Besides the observance of International Women’s Day in March, this is also the month many countries celebrate Mother’s Day – and in the UAE we also annually honour a very special mother, HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation.

One of those women promoted to ministerial level is Noura al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, and also a dear friend. In this issue we present a congratulatory note to Noura who has been promoted to Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, from members of the twofour54, a community that she has led and who are thrilled to commend her for her success!

As part of my involvement with AmCham, I am proud to have helped, in my capacity as chair of the Women in Business Committee, in the launch of Women Achieve, a powerful charter that guides institutions through specific measures to advance women. I love the work of the current committee, including the contributions of Julie Lewis, Vanessa Middleton, Anna Heystek, Dareen Zoughbi and others. I’m happy to see the Women in Business Committee thriving under the dynamic chairmanship of Heather Smith and the wise guidance of Executive Director Theresa Weber. I urge you all to visit the Women Achieve online page and pledge your commitment to its ideals. The story on this is on page 30 and the website is www.womenachievepledge.org.

In this issue of Tempo we share inspirational stories about all the amazing doers in our society –  men and women – who strive to make a mark, whether it is in design, entrepreneurship or social engagement.  We are blessed to be working together in a country that is progressive and a beacon for security, innovation and opportunity.

Work hard. Be kind. Stay happy.