DUBAI: A Saudi Arabian woman has won diplomat of the year for the Middle East, awarded by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce. Afnan al-Shuaiby was awarded the prestigious honor, a statement from the chamber of commerce said. The ceremony honoring the woman took place on May 16 in London to recognize excellence of foreign diplomats in the United Kingdom. Shuaiby won the award after an anonymous vote by Diplomat Magazine and a panel of judges believed her efforts were exemplary for Middle East diplomacy. The award, the statement said, “could not have been awarded to a more deserving person.” The magazine highlighted the achievements of Shuaiby as the first Saudi and first women to be appointed in such a senior position. The magazine also praised Shuaiby for her “leadership, vision and contribution to the enhancement of Arab UK trade. They also commented on how the A-BCC has progressed enormously, and become the key body for promotion of Arab British trade since Afnan Al-Shuaiby took office.” Other ‘Diplomat of the Year' awards included that of the Ambassador of Belgium for Europe, the Ambassador of Brazil for Latin America and the Ambassador of Japan for Asia. BM
