Region 9 held the first Regional Conference in Dubai at the Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel December 8 – 10, 2011. The Regional meeting was well attended by the five FAWCO clubs from the Region: AW of Amman, AWC Lebanon, AWA Doha, AW of the Eastern Province and AWA Dubai.  Attendees included FAWCO Reps, Club Presidents and club members from each club.  We also had guests from non-FAWCO clubs - the co-presidents from the Women's International Network of  Abu Dhabi.

The FAWCO board was well represented with President, My-Linh Kunst, Cora Lee Findley, FAWCO Treasurer and Monica Jubayli, FAWCO 3rd VP.   Kathy Coughlan, FAWCO Foundation Treasurer and FAWCO Target Program Chair, Anne van Oorschot were also present. Anne gave a fantastic presentation about the Target Water Program and ways to help raise funds to support Tabitha - Wells for Clean Water. Kathy gave us tips about the Foundation’s new Triple Tiered Treats fundraising campaign.  

The theme for Region 9’s conference focused on the study of global water sustainability issues in the region. Francois Boueri gave an informative talk about “Liquid Gold,” Miyahuna, Our Water, in Arabic.  Louise Yearout (AWA Doha) and Adora (AWA Dubai) gave a fascinating presentation called Americana. This program focuses on teaching American children about the importance of American history and culture while living overseas. Additional workshops included information about Sharing Cultures by Nassif Kayed and Facts – U.S. Taxes by Virginia La Torre Jeker.

When the business sessions finished, we wandered around Dubai visiting the Burj Khalifa and other prominent tourist’s sites. 

Gracious thanks goes to AWA Dubai for coordinating, hosting and providing Region 9 with a wonderful venue for the first Regional Conference in our Desert Oasis. 

Kelly M. Al Nashmi, Region 9 Coordinator