Dubai: The Arabic edition of the autobiography of well-respected regional business leader, Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, is now available at leading bookstores following its launch at this week’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), which runs at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until April 30.

The autobiography, the first to be written by an Emirati businesswoman, provides keen insights into the momentous life of Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC (ESAG).

The Arabic edition, released just four months after its successful English debut, was planned from the project start with ADIBF viewed as an appropriate launch platform given its powerful appeal to UAE nationals and Arabic-speaking readers across the region.

Released by Motivate Publishing, the autobiography is a deeply personal and inspiring account of Dr. Al Gurg’s childhood on the banks of Dubai Creek, her education in Kuwait, through to her early career at Za’abeel Secondary School and eventual transition into the family business – one of the oldest and  well respected conglomerates in the Emirates. Readers discover how Dr Al Gurg learnt the ropes under the tutelage of her beloved father, His Excellency Easa Saleh Al Gurg. The book simultaneously charts the growth of Dubai while providing insights into how the author overcame challenges to create a legacy that continues to l inspire a generation of young women leaders.

In the book’s foreword, HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, equates the autobiography with the history of the UAE. “Dr Raja Al Gurg has a great story to tell and she tells it in a compelling fashion,” he says. “Her story is, in many ways, the story of the United Arab Emirates.”

Dr. Al Gurg, who holds honorary doctorates in literature and economics, reveals that despite several commendations that underline her stature in the world of business, she was a reluctant convert to this sector. “When I took on the role in my father's company, I had to prove that I could be successful as a woman who was chosen by my father. I firmly believe it is crucial that all women push their own boundaries and have the will to succeed."

The book also provides insights into some of Dr Al Gurg’s philosophies which have driven her in a career spanning over three decades, during which she saw the family business group grow to 27 entities with interests in consumer, building and construction, retail and lifestyle, industrial and real estate. She joined the Group in 1989 as a Member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Al Gurg is the only Emirati business leader in the 2018 Forbes listing of ‘The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’, placed 82nd from a previous ranking of 90. She is also ranked 28th in the Gulf Business Arab Power 2018 list of the 100 Most Powerful Arabs.

A persistent champion of Arab women entrepreneurs, Dr. Al Gurg pursues several philanthropic, social and charitable activities, notably with the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation and Al Jalila Foundation. She serves as President of Dubai Business Women Council; Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Dubai Healthcare City Authority; and sits on the boards of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Dubai Women’s Association.

Dr. Al Gurg is also the first Emirati woman on the board of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. She is on the Board of Trustees for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives; Vice Chairperson, Board of Trustees, for the Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences as well as a member of the Board of Governors of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.

Summarising her book, Dr. Gurg says it is as relevant today as it was while she was forging her business credentials and surmounting barriers. “My autobiography is about bends in my journey which translated into opportunities,” she says. “I hope that I can play a part in inspiring the younger generation to believe that they can achieve their dreams if they try hard, do their best and never give up.

“I hope my book also inspires women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. My stories of the challenges of balancing tradition as well as culture within a swiftly evolving city and country can also be learnings for the young and future generations of the family.”

-Ends-

About Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC
The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC (ESAG), founded in 1960, by H.E. Easa Saleh Al Gurg, KCVO, CBE, is a multidivisional conglomerate with 27 companies. The Group has a range of diverse product and business interests that predominantly include retail, building and construction, industrial and joint ventures. With an active presence throughout UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia; its reach stretches across Asia, Middle East, the African continent, parts of America, Australia and New Zealand.

Website: www.algurg.com 

For media enquiries, please contact:
Sabrina Khisaf
MCS/Action
T: +971 4 365 8587
sabrina.k@actionprgroup.com 

© Press Release 2019

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