Giving voice to women innovators

Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, director of Dubai Ladies Club.

The UAE government is taking considerable steps to support start-up companies and encourage innovation across the country, and there are a wide range of organisations, entities and groups striving to help female entrepreneurs to succeed in the UAE, said Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, director of Dubai Ladies Club.
Khan has led on a number of philanthropic and CSR projects such as the launch of Al Saada Park, the first Smart Kinetic Energy Park in the Mena region, which promotes exercise, entertainment and sustainability.
Prior to her roles at Dubai Women Establishment and Dubai Ladies Club, Khan held positions at Arab Media Group, as well as Majid Al Futtaim Holding, where she was responsible for developing and managing the branding and communications for all shopping malls in the Middle East, including Mall of the Emirates, and The Wave, Muscat.
"With the support and guidance of the UAE's wise leadership, Emirati women are continuing to break the mould and pursue their aspirations, evolving their role within society and the UAE's economic development as they take on more leadership and decision-making positions," said Khan.
The UAE labour participation rate currently stands at 47 per cent and Emirati women represent 70 per cent of all university graduates across the country.
"UAE women should take advantage of the support that's out there and seize new opportunities to network, learn from other entrepreneurs and benefit from their feedback and ideas. Female entrepreneurs in the UAE also need to be courageous - they need to have the courage to turn their dreams into reality, to take risks, learn from failures and make quick decisions to achieve success," She said.
Khan feels that Emirati women have more opportunities open to them now than ever before. They are empowered, educated, confident and ready to enhance their role in the UAE's socio-economic development.
"Dubai has become a global hub, which provides an international stage for Emirati women to showcase their capabilities, help to change perceptions as well as break down stereotypes about Arab women, and inspire the next generation of young women to follow in their footsteps."
Khan holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts - Visual Communication from the American University in Dubai. She is also a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development.
"Planning has always played an important role throughout my career, and is key to striking the balance between various responsibilities. I consistently plan ahead and schedule my time to complete my work as efficiently as possible. I also have a fantastic team around me who provide invaluable support."
Dubai Ladies Club is dedicated to providing a happy and healthy environment for women, empowering them with new skills through a wide range of exclusive programmes and events across various fields.
"The club is consistently striving to achieve this goal, as it continues to enhance its facilities and services to nurture the social, physical and cultural well-being of our customers. Alongside of fostering the talents of Emirati women the club will help them to realise their full potential, which will be in alignment with the Year of Giving," Khan told Khaleej Times.
"The corporate social responsibility will be a strong area of focus throughout 2017 for the club," she added.
The UAE has become a leading example for the advancement of women's empowerment within the region, which is also being recognised on a global level in international reports. The UAE has become the first Arab nation to require a representation of women on boards of directors in the public and private sector, elect Dr Amal Al Qubaisi as Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council, and establish a Gender Balance Council. About 27.5 per cent of the UAE's ministerial positions are held by women and 20 per cent of UAE Federal National Council members are women.
With an increasing number of UAE entities and organisations implementing more flexible work arrangements (such as the National Corporate Child Care Project - a landmark initiative launched by DWE to support working mothers by providing them with the convenience of a quality child care centre at their workplace), working women are better able to pursue their aspirations at work today, whilst continuing to support their families and take care of their children. Achieving the right balance is important, but not always straightforward, Khan said.
"Personally, I try to separate my work and home life - keeping work in the office and dedicating my time at home to my family. This is not always possible, with one taking a priority over the other at times, but helps me to create a clear boundary between the two. My family is biggest supporter of my work, and always encourage and motivate me to continue progressing and working towards my goals," Khan said.
- sandhya@khaleejtimes.com
 
A branding and communications specialist
 
Lamia Abdulaziz Khan is a branding and communications specialist. She is also communications director of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) and vice chair of the Women Sports Committee at Dubai Sports Council.
Khan has over 14 years of experience in corporate communications, marketing, branding, brand management, events and public relations. She is responsible for launching and managing a number of important DWE projects, including Global Women's Forum Dubai, the first Women's Forum for the Economy and Society event in the Mena region.
Khan also highlighted the UAE and region's achievements in improving gender balance, and providing a global platform to enhance female engagement and participation, along with the Emirati Leaders Gathering, Arab Women Leadership Forum, the Arab Women Leadership Outlook Report and the National Corporate Childcare Project (NCCP), amongst many other.