30 September 2015
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. - AmCham Abu Dhabi announces that Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority has become the latest signatory of WOMEN ACHIEVE, an innovative program established by its Women in Business Committee that promotes the professional advancement of women. The program was developed to encourage companies and organizations to give women more opportunities to advance their careers by offering them positions of greater responsibility and leadership.

Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority is now the 40th organization that has joined an expanding list of leading companies that support the WOMEN ACHIEVE initiative including Accenture, AECOM, Al Noor Hospitals Group, AMIDEAST, Bechtel, BrandMoxie, Boeing, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, ExxonMobil, Global Advocates & Legal Consultants, Institute of Management Accountants Middle East, Lockheed Martin Global Inc., Mubadala GE Capital, New York Institute of Technology, Northrop Grumman, Olgoonik Global Security, Parsons, Raytheon, Squire Patton Boggs LLP, and others. As a supporter of the WOMEN ACHIEVE program, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority reassures its commitment to provide a work environment that is favorable to women's development by empowering women to refine their leadership skills and flourish in their respective jobs and areas of expertise. Moreover, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority pledges to provide greater opportunities for women's participation in training and career advancement. 

"Nowadays, women play an increasingly stronger role in business, the military and government. We believe in women's significant role in building greater economies, and helping achieve development and sustainability in the country. Thus, we always seek ways to empower and encourage them to participate fully in business and economic life across all sectors," said Aysha Sulaiman, Director of Human Resources & Development, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ). "RAK FTZ has always been proactive in developing its female employees to lead important positions and projects in the organization. More than 50% of managerial and leadership positions are currently held by women. Moreover, RAK FTZ conducts many programs throughout the year for its female employees to boost their power in the business field." 

Robert S. Harward, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi, commented, "We are delighted to have Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority sign WOMEN ACHIEVE. AmCham Abu Dhabi is proud to support innovative initiatives, such as WOMEN ACHIEVE, that foster positive change in the business community and realize the full capacity of talent available to grow industry."

Established in January 2013, WOMEN ACHIEVE emphasizes seven key ideals, which direct companies towards acquiring a supportive work environment for the professional advancement of women. These ideals include encouraging women to grow through training, shadowing, coaching, mentorship and internship programs, as well as considering female candidates for new opportunities and the support of 'rising stars' into leadership positions. WOMEN ACHIEVE also encourages the induction of women to serve on boards of various organizations and advocates the importance of fair remuneration for female employees.

Participation in WOMEN ACHIEVE is open to entities of all sizes. Companies that are interested can elect to become signatories by contacting AmCham Abu Dhabi. In addition, WOMEN ACHIEVE signatories receive a certificate of acknowledgement from AmCham Abu Dhabi for their support and are eligible to use the WOMEN ACHIEVE seal on their communication collateral.

-Ends-

For press inquiries contact:
Heather Smith, Chairperson, Women in Business Committee, AmCham Abu Dhabi, O: +971 2 497 8354, Email: wib@amchamabudhabi.org 

About Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority:
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) provides award-winning services and world-class facilities, enabling clients to quickly and efficiently set up and grow profitable companies in the United Arab Emirates. Home to more than 8,000 active companies from over 100 countries and over 50 industry sectors, RAK FTZ offers completely tax-free status to its clients, allows for 100 per cent foreign ownership and unrestricted repatriation of profits, in addition to a host of other business-friendly incentives.

Less than an hour's drive from Dubai, RAK FTZ offers significant geographical advantages for clients to easily access markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South Asia. It caters to the unique requirements of small, medium and large businesses with four free zone parks including business center facilities, offices, warehouses and land for development, as well as facilities for educational institutions. Since its inception 15 years ago, RAK FTZ has diversified from its traditional focus on industrial manufacturing to also support trading, sales and marketing activities, a wide range of service sectors, as well as logistics and distribution platforms. To learn more about RAK FTZ, please visit www.rakftz.com.

About WOMEN ACHIEVE:
WOMEN ACHIEVE is an initiative by AmCham Abu Dhabi's Women in Business Committee to support the advancement of women into positions of higher responsibility and leadership within companies and organizations. WOMEN ACHIEVE focuses on seven key ideals that direct companies towards acquiring a supportive work environment for the professional advancement of women. The ideals include encouraging women to grow through training, shadowing, coaching, mentorship and internship programs, considering female candidates for new opportunities and promoting 'rising stars' into leadership positions. WOMEN ACHIEVE also encourages women to serve on corporate boards and supports fair remuneration for female employees. For more information about WOMEN ACHIEVE, please contactwib@amchamabudhabi.org

About AmCham Abu Dhabi:
AmCham Abu Dhabi (the trademark of the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi) is a member of the global network of American Chambers of Commerce. The AmCham Abu Dhabi mission is to promote commerce, investment and goodwill between the United States of America, the membership, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. AmCham Abu Dhabi is an independent, not-for-profit association comprised of Fortune 500 corporations, small and medium sized companies and prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs. AmCham Abu Dhabi provides a uniquely situated platform through which executives pursue and discuss issues impacting business operations between the U.S. and U.A.E. Substantive government advocacy programs, educational and networking programs and customized business service are just a few of the many benefits AmCham Abu Dhabi provides its members. Through the support of its members, AmCham Abu Dhabi has become the recognized voice of U.S. business in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. For more information, visit:www.AmChamAbuDhabi.org

© Press Release 2015