| In her cosy glass office on the 11th floor of the Gulf Research Centre in Dubai, Ebtisam Al Kitbi sat sipping tea and savouring the view of the Dubai Creek and Al Garhoud area from her window.
Dressed in a black abaya and sheylah, she radiated cheerfulness, intelligence and intellect.
When I arrived for an interview, she ushered me into her office and offered me a drink. I declined, intent on wrapping up the interview quickly before being escorted out. After all, she was a busy woman.
Pen poised on the notepad, I was ready to bombard her with questions, when she asked, "Why did you choose to interview me?"
I considered the question and told myself, "Well honestly, my editor asked me to." But then, I thought about it.
This woman has just been named Woman of the Year at the 7th Woibex Women in Business Conference held in Dubai to mark International Women's Day.
She was chosen from 135 candidates. She is assistant professor of political science at the UAE University and the first woman to hold the position of treasurer in the Arab Society for Political Science.
A social and academic icon, she has gained the experience and insight to talk about what the UAE national woman has achieved today, express her views on the status of higher education in the UAE and advise the youth of today...
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