Saturday, Jul 11, 2009
Gulf News
Dubai: Emirati women in managerial roles believe that the "positive role of the family" and constant learning leads to self-confidence which in turn creates a promising generation of decision-makers and visionary leaders."
Gulf News spoke to three promising Emirati women in top managerial positions - Nadia Kamali, Business Development Manager at Hamdan Bin Mohammad e-University in Dubai, Dr Salama Al Rahoumi, Head of Quality Department at Dubai Medical District and Dr Aisha Bin Bishr, Director-Corporate Excellence at the Executive Council, Dubai Government, at an event organised recently by the Dubai Women's Establishment (DWE), which focused on the role of Emirati women throughout the UAE's history.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the best example for all the people of the UAE, the female managerial leaders said: "We all owe our success to his remarkable role in bringing us into the chairs of responsibility and he equips us with all the tools of knowledge to accomplish the success that he always seeks," Dr Salama, Dr Aisha and Nadia said of their gratitude for the endless support of Shaikh Mohammad.
Nadia says leadership needs constant doses of education and professional training.
"Dubai Women's Establishment creates a genuine opportunity to build a link among young leaders, and through it they can effortlessly express their ambitions and strengthen their talents in leadership."
Nadia emphasises the importance of attending training courses in shaping and filling in gaps of weakness.
"Taking part in regular workshops, seminars and conferences will undoubtedly contribute towards building a remarkable leadership persona," she said.
Dr Aisha said: "Learning isn't just restricted to schools and colleges - it goes thousands of miles beyond this. Enrol yourself on regular training in or out the country in order to improve your skills and upgrade your performance, and work hard to make your society proud."
The spirit of teamwork, in Dr Aisha's perspective has a tremendous impact.
"Through my experience, I realised that the individuality of any organisation is due to an enthusiastic crew."
She says smoothness of cooperation and coordination within a team can overcome any barriers that might challenge the progress of the organisation.
Dr Salama points to the role of the family in forming an effective decision maker: "Family undertakes the lion's share; it's the first environment which plants positive traits, such as ethics, a proper education and enhancing the sense of responsibility.
"The stability of the family is crucial. According to scientific studies, childhood is a very critical stage, subsequently if it is handled properly, society will be developed by wise and visionary leaders," she said.
"To ensure a perfect outcome, we have to put the right person in the right place."
Dr Aisha and Nadia agreed.
The three manageresses encourage working within a multi-cultural business environment: "Working with different nationalities has truly opened horizons for us. It has broadened our business knowledge and has created flexible tools of communication," they said.
Dr Aisha is persuaded by open dialogue and intelligent negotiations, to keep all involved parties satisfied when a decision is finally made.
Dr Salama and Nadia agreed that they all encourage adaptation to various cultures. Due to Nadia's efforts she was recently promoted to Director of Business Development, Marketing Department.
By Fatma Salem, Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
