The UAE’s hospitality industry continues to be one of the fastest sectors to be growing year after year.
To ensure the country supports tourism, there are several dedicated individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure operations run smoothly.
One such group that has made a distinguished impact for more than two decades is Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, a member of Dubai Holding and a global luxury hotel company that operates a world-class 6,500 key portfolio of 25 luxury properties across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
With a plethora of prestigious names under its wings such as Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Al Naseem and more, Jumeirah Group has always championed Emirati women who hold important positions to ensure visitors enjoy an unforgettable experience.
As the UAE celebrates its seventh annual Emirati Women’s Day, Emirates Woman spoke to three inspiring women who carry out their daily duties diligently.
Marwa Rashed, Guest Relations Manager at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts
This year the theme of Emirati Women’s Day is ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’. What does this mean to you?
It speaks volumes about gender equality and how we need to appreciate the success and achievement of our leaders. Over the years, we are inspired by their contributions to our sustainable developments and continue to do so in the future.
How does being a woman from the UAE empower you to strive for more?
As an Emirati woman, our great leaders always empower and motivate us to succeed in everything we do and to strive for excellence. Being one has enabled me and provided me with the opportunity to represent Emirati heritage in the hospitality industry welcoming people from around the world and introducing our strong heritage and warm Arabian hospitality.
How has your heritage influenced your career to date?
My family initially disagreed with my choice as an Emirati woman working in the hotel, but now they believe in what I am doing and continue to support me.
What advice would you give to women who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Do not believe in negative people who let you down. Believe in yourself and follow your passion. Do not give up even when things go wrong. Surround yourself with positive people who are always there for you.
Sheikha Fatima has stated: “Emirati women have proven that there is no task that is impossible”. Would you agree with this and why?
Yes, I totally agree with it. Emirati women role models who excelled beyond expectation and achieved a lot can be seen by the whole world. One of them, Sara Alameri, is the science lead for the Emirates Mars Mission, Hope. Also, the UAE’s World Expo 2020 bid was led by Reem Alhashimy, I hope that one day I can be one of these Emirati women who break all the barriers and represents what an Emirati woman can accomplish.
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s the day to celebrate and recognise all the achievements that I and my fellow Emirati women have made this year. It is also a day that empowers and motivates me to further develop my skills and make my country proud.
Shamma Al Zarooni, Senior Executive Human Resources at Jumeirah Group
This year the theme of Emirati Women’s Day is ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’. What does this mean to you?
Emirati Women’s Day to me is to grow a sustainable dream planted in the reality of our future. It is the result of the collective efforts of our country’s strong women. The dream of having Emirati women at the forefront of the UAE’s future by sustaining the rise of our strong ladies across all career fields.
How does being a woman from the UAE empower you to strive for more?
The UAE has never wavered in its support for women and their growth. With such a great leadership and support system at present, anyone would be inspired to strive for the very best. The goal is not to bring pride to myself or my family alone, but to the country as a whole.
How has your heritage influenced your career to date?
I hold my heritage close to my heart. It is very dear to me, and I would love nothing more than to carry it on with me throughout my career. As a part of Jumeirah Al Naseem’s HR department, I enjoyed presenting the UAE culture to all the new joiners during their first day in the hotel. Some of them have been in the UAE for years while others have not. The discussions that come from such presentations never cease to fill me with joy. I get the opportunity to introduce more people to our beautiful heritage and see the interest sparkle in their eyes. It makes me feel immense pride to be an Emirati. It reminds me of why hospitality interests me so much. Working with such a vast number of nationalities is incredible. Meeting so many people with different cultures and backgrounds. Each story is more fascinating than the next. It becomes my responsibility to correctly represent my own story, and my own heritage, and make those around me feel the same fascination when listening to me.
What advice would you give to women who wish to follow in your footsteps?
Strive to be the best version of yourself that you wish to be. Put in the effort and hard work to exceed all expectations. The aim is not to follow in my footsteps, but to forge your own path. Do not strive for success, strive for excellence and success will automatically follow you. As women, we prove ourselves by being a challenge to everyone and achieving what has not yet been done.
Sheikha Fatima has stated: “Emirati women have proven that there is no task that is impossible”. Would you agree with this and why?
I strongly agree with this statement. Women are big contributors to growth and innovation. They make anything possible when they put their minds to it. Women hold such great potential that is steadily letting themselves be known. As their confidence grows, so does their creativity flow. Paired with their hard work, the outcomes are endless.
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you?
Emirati Women’s Day is a chance for me to look back at the time that has passed and think about how I have contributed to this day. It is a time for me to realign my goals and refocus my efforts on making my fellow Emirati women proud. It is a day for all of us to better understand our achievements as Emirati women, which helps us to better represent our country with pride.
Latifa Al Mazrouei, Assistant Manager Housekeeping at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam
This year the theme of Emirati Women’s Day is ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’. What does this mean to you?
To me, it means living in the moment and being able to welcome the future generation of Emirati women by creating opportunities and carving paths for them now.
How does being a woman from the UAE empower you to strive for more?
Having powerful and inspiring leaders who constantly motivate and empower women is what makes me strive for more. My senior Emirati colleagues and leaders of the UAE are a constant inspiration to me and my fellow Emirati peers.
How has your heritage influenced your career to date?
Being in a country that welcomes diverse cultures makes me want to expand my knowledge in communicating with the rest of the world by working in a place that has diversity and a variety of people, such as Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts.
What advice would you give to women who wish to follow in your footsteps?
My advice to all women is to find what they truly love, and continue working on it without giving up, so they can inspire future generations as well.
Sheikha Fatima has stated: “Emirati women have proven that there is no task that is impossible”. Would you agree with this and why?
I strongly believe that our only limitations are those we set up in our minds. Sheikha Fatima has been an incredible example for Emirati Women and has given all Emirati women enormous encouragement and countless opportunities to reach our goals and follow our dreams.
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you?
Emirati Women’s Day to me means taking the opportunity to thank, learn, and appreciate all Emirati Women.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @a.lya.99
