Ms. Bedour Saeed Al Raqbani is a mother, traveler and social entrepreneur. A recipient of the UAE Pioneers award for founding Kalimati Communication and Rehabilitation Center, she is a member of the UAE Advisory Council for People of Determination, and a recognizable voice for social inclusion and systemic integration in the country.

An alumna of American University of Sharjah, Ms. Al Raqbani graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication, along with the AUS Chair’s Award and the Sheikh Rashid Award for Scientific Excellence.

Ms. Al Raqbani’s philanthropic accomplishments stem from her support of grassroots initiatives working towards an equitable society. She is a member of the UAE Sign Language Committee, the Parents Advisory Committee at Al Mizhar American Academy, and an active participant in local and international colloquia and conferences addressing the empowerment of people with special needs. Among her many projects, she headed the organizing committee of Hear My Voice: Empowering the Deaf International Conferences, developed several local and regional Social Awareness Campaigns, was part of the UAE’s Federal Retreat for People of Determination, participated in several national Brainstorming Labs on elevating sustainable community development, and co-organized the UAE’s first Innovation Lab for The Deaf.

Ms. Al Raqbani’s accolades span academic excellence awards and national leadership honors. She is the recipient of the Arab Woman Award in UAE in Education, the GCC Women in Leadership Award, CDA Award for Mothers of Special Children, Princess Haya Award in Special Education and Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum Award for UAE Woman Excellence.