She was chosen July 2007 United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs European Alumni of the Month. In the Queen's Birthday Honours 1990 Abdela was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for "services to the advancement of Women in Politics and Local Government".
Abdela's achievement was acknowledged when she was selected July 2007 United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs European Alumni of the Month. In 1990, she received a prestigious award from Queen's Birthday Honours for her dedication to advancing women's roles in politics and local government.