LEADING & Shaping

Every year on August 28, Emirati Women's Day is observed. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, widely known as the Mother of the Nation, established Emirati Women's Day in 2015, to recognise significant achievements in gender equality and women's empowerment in the UAE.

ROMA ARORA MET WITH FOUR OUTSTANDING EMIRATI WOMEN WHO ARE ACCLAIMED FOR CARVING OUT A NICHE FOR THEMSELVES IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELD AND REPRESENT THE TRUE ESSENCE OF THE EMIRATI WOMAN.

DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT is the region's first and largest design district, housing the most prominent worldwide, regional, and local names in the art, design, and fashion industries.

In conversation

with KhadijaAlBastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group.

EVERY YEAR ON AUGUST 28, EMIRATI WOMEN'S DAY IS OBSERVED. WHAT DOES THIS DAY MEAN TO YOU AS A SUCCESSFUL EMIRATI WOMAN IN YOUR FIELD?

Emirati Women's Day holds a very special place in my heart as an Emirati woman in the field of design and creativity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the significant progress that Emirati women have made in various sectors, including the design industry, celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in our society, and reiterates the immense potential that women possess to excel in any domain they choose. Personally, this day reinforces my commitment to breaking barriers and inspiring fellow Emirati women to pursue their passions fearlessly and relentlessly so they can continue to contribute to the nation's growth.

HOW HAVE FORMER AND CONTEMPORARY LEADERS AND VISIONARIES PROMOTED AND SUPPORTED WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AND TALENT? WHO INSPIRES YOU THE MOST AND WHY?

Throughout history, we have been fortunate to witness the role played by the unwavering support of former and contemporary leaders and visionaries in raising the levels of women's empowerment and talent in the UAE. Their efforts have paved the way for greater gender equality and opportunities for women across various sectors and created an environment where women can thrive and succeed. Among those who inspire me the most is Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. As the President of the UAE

Gender Balance Council as well as of Dubai Women

Establishment she has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women in all sectors. She has actively promoted women’s education, leadership opportunities, and participation in the workforce, thereby fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment in the region.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A POWERFUL EMIRATI WOMEN?

A powerful Emirati woman, in my opinion, is someone who fearlessly pursues her ambitions, leaves a positive impact on her community, and empowers others along the way. She is a visionary and a compassionate leader who is not only successful in her professional endeavours but also actively contributes to the betterment of her community and society. Her strength lies not only in her achievements but also in her ability to inspire and create opportunities for others, leading with compassion, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose.

DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE IN YOUR ORGANISATION AND HOW YOUR RICH BACKGROUND AND CULTURE CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SUCCESS IN YOUR FIELD. As Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), part of TECOM Group PJSC, my role involves overseeing the development and implementation of strategies to promote creativity and design excellence. I leverage my experience to continuously shape and drive the creative vision of our dynamic hub – which is a global gateway for regional and >>> international brands with over 900 customers and 19,000 creative professionals – and my background has been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership that ensures d3’s continued global impact.

I carry a deep appreciation for art, innovation, and heritage, and the Emirati values of respect, collaboration, and innovation guide my decisions and interactions with my colleagues and stakeholders. One way I ensure d3 enables this environment while contributing to the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy is by organising internationally renowned events like Dubai Fashion Week and Dubai Design Week. Dubai is a global hub for innovation and talent and this status is reinforced by its recognition as a UNESCO City of Creative Design.

HOW DOES YOUR ORGANISATION PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY OR INCLUDE WOMEN AT ALL LEVELS OF THE ORGANISATION?

Gender equality is of paramount importance at d3 and TECOM Group and our district is committed to promoting gender equality and creating an environment where women can excel. Today there are more than 31 homegrown companies just in the fashion segment at d3, and of these, 11 companies are owned by Emirati nationals and 18 with women entrepreneurs at the top. d3 has implemented initiatives to support women's professional growth, mentorship programmes, and networking opportunities. We also ensure equal opportunities for women to unleash their full potential and overcome barriers that might hinder their progress. Women’s creativity and talent has been pivotal to d3’s growth – be it architect Maha Al Bwardy, whose work is featured in hotels, homes, and offices around the world, or Aljoud Lootah, whose studio at our district draws on Emirati heritage to develop modern furniture and jewellery. Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), located at d3, is also enriching the future of creativity and innovation through its multidisciplinary degree in design. For example, DIDI graduate Ayesha Abdulla Al Suwaidi is the co-creator of MiFloof, a phygital companion for children’s emotional regulation skills. It is one of the several groundbreaking ideas – from 3D printed shoe heels to visual stimulation devices – to have emerged from the institute.

WOULD

YOU SAY THAT AT THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER,

DO YOU HAVE YOUR DREAM JOB? HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT WAS IT TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I consider myself fortunate to be in a position that aligns with my passion for design and allows me to contribute to the growth of the creative industry in Dubai. Reaching this point required determination, hard work, and the strong support system that Dubai and the UAE offer for women. Striking a balance between personal and professional aspirations is a continuous journey that has taught me valuable lessons and made me stronger as a leader. To me, d3’s impact on the global design community is what makes it all worthwhile.

WHAT DO YOU WISH TO DO FOR WOMEN TO ENCOURAGE AND GUIDE THEM IN THEIR CAREERS?

As an advocate for women's empowerment, my aim is to be a guiding light for aspiring Emirati women in their careers by providing mentorship and support. I believe in fostering a nurturing environment where women can voice their ideas and take on leadership roles without hesitation, embrace their uniqueness, overcome obstacles, and chase their dreams with unwavering determination.

For instance, in5 Design at d3 offers entrepreneurs and freelancers access to fully equipped, state-of-the-art Prototyping and Fashion Labs. d3’s community consistently hosts new events, pop-up stores, and activations for people to enjoy as well as grow their skills, including marquee events such as Dubai Fashion Week, Dubai Design Week and Sole DXB. Today d3 is the Middle East’s leading platform for design, fashion, architecture, and art, and with global industry leaders making a home at our district – be it fashion giant Burberry or architecture heavyweight Nikken Sekkei – our community continues to offer emerging homegrown talent a gateway to global recognition.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

My plans revolve around further advancing women's empowerment initiatives in Dubai and the UAE through d3. I aspire to continue promoting creativity, innovation, and sustainability while ensuring that women play an integral role in shaping the design landscape. As part of this effort d3 will keep working to strengthen its relationships with global creative leaders and create a platform where Emirati talents can shine internationally. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with organisations and institutions to create platforms that amplify women's voices and celebrate their achievements on a global scale. d3 is a building block of Dubai’s knowledge-based economy and facilitates networking, knowledge sharing, and creativity. My hope is to continue enriching this offering at d3 so that together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone.