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CEO of twofour54 Noura Al Kaabi is among Foreign Policy magazine’s leading ‘global thinkers of 2013’, a list of 100 people who have made measurable difference and are pushing the boundaries of the possible. This has been announced during an event where the United States Secretary of State John Kerry gave the closing speech at Foreign Policy’s annual gathering yesterday in the Washington DC.

Foreign Policy is one of the most respected publications in international politics and global affairs and each winter it recognises the world’s most distinguished thought leaders. Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive of twofour54, is the first Emirati ever to be named on the list. First on the list was Edward Joseph Snowden, who was amongst other prominent names such as Pope Francis, John Kerry, Vladimir Putin, Hassan Rouhani, Angela Merkel, Dilma Rousseff, Mark Zuckerberg, Zaha Hadid, and others.

David Rothkopf, the CEO of Foreign Policy, described Noura Al Kaabi as one of the leading thinkers on this year’s list, citing the messages she delivers and her long record of titles and achievements. Noura was named on the list of the ‘Top Global Thinkers’ for her prominent role in enriching Arabic e-content, her contributions in supporting young creative talents, as well as promoting digital media in-line with advanced technological developments.

David Rothkopf added that though Arabic is one of the 10 most important languages in the world, online Arabic content does not exceed 3%, reflective of the gap between the number of Arabic speakers and their digital contributions – where Al Kaabi takes responsibility in bridging the gap through various initiatives.

Foreign Policy was established in 1970 and provides analysis of pressing global challenges, leading experts to its readership of influential corporate, policymaker and professional audiences through print and online channels. The U.S.-based publication has over 200 million annual page views and over half a million newsletter subscribers.

H.E. Noura Al Kaabi is Chief Executive Officer of the Media Zone Authority-Abu Dhabi and its commercial arm twofour54 – a Government initiative that supports the development of sustainable media and creative industries for the UAE and the region. Following Noura’s appointment to the role of CEO in 2012, the Media Zone Authority has continued to attract local, regional, and international partners. Over 240 companies are now based on twofour54’s Abu Dhabi’s campus.

As part of her role as CEO, Noura oversees the Media Zone Authority’s industry building initiatives: the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and TROPFEST Arabia, which is part of the world’s largest short film festival. Noura is a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE and sits on the board of Abu Dhabi Media, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Image Nation and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. She is also a member of the Advisory Board for Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and a member of the Scientific Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.

Noura’s appearance in ‘The Top 100 Global Thinkers’ list recognises her achievements in developing the media industry across the UAE and the Arab world. Earlier this year, France’s most prominent weekly magazine ‘Le Nouvel Observateur’ nominated her as one of 50 individuals who contribute to ‘changing the world’ and named her ‘Queen of Media’ in its magazine piece which noted Noura’s numerous achievements and her presence in almost all Arab Women influencer listings.

The twofour54 CEO was previously awarded Arabian Business’ Media CEO of the Year in 2012 and Female CEO of the Year by CEO Middle East in 2012. She was named Forbes Middle East’s 30 Most Influential Women in Government in 2013, Arabian Business’ 100 most powerful Arab Women in 2011 and 2012 and CEO Middle East’s 100 most powerful Arab Women in 2012.

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