Prime Highlights-
- WBD and PwC Middle East gathered Emirati women leaders in Dubai to discuss leadership, resilience and impact across the UAE.
- Randa Bahsoun joined the WBD Advisory Board, and Dr Laila Alhubaishi became WBD Ambassador for Women in Healthcare at Reaffirmation.
Key Facts-
- Samah Mohammed Al Hajeri delivered the keynote, titled Roots and Reach, at the Dubai event.
- Guests from Microsoft, HPE, National Bonds and Mediclinic Middle East joined an open discussion on action.
Background-
Women Board of Directors (WBD) teamed up with PwC Middle East to stage Reaffirmation, an afternoon gathering of senior Emirati women leaders at the firm’s Dubai offices. Talks centered on leadership, resilience and the rising impact of women across the UAE.
WBD Founder Poonam Chawla opened the session and said the platform wants to prepare women to lead, not just celebrate them. Samah Mohammed Al Hajeri, a director at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, delivered the keynote. She told younger Emirati women to hold on to their roots, dream big and judge their leadership by the strength of the people and institutions around them.
Khaled Bin Braik, PwC Middle East’s UAE Country Senior Partner, said the real question about AI is who will steer its impact on work and society. He argued that women must be part of that effort.
The panel Architects of Ambition brought together H.E. Huda Buhumaid of Dubai Holding, H.E. Raja Al Mazrouei of Etihad Credit Insurance, H.E. Aarefa Al Falahi and Maha Al Hosani of Dubai Airports, with PwC’s Maria Lalousis moderating. Shaikha Ahmed Al Araimi, Dr Laila Alhubaishi and Mariam Al Falasi then spoke in a fireside chat about purpose and the next generation of leaders.
Guests from DIFC Academy, HPE, National Bonds, Microsoft and Mediclinic Middle East took part in an open discussion on moving ideas into action. A ceremony then honored women for their achievements across sectors.
The event ended with two announcements. PwC Partner Randa Bahsoun joined the WBD Advisory Board, while Dr Laila Alhubaishi became WBD Ambassador for Women in Healthcare.
