PappaRoti Owner and Founder Rasha Al Danhani emerged as one of the top awardees at the recently concluded Arab Woman Awards UAE 2013 held at Rosewood Hotel in Abu Dhabi on 8 December 2013, organized by ITP Publishing under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development.

Ms. Al Danhani who also owns Brandnoise and Al Rasha Investment, romped away with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award joined by 15 other awardees in their respective categories. Ms. Al Danhani earned the judges’ nods for her remarkable achievements with the PappaRoti franchise. A Malaysian brand, PappaRoti is one of the most successful franchises in the UAE today.

Ever gracious in her triumph, Ms. Al Danhani says, “I am humbled by this recognition, and the impact of this award is profound. It just inspired me even more to break new grounds in business and continue to be a trailblazer for many women.”

Ms. Al Danhani’s feat in formulating the meteoric rise of her PappaRoti franchise is nothing short of groundbreaking. PappaRoti which opened in the UAE in the summer of 2009, right after the global crisis hit, as a small kiosk at Dubai Mall, has gone multinational in less than 5 years. Today, PappaRoti is a top-earning food brand with more than 100 outlets and kiosks in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Libya.

Recalling her recession-defying success, Ms. Al Danhani explains, “Crisis or not, people love to enjoy good food. We had the right product which, along with the right marketing strategy and dose of dedication became a huge brand success. Dubai customers fell in love with PappaRoti at first bite just like I did the first time I had it in Malaysia.” She then quickly adds, “I must credit woman’s intuition. That’s why this award is a salute to womanhood. I’m acknowledged not just as an entrepreneur but as a woman entrepreneur. Receiving an Arab Woman Awards trophy is very special.”

Established in 2009 by publishing giant ITP, the Arab Woman Awards raises public awareness of the significant achievements of Arab women across the GCC and provides positive role models for young women. Winners are privately selected by a panel of judges composed of highly influential women carefully handpicked for their credentials and achievements in different industries.

Joining Ms. Rasha Al Danhani as awardees at Arab Woman Awards 2013 are: Mona Al Gurg (businesswomen category), Bedoor Al Raqbani (education), Shaikha Hoor Bint Sultan (arts), Dr Najat Meky (artist), Noora Al Noman (literature), Mona Al Merri (media), Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak (women in government), Samira Murshed Al Romaithi (sport), Shaikha Madiyah Al Sharqi (fashion), Aljoud Loutah (young designer), Dr Suad Loutfi (medical), Shaikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan (humanitarian), Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi (inspirational Arab women of the year) and Raja Al Gurg (Lifetime Achievement Award).
 

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