UAE Women Leaders Advocate for Tech and Soft Skills to Boost Careers

Dubai: At the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai, UAE women leaders stressed the importance of blending technical and soft skills for career success. The session, held at Madinat Jumeirah and moderated by Brandy Scott of ARN, discussed strategies for breaking barriers and advancing in leadership roles.

The discussion, titled “Break the Mould: Building Career Pathways from the Factory to the Boardroom,” highlighted the value of mentorship, ongoing learning, and company support. These elements, the panelists explained, are essential for women to progress in their careers.

Personal Stories from Trailblazers

Najeeba Al Jabri, Vice-President of EHS at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), and Fatma Al Shaygi, Chair of the TAQA Women’s Council, shared their journeys. Both emphasized emotional intelligence and strong communication as key to professional growth.

Fatma spoke about her shift from banking to the renewable energy sector, where she now serves on 14 boards. “I was the only woman in a department of 150 men at Masdar,” she said. “Mentorship gave me the tools to develop an inclusive leadership style.” She also encouraged companies to provide executive training, like MBA programs, to help women prepare for leadership.

Najeeba shared her own experiences, explaining how she moved from research to board roles. “Technical expertise is important,” she noted. “But strategic leadership skills and certifications are essential for excelling in the boardroom.”

Companies Play a Key Role

The session also highlighted the growing investment by UAE companies in empowering women. Fatma’s attendance at the London Business School, funded by her employer, showed how professional development programs can shape careers.

Social enterprises like Aurora50 were also praised for offering women the tools and networks they need for leadership. Both speakers urged organizations to create more such resources to help women rise through the ranks.

Key Takeaways

• Women need both technical expertise and soft skills to lead effectively.
• Mentorship, corporate training, and continuous learning are vital.
• UAE companies are taking steps to empower women through targeted programs.