How Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation And Partners Are Equipping Emirati And Arab Women With Leadership Skills

In a significant stride towards advancing female leadership, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), alongside Skyrize Partners and Bain & Company, has introduced the latest installment of the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program. This initiative, now in its seventh edition, has opened its doors to a diverse group of participants from across the UAE, focusing on equipping Emirati and Arab women with the crucial management and leadership qualities needed for their professional and personal growth.

A pivotal aspect of the program is its emphasis on soft skills, often overlooked in traditional educational settings. Over 40 women engaged in an immersive curriculum that spans ten interactive sessions. These sessions, conducted by industry-leading trainers, covered vital areas such as leadership fundamentals and innovative problem-solving techniques. This approach ensures that participants gain a holistic understanding of effective management and leadership practices.

Mona Ghander, Vice President of Partnerships and Programs at AGF, underscored the program's commitment to nurturing future female leaders. "The Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program is our dedicated effort to cultivate and support the next generation of female leaders," she remarked. The collaboration with Bain & Company and Skyrize Partners provides these women not only with leadership training but also with tangible, real-life experience and mentorship opportunities. This comprehensive support system enables them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader economy.

The collaboration with Bain & Company, in particular, offered participants a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of consulting. They conducted a feasibility study on entering the UAE's food and beverages sector, analyzing market trends and consumer preferences to formulate strategic business recommendations. This hands-on project culminated in a presentation at Bain & Company's Dubai office, where the most outstanding team secured interviews and coaching from the company, marking a crucial milestone in their professional journey and promoting female Emirati presence in the workforce.

Beyond the initial training, graduates of the program have the chance to further their growth through the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Mentorship Program. This six-month phase pairs them with seasoned professionals, offering sustained support as they navigate the application of their newly acquired skills in the business world.

Sarah Sefiane, Founder of Skyrize Partners, expressed pride in reaching the program's seventh cohort and highlighted the value of practical skills and access to private sector opportunities provided to participants. Similarly, Bain & Company Partner Sara Minelli praised the participants' eagerness to learn and apply their skills, emphasizing the program's role in nurturing future leaders and enhancing Emirati representation in the workforce.

Aisha Ali, a member of the winning team, shared her personal experience, noting the program's significant impact on her journey towards entrepreneurship and leadership. "The sessions offered valuable insights that really took my vision and goals to the next level, both personally and professionally. You could truly feel the passion behind everyone facilitating and attending the program towards uplifting women's careers and making a change in our society. The impact of the program doesn't stop after a couple of months but will definitely continue with me throughout my career."