Reem Al Hashmi picked as 'person of the month'

UAE minister of state Reem Al Hashmi has been selected as “person of the month” by Emarat Al Youm newspaper for her role in the UAE’s successful efforts to host the 2020 World Expo and for conveying a civilized image of Arab women to the world.

The Dubai-based paper, which introduced the award in early 2012, said Hashmi hit headlines in the global media after her presentation at a Paris meeting early this month, when Dubai won the bid to host the 2020 prestigious event.

The paper’s editor in chief Sami Al Riyami said Hashmi, who was influential in the wresting victory for the UAE’s Expo bid, was picked for the “person of the month” award from among several other personalities.

“She deserved this title after demonstrating great capabilities in conveying a civilized image not only for the UAE women, but for the Arab and Muslim women,” Riyami said.

“The minister has drawn the attention of the global media as a strong personality and educated minister, who emerged with strong confidence at that meeting with her traditional UAE dress ...she illustrated the real face of the UAE which is marching towards globalization with great openness without risking its tradition and heritage.”

Emarat Alyoum, one of the most popular Arabic language newspapers in the region, launched the “person of the month” award in January 2012 to honour outstanding people for their role in the society, the first prize of its kind in the country.

The tabloid-style paper is part of the government-owned Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), one of the largest media establishments in the region. DMI also includes the Emirates24|7 paper, the Arabic language Al-Bayan newspapers, Dubai TV and other media organs.