Emirati Women in Leadership: Pioneering Progress & Inspiring Change

Emirati Women’s journey into leadership roles is a resounding testament to their tenacity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to driving positive change. As they ascend the ranks of leadership, they not only break barriers but also redefine the landscape of possibilities for future generations. Hooria Muhammad Tariq shares her story of Leadership on Emirati Women’s Day.

I am an Emirati woman in a leadership role. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from the University of Dubai. My journey began with a leadership role at the Dubai Police in 2010-2011, where I worked in the Statistical and Research Department for Crime Investigation.

With a strong educational background in business and marketing, I left my job in December 2011 to join Unilever. Due to my expertise in marketing, I was offered the opportunity to work in their biggest brand line, REXONA, based in London and the brand became a huge success in the Middle East. This experience further developed my career, and after a year and a half with Unilever, I returned to Dubai to continue pursuing my education. I graduated from the University of Dubai in 2013 and was honored with  deans honor list and an award for holding an exceptional GPA of 3.89.

After completing my studies, I joined the Dubai Civil Defense and worked as a civilian in the Civil Protection Awareness and Health and Safety Department for eight years. During this time, I had the privilege of working under the leadership of Chief Commander of Dubai Civil defense Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi and played a vital role in developing various health awareness campaigns and educational workshops for women and children health wellness.

I also focused on promoting women’s leadership roles in shaping the future of technology, including AI and mental health detection apps. Not only that I also received best 50 innovation awards in 2018 along with developing a Hackathon gaming app for kids on online fire-safety learning practices approved by ministry of interior.

As an Emirati woman, what matters most to me is unity and oneness. Women are increasingly empowering themselves through education, growth, and perseverance, regardless of their nationality. I am proud to work in the UAE and have the opportunity to serve my people.

Driven by my love for exploration and learning, some may consider me crazy, but I firmly believe that being crazy is being smart. Therefore, in December 2022, I made the decision to leave the Civil Defense and join Dubai Holding, one of the largest corporations in the UAE. I am currently working as a Senior Marketing Specialist and handle marketing activations for leadership projects across ten business generating hubs in the UAE.

As we celebrate Emirati Women in leadership roles, let us reflect on their accomplishments and acknowledge the significance of their contributions. Let us stand united in championing their endeavors and ensuring that their impact continues to shape a brighter future.

The path to leadership for Emirati Women is a collective effort. It’s nurtured by families, supported by communities, and championed by a society that recognises the power of diversity. Our journey isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to a nation’s commitment to equality and progress. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us continue to support each other as women in our pursuit of achieving our dreams.