Arab Women of the Year Awards honour the late Ameera BinKaram

The UK based Arab Women of the Year Award 2016, one of the most prestigious awards dedicated to recognising the significant achievements of outstanding Arab women, has honoured the late Ameera BinKaram, Emirati entrepreneur and advocate for women’s issues, for her exceptional accomplishments attained throughout her life.

The ‘Creativity in Humanitarian Relief Award’, a category especially created for the inspirational Emirati businesswoman, recognised her numerous contributions to social and humanitarian initiatives, and her tireless efforts in voluntary and charitable work.

BinKaram was the Vice-Chairperson of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment, Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women’s Council, President of the Board of Trustees and Founding Member of the Friends of Cancer Patients, member of the Honorary Council of Founding Members at the Sharjah Tatweer Forum and member of several national committees, including the Higher Committee of the Emirates Women Award and the UAE Genetic Diseases Association.

Sulaiman Hamid Al Mazroui, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, received the award on behalf of BinKaram’s family during a ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London.

"I was honoured to receive this special award on behalf of Ameera BinKaram and her family. The UAE is proud of Ameera as she is a shining example of the country’s 45 years’ worth of efforts to empower women. Ameera was renowned for her creativity, her persistence and sincerity, and her tireless contribution to good causes. She stood out as a role model for others to follow," said Al Mazrouei.

Omar Bdour, one of the award ceremony attendees, and CEO of Arab Women of the Year Awards, said, "This special appreciation award pays tribute to BinKaram and honours her remarkable achievements in the field of Arab women’s work. Her contributions exemplified caring, tenderness, devotion, and love. She did not ever hesitate to give her all with the aim of elevating women and helping them realise their full potential. She was an ambassador of generosity and will forever be a role model for Arab women."

"Because of her untimely passing, one of the brightest stars in the Arab firmament has extinguished. Ameera’s death is an irreparable loss to the UAE and the Arab world as her dedication to serving her community and supporting women was indefatigable. No words will be able to express our sorrow at her passing, and our deep appreciation and gratitude for her efforts that have been instrumental in elevating the status of women at all levels," he added.

BinKaram received an array of accolades over the years in recognition of her outstanding contributions and accomplishments, including H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi Award for Excellence, the ‘World of Difference Award’ from Washington-based International Alliance for Women, and the ‘Excellence Award’ from Hospitality Management Holdings Company, for her unparalleled contribution to the UAE’s crusade against cancer.