From IIT To IWD: Reema Mahajan’s WOW Journey To Empowerment And Connection For Indian Women In UAE

In the heart of the UAE's multicultural lineage, Reema Mahajan stands tall as the powerhouse behind one of the region's most inspiring women-centric communities — Indian Women in Dubai (IWD). What began as an empathetic response to a global crisis in 2020 has since blossomed into a robust ecosystem of support, empowerment, and sisterhood for Indian women across the Emirates.

From Boardrooms to Bonding Rooms

Reema’s passion for community-building traces back to her days at IIT-Delhi, where she served as house secretary, organising and leading with purpose. However, her corporate career at prestigious institutions like IIM Bangalore and Bain & Company took precedence for over a decade.

It wasn’t until the global upheaval of COVID-19 that Mahajan’s calling resurfaced. “COVID changed a lot of lives, and it changed mine too,” she reflects. The stress of the pandemic — emotional, financial, and physical — revealed a critical need for a support system for women.

In response, Reema founded IWD, initially as a virtual lifeline. For five months during the height of the pandemic, IWD hosted daily Zoom sessions where women could share their struggles, exchange vital information, and find solace in sisterhood. From guiding families to hospitals in India to collaborating with the Indian Consulate in Dubai to provide accurate resources, IWD became a beacon of hope.

“We were like the Google of Dubai,” Mahajan says, highlighting the group’s role in disseminating critical information during a time of crisis.

Structure, Strategy, Sisterhood

What sets IWD apart is its professional yet personal approach. "My background in structured corporate environments helped," says Reema. "We use content calendars, design events professionally, and run operations thoroughly—but with heart."

Today, IWD is no ordinary Facebook group. It's a digital village of more than 150,000 Indian women across Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. It features dedicated job boards, a women's entrepreneur network, and a powerful recommendation system that fuels word-of-mouth business growth. "You'd be surprised how many businesses have scaled just because another woman vouched for them on our platform."

“We’ve grown so fast because we run it thoroughly, professionally, and in a grounded way,” she explains. This disciplined approach has transformed IWD into a dynamic force, challenging stereotypes about women’s ability to collaborate effectively.

The Power of All-Women Teams

Reema's mission is not just about gathering numbers—it's about shattering stereotypes. "People say women can't work together. IWD is my living answer to that. We host major events run entirely by women, supporting and celebrating each other's wins."

A standout success story is that of two women who started an event decor company from their homes. Through IWD’s support and community referrals, they expanded to a warehouse, with most of their orders coming from the network. Such stories underscore IWD’s role as a catalyst for economic empowerment, particularly for Indian expatriate women in the UAE.

From Holi to Diwali, IWD's social calendar is packed. But the group doesn't just celebrate — it elevates. Business-oriented events and collaborations empower homegrown ventures to grow sustainably and professionally. And then there's Reema's passion project: the Women of Wonder (WoW) podcast, now over 100 episodes strong, spotlighting Indian women who inspire with grit, grace, and ambition.

The Women of Wonder podcast, now two years strong, amplifies the stories of inspiring women, offering role models for the community. “The idea was to share stories of ambitious women so others can take inspiration,” Reema says.

Expanding the Circle But Staying True To The Roots

While the name might say "Dubai," IWD's reach now spans Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and the entire UAE. The group is exclusively for Indian women, but it embraces global Indians — those who may have lived in the US or UK and now call Dubai home.

While IWD has expanded to cover all Emirates, its focus remains on Indian expatriate women. “As long as you’re Indian at heart, that’s what we cater to,” she emphasizes. This cultural anchor resonates deeply with members who, as expats, seek connection and belonging in the UAE. Reema credits Dubai’s safe and inclusive environment for enabling IWD’s growth, noting, “It’s the easiest place to form a community.”

Looking ahead, Reema envisions IWD expanding to other GCC countries and eventually to global hubs like London and Singapore, where Indian expatriates crave similar communities. “There’s demand for something like IWD globally,” she says, dreaming of a network that unites Indian women worldwide.

In 2024, Reema launched two major initiatives — Indian Women Network, focused on entrepreneurs, and Indian Women Professionals, tailored for corporate career women. "There's still a gap at the senior level in companies, especially among Indian women," she says. "We want to bridge that — through mentoring, resume-building sessions, and leadership development."

The Social (Media) Factor

While in-person connections remain core to IWD, Reema acknowledges the importance of digital platforms like Instagram and TikTok. "You can't ignore social media. But I still believe the deepest connections happen over coffee, not comments."

That's why IWD hosts regular meet-ups — casual, cozy, and real. "We've all left our families behind in India. Communities like ours are our new families."

The Woman Behind the Movement

So who is Reema Mahajan, really?

"I'm an open book," she laughs. "People say I work 24/7. Maybe that's true. But I've never been happier." Despite the demands of being a sought-after guest at events across the UAE, she carves out her 'me-time' on weekends—ideally in pajamas, at home.

Reema credits Dubai — and by extension, the UAE — for enabling her vision. "It's the safest, most supportive environment. People here want to connect. That's why IWD took root and grew so fast."

Looking Ahead: A Global Sisterhood

The future? Think bigger.

"There's demand for this model globally. Why not take IWD to London, Singapore, or New York?" she muses. With its proven blend of cultural authenticity, community-driven growth, and structured empowerment, IWD could very well become a global blueprint for Indian women's networks everywhere.

Reema's Top 5 Tips for Women on a Mission

• Follow your passion — The thing you can do 24/7 without getting tired.
• Find your tribe — Like-minded people make the journey easier.
• Stay consistent — Small steps add up to massive change.
• Embrace community — Share, support, and lift each other up.
• Use your strengths — Leverage what you've learned in life and work.

From a Zoom call in the middle of a pandemic to an empire of empowerment, Reema Mahajan's journey is a masterclass in purpose-led leadership. Indian Women in Dubai is no longer just a group — it's a movement, a mindset, and a miracle of modern sisterhood. Mahajan’s journey is as inspiring as the community she’s built.

In Dubai, a city she calls her second home, Reema has found both personal and professional fulfillment. “We are blessed to be in the safest place in the world,” she says, grateful for the UAE’s role in IWD’s story. As she continues to grow IWD, Mahajan remains committed to empowering women, proving that when women come together, they can achieve extraordinary things.

Today, the Indian Women in Dubai is more than a community—it’s a movement. By fostering sisterhood, challenging stereotypes, and creating opportunities, Reema is not only transforming lives but also redefining the power of women united.

And this is just the beginning.