Biography:

Has a history of a successful career in academia, Dr Ghubash had many leadership positions: Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UAE University (1992�2000) and rapidly progressing to become the first Arab female President of Regionals University (2001�2009). She successfully completed eight years in this position with many achievements including innovations in medical education.

Rafia Ghubash is the first qualified psychiatrist in the UAE. She had a successful career in psychiatry including the accomplishment of conducting pioneering epidemiological research on the sociocultural risk factors for psychiatric disorders in the UAE community, and attained the PhD from University of London in 1992. She conducted other studies in applied mental health research and published 45 papers in international peer-reviewed journals.

On the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day (8 March 2011), Women Deliver organization announced that Prof. Rafia Obaid Ghubash has been selected as one of the �The most inspiring individuals delivering for women" among 100 personalities who also delivered.

Prof. Rafia�s many and varied educational, social and intellectual contributions to national, regional and international organizations is reflected in her membership of professional associations and civic organizations, such as: � Board of Trustees Dubai Culture (2014�current) � Board of Trustees Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (2014�current) � Councilor membership of the World Future Council in Germany (2003�current) � Membership of the Advisory Council for UNDP (2003�current) � Board of Trustees for the Sheikh Khalifa Educational Awards in UAE (2009�2013) � WHO Scientific Committees (2008�2001).

Her many honors and awards include: � The Rashid Awards for Distinguished Scientist (1988 and 1992), � Al-Owais Research Award (1992, 1994 and 1995), � Award of Distinction for Citizens from Um-al-Momenien Women Association (2002), � Sheikh Hamden bin Rashid Award for Medical Sciences (2003/2004). � Taryam Omran Journalism Awards 2012 � Arab Women Award; Education 2012 � Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patron of Arts Award 2013 � Cultural Personality of the Year in Al Owais Creative Award, 2014; and many others.  

Abstract: