KUWAIT: The British Embassy in Kuwait hosted its annual Ramadan Ghabga on Tuesday, celebrating the achievements of distinguished female business leaders and their contributions to the longstanding UK-Kuwait trade partnership. The event, which followed closely after International Women’s Day on March 8, underscored the growing role of women in shaping the economic landscape.

British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme. “This year’s Ghabga celebrates the Holy Month of Ramadan and – given the recent International Women’s Day – the valuable contributions of female business leaders to the UK and Kuwait’s 250-year-old trading partnership,” she said.

British ambassador poses for a group photo alongside embassy members, diplomats and government officials.

She further emphasized the UK’s commitment to gender equality in business, adding, “The UK is committed to working with our partners, including Kuwait, to create a business environment where innovation and hard work are rewarded, and people succeed irrespective of their gender.” She noted that the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has appointed former Minister and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Baroness Harriet Harman KC, as the new UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls to act as a champion for this work. The Ghabga brought together key figures from Kuwait’s business community, highlighting the significant role of women in strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.

Naz Demir, Country Director at the Department for Business and Trade, reinforced this sentiment in her speech, stating: “This evening, we celebrate past, present, and future female business leaders and their significant impact on the UK and Kuwait’s trade relationship – which is now worth a record £6.2 billion a year. Events like this reaffirm our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders and strengthening further the special bond between our two countries.”

The UK-Kuwait partnership spans 250 years, with trade and investment between the two countries reaching new heights. The event not only served as a platform to recognize the achievements of women in business but also reiterated the commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving economic environment for future generations.