New Program Aims To Enhance Leadership Skills Among Emirati And Arab Women

The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), in collaboration with Skyrize Partners and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), has introduced the sixth cohort of the Nomu Al Ghurair programme. This initiative, focusing on Women in Management and Leadership, aims to enhance the professional skills of Emirati and Arab women in Ras Al Khaimah.

Participants undergo a comprehensive curriculum that includes career counselling, CV and LinkedIn optimisation, people leadership, and business communications. The programme combines practical workshops with interactive training sessions, offering participants insights into effective management practices.

A significant aspect of the programme is the Capstone project. Participants address real business scenarios within RAKEZ's Parks Operations and Marketing departments. They apply their newly acquired skills to develop strategic marketing campaigns and contribute to operational processes. This hands-on experience culminates in presentations to a jury comprising senior representatives from AGF, RAKEZ, and Skyrize at the graduation ceremony.

The programme also includes a six-month mentorship period where seasoned professionals guide participants in refining and applying their skills in real-world contexts. This mentorship is crucial for helping participants transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

Mona Ghander, Vice President of Partnerships and Programmes at AGF, highlighted the importance of the initiative: "Nomu Al Ghurair’s mission is to empower young Emirati and Arab women by equipping them with key management and leadership skills, paving the way for meaningful professional development. Our partnership with RAKEZ has been instrumental in extending our reach to women in Ras Al Khaimah, providing them with access to local industry and economy. This collaboration has significantly enhanced their opportunities for growth and positioned them to make a meaningful impact in their communities."

Ramy Jallad, Group CEO at RAKEZ, stated: "The launch of the Nomu Al Ghurair’s pathway focusing on Women in Management and Leadership illustrates our drive to enhance the capabilities of Emirati talents. This programme enriches our community by preparing talented women to lead, innovate, and drive forward our economy. We are equipping Emirati women with the tools they need to excel and lead in a competitive environment, reflecting our dedication to strengthening the workforce with skilled professionals."

Networking for Career Advancement

In addition to skill development, the programme offers extensive networking opportunities. Participants interact with senior women leaders and potential employers. This network expansion is designed to open doors to internships and permanent job placements, providing participants with a practical pathway for immediate application of their newly acquired skills.

Sarah Sefiane, General Manager at Skyrize Partners, expressed her enthusiasm: "The Nomu Al Ghurair’s pathway focusing on Women in Management and Leadership, launched by AGF in partnership with Skyrize Partners, is dedicated to empowering young Emirati women through career-focused training. We are thrilled to have RAKEZ as our strategic partner in this cohort, equipping Emirati women with the tools and the business ecosystem they need to succeed in their careers."

Building Future Leaders

Aysha Sulaiman, HR and Development Director at RAKEZ, added: "The Nomu Women programme equips participants with the skills to tackle real business challenges head-on. Their active involvement in strategic projects showcases their growing expertise and potential for future leadership roles. This experience enhances their understanding of the industry and also prepares them to make significant contributions to their fields. We are excited to see how these young professionals will apply these insights and skills in their upcoming endeavours."

This five-week training initiative is fully funded by AGF. It aligns with RAKEZ’s strategy to elevate women's roles in the workforce by targeting Emirati female students, fresh graduates, and young professionals aged 18-35.

The Nomu Al Ghurair programme sets a new standard for women's professional development across the region. By creating an ecosystem that nurtures female talent, AGF, Skyrize Partners, and RAKEZ are fostering a more inclusive business landscape in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM