Women Leaders Highlight Tech, Mentorship, and Skills for Career Growth

At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai, held at Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday, leading women executives spotlighted how blending technical expertise with critical soft skills can accelerate women’s advancement into leadership roles. The session, titled Break the Mould: Building Career Pathways from the Factory to the Boardroom, was moderated by Brandy Scott of ARN and explored mentorship, lifelong learning, and organizational support as vital elements for breaking barriers in the workplace.

Prominent speakers included Najeeba Al Jabri, Vice-President of EHS at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), and Fatma Al Shaygi, Chair of the TAQA Women’s Council and VP of Asset Management, who shared their experiences and strategies for career success. Both leaders stressed the importance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership skills as key to thriving at the executive level.

Fatma, who transitioned from banking to the renewable energy sector and now holds positions on 14 boards, emphasized the transformative power of mentorship. “Joining Masdar as the only woman in a department of 150 men was challenging, but mentorship helped me develop an inclusive and impactful leadership style,” she noted. She also urged companies to invest in executive training programs, including MBA courses, to prepare women for leadership roles.

Najeeba, who advanced from R&D to board positions at two companies, highlighted the necessity of continuous learning. “Technical expertise alone isn’t enough,” she said. “I pursued additional certifications and focused on strategic leadership to enhance my presence in the boardroom.”

The discussion also emphasized UAE companies’ growing investment in empowering women through tailored development programs. Fatma shared her experience of attending the London Business School, sponsored by her organization, as a testament to how professional growth opportunities can shape leadership trajectories.

Aurora50, a UAE-based social enterprise, was also recognized for its role in equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and networks required for leadership positions. Both leaders called for increased availability of such resources to enable more women to rise through the ranks and succeed in leadership.

This session demonstrated the UAE’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment and supporting women as they break new ground in their careers.