DWE and Dubai Culture host gala dinner for guests of Global Women’s Forum Dubai at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), hosted a gala dinner at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood yesterday for guests attending the second Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 (GWFD).

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020, organised by DWE under the theme ‘The Power of Influence’, brought together over 100 leaders and experts from across the world to discuss improved policies and foster partnerships that further women’s positive impact across four key areas: government, economy, society, and future. The event is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture is the cultural partner of Global Women's Forum Dubai 2020.

Attending the dinner was Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority; Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President of the United States of America (USA); Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of the Board and Managing Director of the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE); Right Honourable Theresa May, Member of Parliament and Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, Member of the Commission on Gender Equality, Republic of Uzbekistan; Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and other Forum Guests, and Her Excellency Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, CEO of Global Women’s Forum Dubai.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa welcomed the Forum guests at the Gala Dinner and shared the history behind the Al Shindagha Neighborhood and its significance with respect to Emirati culture and heritage.

“This evening, we are honoured to be in the presence of luminaries, entrepreneurs, leaders, and our respected hosts of the 2nd edition of the Global Women’s Forum Dubai. Thanks to your support and attendance, we are able to engage in a constructive dialogue for the advancement of women,” she said.

Her Highness added: “We are delighted to have you join us in Al Shindagha, home to the shores on which the future of Dubai was envisioned. Some of you have already discovered Dubai’s shared heritage with the region and the wider world through the tours of Al Shindagha Museum, inside which the history of the Emirate unravelled for you via fascinating stories that revealed the universal tale of human innovation, resilience, and the desire for progress that shaped the city we call our home.”

She stressed that culture is vital in driving dialogue forward for women as well as for bringing nations together. “At this Forum, under the theme of “Power of Influence”, we are proud to mention that 70% of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s workforce comprise of women. We are constantly inspired by the stories of success and determination that founded our city, and the vision and strength of the mothers who helped our Founding Fathers dream,” she said.

The gala dinner included a tour of historical places within the Shindagha District to enlighten the guests about Dubai’s history and heritage. Led by a delegation from the Dubai Women Establishment and Dubai Culture, the guests were taken on a tour to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, which houses a collection of pictures, documents and stamps and represents an important part of Dubai’s history.

As part of the tour, the Forum guests also visited the Perfume House museum, which tells the story behind Emirati fragrances through a multi-sensory experience that showcases traditional handmade perfume making techniques. Guests also passed by the Creek House museum, where they learned about the story of the Dubai Creek and its historical and economic importance to people in the past.