In a time when organizational performance is determined by workplace culture, Dalal Yaqoob is a leader who is turning human resources from a traditional function into a strategic ladder for expansion and innovation. Her path as the Head of Administration and Human Resources at Mazaya Real Estate Development demonstrates an unshakable dedication to people, progress, and purpose. Intentionality is the foundation of her leadership style; every effort, program, and policy is intended to elevate talent rather than just manage it.
Her concept extends beyond systems and structures to develop experiences that motivate performance and belonging. Mazaya’s key principles of Innovation, Excellence, Sustainability, and Trust have guided her efforts in reimagining the employee experience through digital transformation, holistic well-being initiatives, and immersive learning opportunities that prepare both emerging and seasoned professionals for the future.
She combines empathy and execution, from advocating for Qatarisation as a national development strategy for fostering next-generation leaders through experiential training. Mazaya’s ability to mix strategic foresight and human connections is establishing her as a role model for forward-thinking HR leadership in the region. According to her perspective, HR is no longer a department, but rather a catalyst for transformation, culture, and long-term success.
Redefining the Employee Experience
Dalal Yaqoob approaches HR leadership with deliberate intentionality, balancing innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being while embedding forward-thinking practices that redefine the employee experience. At Mazaya, she does not see HR as a support function confined to administrative tasks. Instead, she positions it as a strategic partner that drives measurable business outcomes.
The company’s values, Innovation, Excellence, Sustainability, and Trust serve as more than corporate declarations on office walls. Dalal Yaqoob translates these principles into tangible daily practices that employees experience firsthand. Innovation manifests through continuous improvements in HR processes, embracing new technologies, and encouraging creative solutions to business challenges. She pilots digital HR platforms, online learning solutions, and collaborative tools, making innovation accessible to employees at every organizational level.
Excellence drives her approach to recruitment, development, and recognition. She ensures employees receive the resources, guidance, and support necessary to perform at their best. From structured training programs to performance management initiatives, high standards permeate everything her team delivers.
Sustainability informs long-term workforce planning and well-being strategies. Wellness programs, skill development initiatives, and career progression pathways support employees over extended periods, ensuring organizational resilience and continuity. Trust underpins all HR practices through transparency, fairness, and integrity in recruitment, feedback, and policy implementation.
Cultivating Future Talent Through Immersive Learning
Mazaya’s summer training program exemplifies Dalal Yaqoob’s commitment to developing the next generation of professionals. She designed the initiative to provide students with holistic understanding of organizational operations while helping them identify their strengths and career interests. The program rotates participants through multiple departments, exposing them to different functions, workflows, and business challenges.
“By rotating participants through multiple departments, students gain exposure to different functions, workflows, and business challenges, ensuring they develop a well-rounded perspective on the organization,” she explains. She doesn’t leave this experiential learning to chance. Working closely with department heads, she defines clear learning objectives for each rotation and assigns mentors who guide students through their experiences, providing hands-on support and opportunities for reflection.
Each rotation carefully balances observation with practical involvement, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and progress evaluations help students consolidate their experiences and understand the impact of their contributions. This structured approach develops skills while fostering confidence, curiosity, and a sense of ownership among young talent.
Strategic National Talent Development
Dalal Yaqoob views Qatarisation not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic priority focused on cultivating national talent through meaningful career pathways, structured development programs, and leadership opportunities. She recognizes that identifying high-potential Qatari employees represents just the first step the real impact comes from ensuring they thrive in roles that challenge and develop them.
She collaborates closely with managers in creating structured development plans that include mentorship, skill-building programs, and rotational assignments broadening experience. By pairing recruitment with clear development pathways, she ensures Qatari employees have tangible opportunities to grow into leadership positions and contribute to critical projects across the organization.
Regular performance assessments and career discussions form integral components of this process. Employees receive ongoing guidance and support, helping them overcome challenges and leverage their strengths. This approach builds confidence, accountability, and purpose, ensuring Qatarisation initiatives deliver sustainable, long-term benefits for both individuals and the organization.
Leading Change with Clarity and Engagement
When introducing changes to HR policy, whether benefits adjustments, hybrid work arrangements, or learning and development initiatives, Dalal Yaqoob leads adoption through clarity, engagement, and support. She communicates every policy change transparently to employees and managers, reducing uncertainty and resistance.
“Involving stakeholders in the rollout proves critical. By seeking input and feedback, I focus on creating ownership and ensuring changes remain practical and user-friendly. Training sessions, guidance materials, and one-on-one support help teams adapt smoothly to new processes,” she says.
She pays close attention to concerns and questions, addressing them transparently to build trust and confidence. Annually, she engages the full team through emails inviting suggestions for policies they believe could improve efficiency or better meet their needs. This participatory approach makes employees feel involved while ensuring their insights shape policies that prove effective and widely accepted.
Performance Management That Drives Growth
Dalal Yaqoob structures performance management at Mazaya to be consistent, fair, and development focused. Using a line manager evaluation system, she ensures assessments that reflect actual contributions transparently. She provides guidance to managers on objective evaluation practices, constructive feedback, and coaching techniques that support employee growth.
Regular feedback delivers actionable insights into strengths and improvement areas, along with support and resources to enhance skills. Recognizing achievements and progress remains central to fostering motivation and engagement. By maintaining consistency, transparency, and developmental focus, the performance management system empowers employees to grow while contributing effectively to organizational goals. It also strengthens leadership accountability and ensures alignment between individual and departmental objectives.
Creating an Environment Where People Stay
In real estate development and fast-growing firms, employee retention presents ongoing challenges. Dalal Yaqoob addresses this by creating an environment where employees feel appreciated, supported, and motivated. Mazaya celebrates achievements regularly, ensuring contributions receive recognition and value. The company actively supports staff pursuing higher education and professional certifications, encouraging continuous learning and career advancement.
She prioritizes maintaining strong relationships among employees through team-building initiatives, mentorship programs, and open communication that foster community and belonging. Additionally, each employee receives a dedicated yearly training budget, allowing for personalized development aligned with individual career goals. The team proactively identifies skill gaps and provides guidance to help employees improve and grow, ensuring staff feel invested in, supported, and equipped to succeed, directly contributing to higher engagement and longer tenure.
Maintaining Non-Negotiable Standards
When designing HR programs, whether training, leadership development, or cross-department rotations, Dalal Yaqoob maintains three non-negotiable standards: alignment with strategic objectives, measurable outcomes, and meaningful participant experience. Programs always tie to organizational priorities, ensuring employee development supports business goals.
She collaborates closely with managers to define clear objectives for each program and establish tracking metrics progress. Feedback collection occurs continuously to refine and improve initiatives, ensuring they remain relevant and effective. Whether leadership development, skills training, or cross-department rotations, the focus stays on delivering real growth opportunities where employees gain practical knowledge and confidence while the organization benefits from a workforce equipped to handle future challenges.
Positioning HR as a Strategic Partner
For emerging HR leaders seeking to build credibility, Dalal Yaqoob advises demonstrating clear business understanding and delivering solutions beyond administrative functions. She recommends communicating effectively, collaborating across departments, and actively showing how HR initiatives contribute to broader organizational objectives.
“Consistency, transparency, and follow-through are critical,” she emphasizes. Leaders who consistently deliver on commitments, provide reliable insights, and act as consultants rather than administrators gain respect and trust. By showing tangible value through HR programs, policies, and initiatives, HR positions itself as a strategic partner driving organizational outcomes.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Looking ahead, Dalal Yaqoob is planning several HR innovations that are focused on digital transformation and employee experience. Mazaya aims to implement an AI-driven HR platform enhancing data-based decision-making in recruitment, performance, and learning. Talent analytics will forecast future skill needs and tailor development programs accordingly.
The company expands hybrid and remote work options supported by digital collaboration tools to boost flexibility and productivity. Additionally, a holistic wellness framework will promote employee well-being through awareness campaigns, mental health support, and access to fitness and mindfulness resources.
Through her visionary leadership, Dalal Yaqoob proves that exceptional HR leadership extends beyond managing people, it creates ecosystems where talent flourishes, innovation thrives, and organizations build sustainable competitive advantages through their most valuable asset: their people.
