities populated by women.
Inspirational speakers at the event representing the UAE, the rest of the Middle East and beyond, included Sadaffe Abid, social entrepreneur; Azza Al-Qubaisi, jewelry artist, sculptor and social entrepreneur; Camilla Hall, entrepreneur; Sara Ismail Mohammed, board member, CEO, Al Bashayer Investment Company, and Soraya Salti, president and CEO, MENA for Junior Achievement Worldwide, Injaz Al-Arab as well as Rebecca Hall, principal, A.T. Kearney.
Miguel Lobo, associate professor of Decision Sciences, director of Abu Dhabi campus, spoke about the contribution the UAE has made to the promotion of women in society. He said: “The UAE government has shown great foresight in promoting the educational and professional development of women.”
Hal Gregersen, senior affiliate professor of innovation and leadership, the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, chaired professor of innovation and leadership, stressed the impact made around the world by women in a number of fields.
Haif Zamzam, an Emirati INSEAD MBA student, spoke of her own empowerment since joining the INSEAD program. She said: “One of the UAE’s greatest achievements is seen in the growing importance of Emirati women in society.
Rebecca Hall, principal, A.T. Kearney, said: “The INSEAD Women’s Day seminar has showcased that there clearly is a valuable female talent pool available here in the region.”
INSEAD marks Women’s Day in Abu Dhabi
INSEAD marks Women’s Day in Abu Dhabi
LuLu marks Founding Day with ‘Made in Saudi’ campaign
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources honored LuLu Hypermarket in recognition of its pivotal role as the exclusive retail partner of the “Najoud Bikhairna 2026” initiative, commending its continued efforts in supporting and empowering national industries while showcasing the quality and competitiveness of locally manufactured products.
The initiative, led by the ministry in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority, represented by the Made in Saudi program, stands as a pioneering model of public-private sector collaboration in activating community-driven initiatives with sustainable impact. Through this program, more than 280,000 Saudi-made products were distributed to 10,000 families across various regions of the Kingdom during the holy month of Ramadan, reinforcing the presence of national products and strengthening the values of social solidarity among individuals and institutions alike.
The ministry’s recognition of LuLu Hypermarket coincided with the official launch of its Saudi Founding Day celebrations at the Dharat Laban branch in Riyadh, marked by the unveiling of a comprehensive promotional campaign dedicated to Saudi-made products. On this occasion, a wide range of special offers was introduced on local products, available across all LuLu Hypermarket branches throughout the Kingdom.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed bin Dayel, general supervisor of the Made in Saudi program at the Saudi Export Development Authority, and Mohamed Haris, director of LuLu Saudi Arabia, alongside members of LuLu’s executive management team. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the specially designed Founding Day gateway.
Following the inauguration, guests toured several dedicated zones and exhibitions highlighting national products. The tour commenced at the grocery and “Made in Saudi” consumer goods sections, showcasing the diversity and quality of local brands. It also included the “Made in Saudi” dates pavilion, presenting a premium selection of the finest locally sourced dates in celebration of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic national symbols.
The visit continued to the fruits and vegetables section under the theme “From Our Land,” featuring an exceptional assortment of Saudi agricultural products, reflecting the richness and excellence of the local agricultural sector. Guests also explored the LuLu private label corner, which features products exclusively manufactured within the Kingdom for LuLu, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing.
The tour concluded with a presentation of “Made in Saudi” products within the chilled and frozen categories, underscoring the rapid growth and qualitative advancement of the Kingdom’s food manufacturing sector, and further reinforcing the strong market position and competitiveness of Saudi products.
