The Second Arab Women Leadership Forum, a flagship annual event of the Dubai Women Establishment’s (DWE), will be held in January next year.

The theme of the forum, “Women’s leadership in organizations: Towards new conceptions of work-life balance,” focuses on issues that have a crucial bearing on the attainment of two key DWE objectives – enhancing the role of Emarati women within the UAE’s social and economic landscape, and nurturing women leaders.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister of and Ruler of Dubai, the forum, runs from January 12 to 13, 2010 at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai.

It will offer participants a unique opportunity to engage in a series of compelling debates and panel discussions, as well as to network and participate in discussions with distinguished speakers and leading intellectuals.

The forum will be led by Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of DWE and wife of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

'The forum provides a platform to address relevant issues and reinforce the vital contribution of Arab women leaders; this is made possible through a collective ownership of leadership development to expand the role and perception of Arab women,' Sheikha Manal said.

'This requires navigating the complex territory of society’s expectations, gender stereotypes and intellectual perspectives as well as consistent efforts towards innovative thought and persistence in the face of all challenges inherent in achieving a balance between work and family life.'

The inaugural edition of the forum, held earlier this year, saw a group of influential Speakers deliberate topics relating to women and leadership, and was attended by over 500 women.

Sheikha Manal pointed out that the second edition of the forum was expected to further the UAE’s agenda of ensuring the advancement of UAE women to complement the fast-paced development of the country.-TradeArabia News Service