ABU DHABI // The Arab world’s most powerful woman, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, has been ranked in the top 50 with global influence according to American business magazine Forbes.
As the UAE’s Minister of International Cooperation and Development, Sheikha Lubna has gradually improved her power rating, according to Forbes, from a position of 67 in 2013, 55 in 2014 and 42 this year, as a result of her leading the UAE into an unprecedented period of philanthropy from her ministerial position. She ranked the highest of women in Arab countries.
The UAE contributed US$5.4 billion – 1.3 per cent of its income, to foreign nations in 2013, a steep climb from the $1.6 billion donated in 2012, giving more than any other nation. Last year the UAE gave $12 million in aid for Syrian children and refugees.
Sheikha Lubna has also contributed to charities in her own time, volunteering with the Friends of Cancer Patients Society and serving on the Dubai Autism Centre Board of Directors.
In 2004, she became the first woman in the country’s history to assume a cabinet position when she was appointed as Minister of Foreign Trade.
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