Her Majesty Queen Rania is in Dubai to attend The Global Women’s Forum. Also attending the forum were His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and his son His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Her Majesty spoke an opening keynote speech Forum where she challenged an audience of international leaders to break inherited molds that have been imposed on women, and pursue innovation in improving their standing, during the forum she was also awarded the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medal of Honor for Women. A medal to personally honor conceived and celebrate leading women for their achievements by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,

The award was given in recognition of Queen Rania’s invaluable impact as a champion for women's empowerment across the Arab Region. She was presented the award by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

In her speech, she said that "a society’s expectations of women directly reflect its confidence in their abilities and potential." and explained that the infiltration of Arab societies by extremist ideologies requires an exceptional urgency for change and demands leaps in progress. "We need to actively fight currents that are trying to throw us centuries behind, Many Arab women have faced so many tragedies that their lives have been turned around into worst case scenarios," she added.

In addition to her speech she referred to the growing and complicated problems of the Arab World, shee stated that "we are stuck hovering over the same ground, prevented by the winds of conflicts, inherited boundaries, and backward ideologies." and added that "a powerful push forward" was necessary. She explained that modern technology can help transform education, create jobs, and overcome the barriers women face. "We have tools that give women a louder voice, and a wider space to participate and advocate," Queen Rania said. She underlined the importance of using creative skills, unconventional solutions, and new approaches to prompt quick and lasting change.

Queen Rania also highlighted Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak’s role in pushing the women of her country to excel in many sectors. She added that Sheikha Fatima became "a role model for women by raising the bar and encouraging them to look beyond boundaries."

In the conclusion of her speech, the Queen underscored the Arab World’s dire need to catch up with global trends. She said this would "require strong, knowledgeable, and ambitious women that can help our societies stand strong again and help us realize our full potential."

Other speakers at the opening of the forum included Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nayhan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, President of the UAE Federal National Council.
For the forum Her Majesty looked chic and gorgeous in  Louboutin SophiaRegina heels on her feet, Bottega Veneta Colorblocked Seam-Detail Wool Skirt,
Photo Credit: Queen Rania/Facebook