UAE minister crowned world’s most powerful Arab woman

Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia accounted for 14 of the 100 most powerful Arab women UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi has topped the list of the world’s 100 most powerful Arab women, published on Monday by CEO Middle East. According to the publication , it is Sheikha Lubna’s third successive year in pole position, with Saudi Arabia’s Lubna Olayan following her in second position.  Saudi Princess Ameerah, vice chairwoman of the Alwaleed Bin Talal Foundation, ranked third, with Iraqi born architect Zaha Hadid in fourth place.
Construction boss Fatima Al Jaber was fifth.
The highest new entry was the sixth place position of Sheikha Maha Mansour Salman Jasim Al Thani, who made history by becoming Qatar’s first ever female judge. Other newcomer in the top ten include UAE Federal National Council First deputy speaker Amal Al Qubasi in seventh place.
The UAE accounted for a record number of the world’s most powerful women on the 2013 list, with 20 women originating from the UAE. Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia accounted for 14 new entries ahead of Lebanon, which accounted for 13.
A majority of women on the list, 31 percent, work in the culture and society industry, followed by 19 percent, who specialise in arts and entertainment.