Special Report: This Emirati Dubai Metro station master is going places

Dubai - Her passion to connect with the public and the city of Dubai has helped her quickly climb the career ladder.

In the UAE - a country that champions gender equality - women are leaders, heroes, trailblazers and an inspiration. In the lead up to Emirati Women's Day that's marked on August 28, this 5-part Khaleej Times special celebrates how women brave the odds to make a difference; turn dreams into reality; and help drive the nation into the future. Part 3 of the series profiles Khulood Ali Alquasim who is station master of one of the biggest Dubai Metro stations.
Most people in their mid-20s are still finding their feet. Not this Emirati woman - she has already charted her track to success. At just 25, Khulood Ali Alquasim is the station master of one of the largest stations of the Dubai Metro - Burjuman, an underground interchange station connecting the Red and Green Lines.
Her passion to connect with the public and the city of Dubai has helped her quickly climb the career ladder. "I joined the Dubai Metro in 2018 as an assistant station master. After a few months and through various developments and training opportunities, I became a station master at one of the busiest and biggest Metro stations. I tried learning everything possible from my station master when I was still the assistant station master. I was wanted to prove myself and get promoted to the next level and thank God I could do so in front of my managers. Now I also work as an Assessor, and ascertain the competence levels of new employees. That's also been a milestone."
The young Emirati said she was "indebted" to the Dubai Metro for recognising her potential and giving her the opportunity to demonstrate her passion and commitment.
Passionate about work
Khulood works relentlessly to ensure that the station runs efficiently, with all security checks in place for passengers and staff. She is often seen facing customers, dealing with clients and handling critical situations.
"As a station master, I have to deal with any emergency situation in case the need arises. I have to make sure that the passengers and staff are safe. I feel it's my responsibility to ensure that everything in the station is perfect."
With an unwavering passion for her profession, she has time and again charted the path to work that she loves. She is thoughtfully building her career around her innate strengths, personal passions and the type of work that gives her meaning and purpose.
"I have always been passionate about my job and believe in quality work. The Dubai Metro recognises this effort and has been very supportive," said the Emirati woman, who is also managing her studies at the Dubai Women's College.
Khulood said the availability of equal opportunities and protection of women's rights have made the partnership between men and women a reality and not just a slogan in the UAE.
"In the past few decades, the achievements of Emirati women have been incredibly high and extremely impactful. We are lucky to be in a country where equal opportunities are available for everyone - whether in education or at the workplace or in society as a whole."
She has a message for her fellow Emirati women: "Do not be afraid to follow your passion or to work hard to achieve your goals. Opportunities are available for everyone; we just need to work in a sustained way towards achieving our dreams."
Khulood said personalities are shaped by what "you learn in your early years". Eventually it enables in developing positive perspectives, she added.
"As a child, I was very active. I loved playing basketball, football, billiards and I loved acting - I was always on my toes," she said.
nandini@khaleejtimes.com 
 

• UAE