Alongside the usual suspects, Arabian Business’ annual list of ‘The Most Powerful Arab Women’ back in March revealed some shock entries for 2012.
Many were unsurprised to hear that Sheikha Lubna Al Qasmi – the first female minister in the history of the United Arab Emirates – retained her title as she grabbed top spot for the second year running.
But this year’s real winners were the Lebanese who snapped up a number of unexpected high-rankings.
At almost 80 years of age, Lebanese diva, Fairuz, showed she’s still got what it takes, as she placed at number 13, making her the top Lebanese woman in the poll.
From the younger generation, Lebanese singer Elissa beat off the competition to come in at 41st position – ahead of all other Arab female artists of her age - leaving Arabic pop icon, Nancy Ajram, trailing behind at 65.
The shock entries suggest these female top dogs will have to claw onto their places if they want to triumph in next year’s poll. Expect the usual rounds of jostling (and bitching) for power and popularity to come!
Who would you have crowned 2012’s most powerful Arab woman?
