Dubai: At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah on Wednesday, prominent women leaders discussed how combining technical expertise with essential soft skills can accelerate women’s career progression into leadership roles. Moderated by Brandy Scott of ARN, the session Break the Mould: Building Career Pathways from the Factory to the Boardroom focused on mentorship, continuous learning, and organisational support as crucial elements for overcoming barriers and advancing women into leadership.
According to Emirates News Agency, 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, shared valuable insights from their leadership journeys. Both leaders emphasised the significance of emotional intelligence, effective communication, and leadership skills in succeeding at the highest levels.
Fatma, who transitioned from banking to the renewable energy sector and currently serves on 14 boards, highlig
hted the role of mentorship in shaping her career. “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 said. Fatma also advocated for companies to offer executive training programmes, such as MBA courses, to help women navigate leadership roles.
Najeeba, who transitioned from RandD to serving on the boards of two companies, echoed the importance of continuous learning. ‘Technical expertise alone isn’t enough,’ she remarked. ‘I pursued additional certifications and focused on strategic leadership to enhance my presence in the boardroom.’
The session also underscored the growing investment by UAE companies in programmes designed to empower women. Fatma’s experience attending the London Business School, sponsored by her company, served as an example of how professional development can shape a leader’s trajectory.
Aurora50, a UAE-based social enterprise, plays a key role in this transformation by provid
ing programmes that equip women with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary for leadership roles. Both leaders called for more such resources to be made available to women in the workplace, enabling them to rise through the ranks and take on leadership positions.