Nayla Al Khaja, Lucy Chow And More To Discuss Gender Equality In Panel Discussion Next Week

The Forum is set to take place on November 24 2019, and will discuss the lack of investments in female-founded startups

The Waldorf Astoria The Palm hotel is this year’s host of the Arabian Business Startup Forum, scheduled to take place on Sunday 24 November, where a conversation around the lack of investment in companies founded by women is set to burgeon the dialogue surrounding gender equality and female empowerment in the region. 

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Emirati Women’s Day: Emirati first officers at Emirates (@emirates) spread their wings to five continents To mark this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, five talented and passionate Emirati first officers at Emirates airline helped put the spotlight on women in aviation, and the advancement of women in the UAE, by flying to five continents on the same day. “Emirati women are icons of tolerance, exemplifying the core values held by our community via their care, determination, ability to nurture future generations, and pursue success in their various fields of work. Their hard work and talent have helped build our company and nation, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all Emirati women for setting new benchmarks and continuing to make us proud,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group. #UAE #Dubai #DXB #emirates #emiratiwoman #emiratiwomansday #emiratiwomansday2019 #firstofficer #femalepilot #womanpilot

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According to a recent industry report, only one in seven investments in new startups in the Middle East and North Africa are currently in female-founded companies. The report highlights a striking gender imbalance within the industry, an issue that is set to be explored among a panel of expert business leaders at the Forum on Sunday. 

The UAE’s first female film director, Nayla Al Khaja, is one of the renowned figures headlining the event. Through the narrative of her own entrepreneurial journey, Nayla will explpore the gender divide within the film industry and how she is fighting to change it by going global to win funding for her latest feature film project, ‘The Shadow’.

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Briar Prestidge, founder of the eponymous Dubai-based public relations firm, will also be joining the panel to discuss the the challenges and opportunities presented to female entrepreneurs. Briar will also be accompanied by Lucy Chow, Director of the Woman’s Angel Investor Netwrok (WAIN), who will provide her reputable insight on the investment issues facing women in the region, and specifcally what WAIN is doing to resolve the imbalance. 

Register online for the event and join the debate here.