Nada Taryam, Bee’ah

NADA TARYAM

Managing Director – Civil and Architectural Projects

Bee’ah

We need to harness the untapped potential of female talent and their capabilities, and that means improving female representation across all industries

What is Bee’ah’s vision towards sustainability, and what steps are being taken to achieve sustainability goals? How do you engage employees in sustainability efforts?

Bee’ah’s primary aim is pioneer sustainable quality of life for the communities we serve. One of the company’s greatest achievement has been reaching a 76% waste diversion rate in Sharjah – the highest in the Middle East – through an integrated approach to waste management, advanced recycling facilities, and innovative technologies. We are also building the UAE’s first waste-to-energy facility in Sharjah, which will bring the waste diversion rate up to 100% by 2021. Bee’ah also has multiple community outreach programmes to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling and household waste segregation for the environment. Based on our reputation and successful track record in the UAE, Bee’ah expanded into Egypt and KSA in 2020, where we are exporting our sustainable solutions to Egypt’s New Administrative Capital and Madinah City.

Bee’ah’s employees are all committed to sustainability, and we believe in leading by example. Some of our recent initiatives include going plastic-free at our offices and facilities, replacing plastic bottles with water filters for employees, and providing each employee with reusable cutlery kits.

Our new headquarters, which will be an iconic architectural landmark set against the natural desert landscape in Sharjah, is also a representation of Bee’ah’s values. We aim to make the headquarters a net-zero energy building, powered by renewable energy through an on-site solar farm and Tesla Powerpack batteries. The headquarters also makes use of recycled materials in construction, has an on-site graywater recycling system, and will achieve a 90% efficiency of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Bee’ah’s headquarters is also an AI-integrated office of the future, with technologies developed by Johnson Controls, Microsoft and our own digitalisation venture, EVOTEQ. The numerous AI-use cases within the building will support resource optimisation, energy savings, smart facility management, and create an optimal environment for employee happiness and satisfaction.

What does women’s empowerment mean to you?

When women are empowered to succeed, societies become stronger and more prosperous. We need to harness the untapped potential of female talent and their capabilities, and that means improving female representation across all industries, especially in futurecritical sectors, so that all segments of a community can reap equitable benefits, and a society as a whole can progress.

Here in the UAE, we are fortunate to be in a country that actively supports inclusivity and gender equality. The UAE Cabinet has among the world’s highest participation of women, and I believe that this speaks volumes about the country’s commitment to women's empowerment.

What have been your challenges navigating leadership roles as a woman in the Middle East and abroad?

As a woman in a leadership role and in a male-dominated industry, I have had to work harder to prove myself and my capabilities to overcome gender bias and societal stereotypes. Nonetheless, I am proud of the achievements that women have made in the fields of art, design and culture, and of my own role in paving the way forward for women leaders of tomorrow. As an Emirati woman, I am thankful to the UAE’s leadership for carving out equal opportunities for men and women alike, and to Bee’ah for empowering the women in our organisation across various functions.

Do you believe that profitability and environmental sustainability can coexist?

Profitability and environmental sustainability can definitely coexist. Environmental challenges should not be viewed as a burden, but as an opportunity. At Bee’ah, we are working to support cities in their transition towards zerowaste and a circular economy, which aims to redefine growth while designing out waste and pollution.

Our ultimate aim is to support cities’ transformation into modern, sustainable and future-proof arenas that benefit current generations and generations to come.

What advice would you give to women who are seeking out leadership roles?

For women are who seeking leadership roles, I think it is important to believe in yourself and know your worth. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by preconceived notions, circumstances or challenges, instead, strive to constantly go beyond your comfort zone and grow. Stay ambitious, work hard, and do not settle for anything less than what you deserve.