Thought leadership | Emirati women shaping the future of work

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in HR or people development?

What drew me to HR was the impact it has on people’s growth. With a background in tourism and culture communication, I’ve always valued creativity and connection and HR has given me space to use both.

It’s about more than policies; it’s about people, purpose, and potential. Helping Emirati talent grow into confident professionals is what inspires me every day.

Q: What were some defining moments or challenges in your journey?

Taking on the challenge of building the emiratisation function at Galadari Brothers from the ground up was a defining chapter in my career. There was no playbook to follow, everyone involved had to listen, learn, and lead at the same time.

From understanding what Emirati talent truly needed, to aligning leaders around a shared vision, every step demanded strategy, patience, and persistence. Some initiatives took months before we saw results, but when we did, it was worth every effort.

We’ve launched impactful programs like Kafaat and Ruwad, and more importantly, we’ve started changing perceptions around Emiratis in the private sector. That mindset shift has been one of the most meaningful wins, and it’s just the beginning.

Q: What are you noticing about the new wave of Emirati women entering the workforce?

What stands out is their clarity, confidence, and strong sense of purpose. Today’s Emirati women are entering the workforce with a clear vision not just to build careers, but to make a meaningful difference.

They’re drawn to dynamic, specialised fields like engineering, journalism, content creation, law, audit, and business development, stepping into spaces where Emirati women were once underrepresented, and are and doing so with conviction and drive. 

It’s a powerful shift, and it reinforces the importance of creating workplaces where they can thrive, lead, and leave their mark.

Q: How are Emirati women’s values, ambitions, and expectations shaping workplace culture?

Emirati women are transforming workplace culture by bringing their strong values and clear ambitions with pride. They succeed without compromising their identity or family responsibilities, confidently weaving their heritage into the fabric of the workplace, whether through national celebrations, sharing traditions, or leading by example.

They expect workplaces to respect their family roles and offer flexibility, not excuses. When supported, they repay that trust with greater engagement, loyalty, and productivity. Their leadership style is collaborative and ambitious. They step up to lead and innovate but value guidance and mentorship. This approach is driving a culture of respect, inclusivity, and adaptability, pushing organisations to evolve alongside the next generation’s values.

Q: Who has supported or mentored you along the way?

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible support throughout my journey. Dominic Keogh-Peters, our group CHRO, has been a game-changer, his mentorship made me a stronger, more strategic leader. His belief in me pushed me to grow beyond limits. Our group CEO, Mohammed Galadari, has been a solid pillar, supporting Emirati talent and backing our vision from day one.

On a personal level, I have been raised with values of resilience and ambition, my parents set the foundation, while my husband’s constant support during the busiest times lifts me up. Knowing they believe in me gives me strength daily.

Behind every strong woman is a circle of people who guide, encourage, and cheer her on. I’m endlessly grateful for mine.

Q: How can we create more visible role models for young Emirati women?

To create real, visible role models, we need to move beyond polished success stories. It’s essential to share both the wins and the struggles. There’s no single formula for growth, each woman’s journey is unique, shaped by her background, values, and support system. It’s okay to have a different story, your path is yours to define.

Young women need to see that behind every achievement are challenges, sacrifices, and tough choices. Respect and trust aren’t given, they’re earned through resilience and staying true to your purpose.

By showing the full picture, the ups and downs, we empower young Emirati women to be bold, persevere, and lead authentically on their own terms.

Q: How do you bring your cultural identity into your work?

As an Emirati woman, my cultural identity isn’t something I switch on or off, it’s woven into everything I do. From sharing traditional food, drinks, and scents like bukhoor and oud in the office, to seeing colleagues proudly wear the mukhawar, these moments spark connection and genuine appreciation for our heritage.

But it goes deeper than rituals. The values I lead with respect, generosity, determination are rooted in our culture. Our leaders have always inspired us to aim high, and that spirit pushes me to raise the bar while staying grounded in who I am.

I believe change happens through trust and meaningful action, built slowly, through everyday moments that reflect who we are. It’s not about grand gestures, but about staying true to our values and letting them quietly shape the culture around us. That’s where real, lasting impact lives.

Q: What does it mean to lead or contribute authentically as an Emirati woman?

For me, it’s about honouring the path paved by those before us while breaking new ground for those who follow. Authentic leadership isn’t just about being visible, it’s about creating impact, influencing change, and leaving a legacy that matters.

It means staying true to our values while embracing evolution. Asking bold questions, challenging outdated norms, and building spaces where others can thrive. Leading with both strength and empathy, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

Ultimately, it’s about showing up with integrity, pride, and purpose, balancing tradition with transformation, and ensuring the path forward is wider, brighter, and more inclusive than the one we began on.

Q: What does inclusion look like in the UAE context?

In the UAE, inclusion means more than diversity, it’s about belonging. It’s creating workplaces where every voice is heard, every contribution is valued, and people feel proud to show up as themselves.

It’s respecting differences while uniting around a shared purpose. It’s giving people the space to grow, lead, and succeed without losing their identity. True inclusion here means blending cultures, honouring heritage, and ensuring everyone feels they’re part of something bigger.

Q: How can organisations better support women’s growth and wellbeing?

Mindset shifts are good, but without real policies, flexibility is just talk. Women need clear guidelines to manage work and life without guilt. That means flexible hours, wellness programs, and spaces that support every stage of life. It also means giving women a voice through coaching, mentorship, and honest conversations.

Women thrive when leaders know when to push and when to give space. Some days, family comes first, other days we give 200% – that’s our strength. To unlock it, workplaces need empathy, trust, and understanding.

Q: What would you tell your younger self starting out in the world of work?

I’d say every high and low will teach you something. Don’t carry guilt, carry lessons. Growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.
Show up, stay curious, trust the process. Your path won’t be straight, but it will be yours, and that’s what makes it powerful.

Q: What message do you want to share with young Emirati women today?

Own your journey. Learn from every mistake and don’t rush the process. Choose opportunities that stretch you, shape you, and unlock your potential. Be strong, because the road won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Build trust, seek mentors, and create connections that matter.

Most importantly, stay true to yourself. Carry our values with pride and remember you represent more than yourself. You represent Emirati women and this nation. Lead with confidence, purpose, and integrity and never settle for less than your best.