Meet some of the regions most empowered women

Meet the region's most empowering women

HUDA KATTAN Entrepreneur and Founder Huda Beauty What are/is your biggest achievement?

When we were just starting out, we weren’t taken as a serious brand for a long time. There was a lot of frustration because retailers and distributors thought we were just some young girls with a hobby. I am so proud that my sisters and I stayed true to our vision and were able to take Huda Beauty from an idea to what it is today. One of the biggest rewards has been succeeding in a space where it isn’t common for an individual or a family-owned business to do so. On top of that, we have a huge impact on people’s lives. We are a brand that really, really cares and that’s special. We get messages from people who are inspired to start their own brands, or from people telling us that we gave them a shout-out on social and they were able to be discovered and move into a new house. It’s small things like this that are our biggest motivator. It’s a purpose. This is the stuff that matters.

Who inspires you?

Ariana Huffington is someone who really inspires me! I really admire her drive and persistence and it’s something I try to channel every single day. I have met a lot of highly-respected people but when I met Arianna, I swear it was the first time I was ever star-struck! She’s this incredible force and you can almost feel her fearless energy when you meet her. She’s a true inspiration to me because of how she took her blog and created something huge from it – her success made me realize that I could create so much more than just an online space.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced? In the first year of starting the

business, I really wondered if our company would survive. A big challenge was that we were growing too quickly and simply didn’t have the money to grow. We went through a period of explosive growth where we were getting so many orders but we couldn’t fulfil them because we didn’t have enough money to continue ordering from distributers. It was amazing growth, but cash flow was limited so it was very challenging. Our father sold his property to lend us the money which was crucial to us being able to take the business to the next level. It was a really challenging time for the company and very stressful on the family, but we all knew it was for a bigger goal.

Have you always believed in yourself?

No, unfortunately not. I struggled with my own criticisms of myself. I was always my own worst enemy wondering, “What are people going to think of me? Will they think I am crazy?” so I needed to work on that and become comfortable with myself. I didn’t want to become a negative by-product of my own criticisms. Sometimes the “negative” things about your personality can be your genius so I had to learn to lean into those areas and accept every part of myself.

AMNA SULTAN AL OWAIS Registrar at DIFC Courts What are/is your biggest achievements?

First and foremost, I am most grateful for my family and for my role as a wife and mother. On the professional level, I was fortunate to play a key part in the establishment and development of the DIFC Courts. I spearheaded the establishment of the DIFC Courts’ Pro-Bono Programme launched in 2009, which is the first scheme of its kind in the Middle East. In 2011, I was recognised by the International Bar Association as one of the Top 3 Young Lawyers in the world. In more recent years, the establishment of the Wills Service Centre for Non-Muslims in 2015 is something I am particularly proud of – again this is a first-of-its-kind in the region, which adds real value to the overall suite of public services which the DIFC Courts offers the community. Lastly, public service and public duty is very important to me – I have been able to push the boundaries of my skillset for public duty after being selected to join the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) – the Young Leaders category, and furthermore in 2018 after the relaunch of the MBRCLD, under the Dubai Executive Office and after an extensive selection process, I was selected to join the first batch of the MBRCLD Impactful Leaders Programme and graduated in December 2018.

Who inspires you?

This a tough one… there are so many inspirational women to choose from. As I work, I look to different role models at different times in my life. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, is certainly someone who makes me stop and admire her approach – she works effectively at the highest level across a diverse portfolio. The prestigious positions now attained by Emirati women is translated by their marked representation across all government portfolios, a fact which reflects the principle of gender equality adopted by the country and the nation’s strong belief in women’s decision-making skills and capabilities. In the UAE we are very fortunate that our leadership adopts a visionary, well thoughtout strategy founded on farsightedness as far as women’s empowerment is concerned. I also deeply admire Christine Lagarde of the IMF – she demonstrates unwavering determination in a traditionally male-dominated world of international finance and politics.

what are the biggest obstacles you have faced? Over a decade ago, previous to my

employment at the DIFC Courts, I practiced as a lawyer in the litigation department with Hadef Al Dhahiri and Associates (now known as Hadef & Partners). Leaving this position in a very well-respected private sector organisation and entering the public sector was a challenge to say the least. The demands under the public sector can be immense, but so too can the rewards of hard work. I immediately had to prove myself in a traditionally male dominated environment (which is no longer the case) and, at the same time, like any working mother, try to balance between family and work. Over the years I have been more inclined to rephrase this situation as more of a work-life integration and have found my footing in terms of allowing one to balance with the other.

Have you always believed in yourself?

I would not be honest and not human if I said that there were not times along the way of my journey that I questioned certain decisions and a certain direction I was going. But I have always had absolute confidence in the fact that hard work and determination are the bedrock of success, so in that sense I never questioned my ability to deliver on these ingredients. We as individuals can only put our faith in our abilities and that they will deliver what is fair and just, Insha’Allah.

What advice would you give to aspiring young women? I will start with some

elements that were reinforced through my time at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), Young Leaders Programme – diversity, interdependence, inclusion and embracing difference – all themes that are also particularly apt given this is the Year of Tolerance. Young Women should embrace these themes into their everyday lives, which will translate into their professional lives and their chosen career paths. The UAE policy is to empower the youth and the youth are being given the tools and the opportunities. But beyond this, the youth (whether male of female) must remember that hard work and dedication are the foundations to any aspiring career. I have always remembered the words of our Father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed, when he spoke (perhaps at a time when female empowerment was not such a driving force) of female participation in the workplace and the role of youth. He reiterated that the female youth should strive for education, strive for work and strive to form a formidable partnership with our husbands (at home, and through our work efforts).

MANAL ATAYA Director General, Sharjah Museums Authority

What are/is your biggest achievements? I have always been proud of the 6 museums, to date, that I have succesffully opened from early design phase to final completion however, I would say another great achievement is my investment in people and building an excellent team through extensive mentoring. Who inspires you? I find many aspects inspirational in various people I personally know or read about. But in the context of my work I would definitely say HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. He has an immense passion for culture and education, a unparalleled intellectual capacity and a compassionate heart. What are the biggest obstacles you have faced? I am very grateful for all the opportunities and support I have had throughout my life. My only obstacle I have ever had was my own self-imposed limitations especially when I was younger. As I have grown older, I have realised that I can achieve anything I want to, if I put my mind to it and have confidence in my abilities. Have you always believed in yourself? No I didnt. I knew what I was passionate about but when I was younger ( in my 20s) I suffered from self doubt. I am very fortunate for the great people in my life that saw my potential and continually encouraged me in the steps I took towards my aspirations. What advice would you give to aspiring young women? You control your destiny so do what you feel is best for you and define your own success. Don’t be afraid of failures, they are life lessons and finally your circle of friends must be inspiring and supportive of you, if they aren’t then get new friends!

MANAL ROSTOM Founder & fitness influencer What are/is your biggest achievements?

There are a lot of firsts that make up my biggest achievements. I am the first Egyptian woman to run the Great Wall of China marathon and the first Egyptian woman to climb Mont Blanc in the Alps. I am also the first hijabi Nike run club coach & trainer and the brand’s first hijabi model. Who inspires you? On which level? On a personal level it is my mother and grandmother. On a celebrity level, it is Oprah Winfrey and Madonna. What are the biggest obstacles you have faced? I was the first to woman to run the Great Wall of China marathon so I would worry. Also, I thought a lot of society’s expectations of me and think ‘what will people say.’

Have you always believed in yourself?

I did not grow up feeling confident or strong, but I did have a gut feeling that I would one day be able to achieve some of my dreams.

What advice would you give to aspiring young women? Don’t listen to what others

are saying. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Don’t have anyone control your ideas regarding what you are capable of and what you are able to do. Follow your gut feeling, your inner voice it knows the way.

NADIA TARYAM Show Jumping Athelte What are/ is your biggest achievements?

One achievement I am really proud of was winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2014. I was riding Calawo who I have had for eight years. When we won that was a great moment that took a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance in training to make it to that point. He still competes but in the smaller classes now.

Another recent achievement for me was our national showjumping team's latest appearance at the President's Cup where we were the only team to have two women on it. Represented by myself and Sheikah Latifa Al Maktoum as well as two other male riders, we were extremely proud to show everyone that as women, we are not only equal to our male counterparts in terms of skill but are also able to compete against them in such a high-level sport. We truly look forward to representing our magnificent country over the coming months.

Who inspires you?

I'm inspired by all people who achieve things by being dedicated and hard working. Nothing comes easy and to be able to reach your goals by putting in effort and sacrifice, that to me, is inspiring.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced? When it comes to riding,

sometimes the biggest obstacles are the ones you can’t see – you can’t always see the rewards. When you win, you feel amazing and you’re on a high but the very next day, you could have a bad round or something won’t go as planned and you just have to learn to navigate through the ups and downs.

There’s also the extremely long hours of training and the travelling constantly – there’s a lot of sacrifice involved, especially when it comes to spending time with family. You also have to make an effort to make time for other things. It’s so important to have a good support system around you to help you get over the daily obstacles.

Have you always believed in yourself?

To be in such a competitive sport I think having self-confidence and believing in yourself is very important. Sometimes during very difficult classes it's easy to doubt whether or not I can do it, but by focusing on the result and being positive it’s a big help to achieving anything I set my mind to along if I put in the work and dedication required.

What advice would you give to aspiring young women? Work hard and stick to

it… whatever it is you’re doing. Remember you might not be an instant success but if you believe in yourself, you’ll achieve it. Most importantly, you have to enjoy what you’re doing – if you’re not having fun at the same time, then why would you do it?

DR MANAHEL THABET Economist in Essence and Science What are/is your biggest achievements?

My biggest achievement is being a good daughter of a great man who passed away proud of me. Who inspires you? The act of those people who do things spontaneously regardless of their titles, social status or fame.

What are the biggest obstacles you have faced?

Being a woman in a male dominated field. STEM, economy and math specially in the Middle East is male dominated field and I encourage more women to come to STEM.

Have you always believed in yourself?

I reached a level where no one believed in me but me. So yes I do believe in me. I know how hard I’ve worked to reach where I am and the least I can do is to self-respect the little fighter in me.

What advice would you give to aspiring young women? Be yourself, believe in yourself and never

stop dreaming. If the universe exists, the sky is not the limit. Reach for the stars.