THE LEADING LADIES IN THE UAE’S BOOMING F&B ECOSYSTEM

MANISHA ADVANI DIRECTOR, MYGOVINDA’S

Manisha Advani’s success has come in the sustainable and healthy cuisine sector. Her F&B brand My Govinda’s represents her well-being goals for the body, mind and soul. Advani’s restaurants offer healthy Indian cuisine, pioneering healthy Indian desserts. She supports female-run businesses by being a stockist for their products, from athleisure to botanical eye pillows. In the future, Advani looks to influence the health space within the F&B industry even more by hiring more women.

HONEY Ebrahimi EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BELGRAVE

Honey Ebrahimi is the Executive Director of Belgrave – a unique Persian concept established in London, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Before submerging herself into Belgrave, Honey worked in the financial market of the Oil & Gas industry, with experience across the UK, USA and GCC countries. This contributed immensely to her understanding of businesses, expansion and business challenges.

Honey always dreamt of having a family business that could carry their name into the next generation so, soon after her brother Amin (Creator, Executive Chef and Cofounder) came up with the Belgrave concept, Honey joined him on the venture of a beautiful journey that has transformed the food industry and how we perceive it.

Honey is the backbone of all operations, including front of house, staffing, business development and guest management.

What is your biggest advantage in business as a woman?

My biggest advantage would be a combination of my team leadership skills, performance management, and values that suit the needs of the business. Additionally as a leader, I lead by example and look at each task or opportunity as how I can take this to the next level.

What was it like being a woman in business in the region?

A confident woman who believes in herself is highly respected in this region which is really great. I have worked in the GCC and MENA region, for many years and I always enjoyed the professional environment. At Belgrave, we always maintain the highest level of professionalism and greet all our guests with a warm welcome and friendly service, so they have the best experience.

What's the best advice you have for other women out there that have an interest in F&B but are too afraid to start?

My advice to all my fellow women entrepreneurs is to follow your dreams because nobody will do it for you. Never give up and always be consistent!

What was it like being a woman in business in the region?

It was tough at first, considering a lot of the industry is maledominated at many levels. Hoeever, with the support of my team members, and my family I was made to feel otherwise. Our region comprises of compassionate women who are willing to collaborate and want to see you succeed.

Did the F&B industry embrace you or was it an uphill climb? Please elaborate.

It wasn't easy at first for sure. The industry is dominated by some key players, the majority stake holders being men.

From suppliers to the workforce and end users at times, people look at a man to be the decision maker. Although in recent years, this has changed, with constant awareness and education of the power that women have and the change we can provide in society. His Highness Sheikh

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s

private office itself consists of 80% women.

What is the biggest misconception that people have about women in leadership in this region?

That they have the support of a man or they can't work long hours. I know of companies in the region that are solely operated by women. Women hold many roles in a family, and that makes them extremely resilient.

What's the best advice you have for other women out there that have an interest in F&B but are too afraid to start?

The journey isn't as tough as we think and the sweet success makes it worth it, especially when it's the result of our own hard work. Seek out a mentor or an accountability partner to bounce ideas off of and keep you motivated to strive for success.

JUNAH BALUNGCAS FOUNDER AND CEO, BAOFRIEND RESTAURANT

A Filipina expatriate, Junah launched Baofriend in DSO last year in September. She came to the UAE in 2011 as a nurse. Today, she is a nurse manager for two clinics – one in Al Ain and the other in Sharjah. Even with her busy work life, opening a restaurant was always one of her dreams. Baofriend in Dubai Digital Park – a funky, fun restaurant serving bao and Asian fusion cuisine.

Junah also opened a second outlet in Abu Dhabi at the end February 2023.

What is the biggest misconception that people have about women in leadership in this region?

The stereotype about women in leadership being incapable or underqualified compared to their male counterparts particularly in male-dominated indus- tries. However, research has shown that female leaders can be just as effective and successful as men, and in many cases, may bring unique strengths and perspectives to leadership roles. Additionally, the UAE has taken steps in recent years to promote gender equality and empower women in leadership positions, including the appointment of women to high-profile government positions.

Women have the ability to maintain multiple priorities and balance many different roles at the same time. Being an entrepreneur, I also work as a Nurse Manager, at Kanad Hospital, Al Ain. Today, Women are the catalyst for change. I have observed many other women coming forward and collaborating with other female entrepreneurs as well.

What's the best advice you have for other women out there that have an interest in F&B but are too afraid to start?

As a female entrepreneur, my advice for women who are interested in starting an F&B business but are hesitant to do so would be to take the leap and go for it. Starting any business can be scary, but it's important to remember that many successful entrepreneurs also had doubts and fears when they were starting out.

To overcome these fears, it's important to do research and gain a solid understanding of the industry, including market trends, customer needs, and competition. I never had any formal training in hotel management or hospitality, but it was my ambition to elevate Asian cuisine and start a unique food concept that led me to seek mentorship and guidance from other women entrepreneurs in the industry like our restaurant consultant. I also participated in networking events like the Philippine Business Council and Fearless Fab Flamingo, an all-female community of business owners in UAE. It is also very important to join educational programs to help build your skills and knowledge. Ultimately, it's important to believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. With hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, you can overcome your fears and achieve your goals as a woman entrepreneur in the F&B industry.

THE WOMEN BEHIND SAUDI’S MOST AMBITIOUS GIGA PROJECT – THE RED SEA GLOBAL

REEMA SHELLO ASSISTANT MANAGER - PROJECTS OPERATIONAL READINESS AT RED SEA GLOBAL

What inspired you to get into your line of work?

I have always admired the beauty of architecture and the way it enriches people’s lives through innovation and creativity. Through my work at Red Sea Global (RSG), I wanted to add this little spark of joy to transform people’s houses into homes and create an environment that brings about a sense of belonging and ultimately leads to serenity and comfort.

What attracted you to RSG?

Joining RSG was a very exciting opportunity for me, and I am thrilled to be here. RSG resonates with my values and ambitions of being part of something bigger, better, and making a real difference not only in the lives of the communities we serve but across the nation. I am proud to be part of an elite team that was carefully selected to supervise and support the delivery of RSG’s industry-pioneering projects, The Red Sea and Amaala. What we do goes beyond just constructing buildings. It’s about promoting new standards in regenerative tourism, centered on protecting and enhancing our most precious asset – the environment.

I consider myself very fortunate to have found a diverse, inclusive, and passionate work environment that operates in synergy. Since joining RSG, I have been motivated, encouraged, and empowered to feel part of a family where everyone is dedicated to fostering a culture of trust, care, equity, and empathy. This exceptional ethos doesn’t come about by chance, but as a result of the infinite support that we receive from our managers and senior leadership. They push us to do better every day, create a space for us to share our feedback and opinions, and recognize our efforts.

How would you describe RSG’s company culture?

The team at RSG is passionate, resilient, and inspiring. Being part of RSG is not just about contributing to the growth of an organization, but to the future of Saudi Arabia, a nation that advocates for the best there is in terms of sustainability, originality, thought leadership, and transformation. The visionary and forward-looking culture of RSG constantly encourages transparency, responsibility, and teamwork, where one learns something new every day.

What energises and motivates you at work?

Waking up to marvel at the pristine sea in the horizon is the biggest motivation to start my day. Taking a moment to admire the beauty of nature everyday pushes you to give your all to ensure that it is well preserved, enhanced, and protected.

How do you blend work and life to create the right balance?

Confucius said: “choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life.” And because I love what I do, I enjoy every minute of it.

I have developed a healthy routine where I am fully dedicated and immersed while at work. But the weekend gives me time to catch up with my friends and family. I also focus on my wellbeing by eating healthy, playing sports, and going for long walks on the beach after work to recharge.

What progress have you seen on gender equality within Saudi Arabia?

I am very proud and lucky to be a woman that has been born and raised in Saudi Arabia. I have never felt more empowered, motivated, and appreciated and I have never felt that my gender was an obstacle or a limiting factor. As a woman, the sky is the limit for how much I can grow and I am free to choose who I want to be and what I wish to do. I am independent and the master of my own choices. Looking around me everyday, I am so excited and inspired to see more women being appreciated and entrusted with critical leadership roles and responsibilities! The present is bright and the future is even brighter as there is no limit to what women can do or be in Saudi Arabia.

What’s your International Women’s Day message for young women?

I want to tell them: ”Believe in yourself, know your worth, and never give up on your dreams.”

Choose the job that makes you feel challenged and alive and put your all into it. Don't settle for anything less. You are strong and capable; acknowledge your strengths and embrace them, identify your weaknesses and work on them! Be kind, be confident, be genuine, and always be yourself. Don't let anything pull you down, you are the author of your own story, and the future is yours to create.

RANA ABUAUREF HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGER AT

Red Sea Global

“For those looking to make a real difference in the world, the health and safety sector offers incredible opportunities. It’s not just about hardhats and hi-vis vests. It’s a highly rewarding profession that involves supporting employee health and wellbeing, and keeping them safe, so they can return home to their loved ones. It is fundamental to businesses and plays a vital role in creating a sustainable, healthy, and productive workforce.”

Tell us about your journey at RSG?

I joined Red Sea Global (RSG) in June 2021. In my search for value and a sense of community, I found a place where I have faced with a myriad of opportunities to help me grow.

RSG’s values resonate with me on a deep level. You often don’t see the company’s values prioritize the wellbeing of people, but RSG promises just that.

The company’s four core values start with respect, which lies at the center of everything and is the beating heart of the corporate culture. RSG treats all of us with respect and embraces diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

The second value of responsibility applies to both the natural environment, driven by a commitment to protecting it for future generations, as well as the culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia. RSG is helping to increase opportunities both within the destination’s communities and across Saudi Arabia, with particular focus on empowering women to play a valuable part in achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

Next, a passion to achieve results with excellence is ingrained in all of us at RSG. We all continually go beyond expectations and strive to achieve the best outcomes every day.

And finally, we embrace collaboration to learn from each other, grow together, and work as a team in a caring and diverse culture. We believe that it is only by coming together as one unit, that we can achieve extraordinary results.

What is the work environment at RSG like?

I remember my first impression when I joined RSG; it was like a world of its own. You will find a diverse team of people from various countries and cultures, all working together hand-in-hand to achieve the same goals –especially enabling women’s empowerment. Everyone is willing to help and support, regardless of their departments.

What does a typical day in your work life look like?

Honestly, there is no typical day. That’s what makes life here so special; every day, you are faced with new opportunities that enrich your life. We have various projects on the inlands and offshore, so every day you have a new experience.

What motivates you?

I most enjoy the after-work activities that are specially organised for women. Activities like ladies’ night, yoga, zumba, and the gym makes like off-site even more fun. At work, it’s the motivation, support, and encouragement that drives us to do better. Everyone in the senior leadership – from John Pagano, Ahmad Darwish, and top management – makes us believe in ourselves and dream bigger.

How do you achieve worklife balance?

Once you organise your time and priorities, the balance comes automatically.

What progress have you seen on gender equality within Saudi Arabia?

The fact is in the figures. According to Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Statistics’ (GASTAT), the percentage of female workforce reached 37 percent in 2022. The drive towards female empowerment was always present, but nothing like what we are experiencing today. The launch of Vision2030 has paved an exciting path for female empowerment, driven by tangible developments of the national law and policies. Women can now work in any position, at any time, as per their capabilities – be it construction, military, aerospace, and even leading executive positions.

What’s your International Women’s Day message for young women?

Believe in yourself and your dreams, and work hard to achieve them. Reflect on any criticism as a constructive step to reach your goals. Be yourself and enjoy your life.

ASHJAN ALI SENIOR SPECIALIST - ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE & OPERATIONS AT RED SEA GLOBAL

What inspired you to get into your line of work?

My passion to be an environmentalist was inspired by my hometown of Al Jubail. Witnessing the world's largest single industrial development project – the Jubail Industrial City – being built from the ground up made me realize and appreciate the painstaking ways that our visionary leadership was preserving and protecting the natural environment we lived in. So, I decided to pursue Environmental Science in school, and was thrilled at the opportunity to join Red Sea Global (RSG) in advancing unprecedented environmental compliance at one of the biggest engineering projects of our times.

What attracted you to RSG?

The nature of the project is truly astounding; building a tourism destination that will be the world’s first gateway to the pristine, pure, untouched wealth of natural environment in this part of Saudi Arabia.

Tell us more about the team you work with?

Working in the environmental compliance team comes with its own unique set of challenges, but presents equally exciting opportunities. A key part of my job is establishing synergies with construction teams and contractors to ensure all inland and offshore projects comply with our environment and sustainability framework, regulations, and policies. This includes overseeing the necessary procedures and trainings to contractors as well, and I thoroughly enjoy working with people from different sectors, expertise, and professional backgrounds so we can learn, grow, and achieve incredible project milestones together.

Take us through your workday?

Most of my mornings are spent between the inland projects, driving to Southern Dunes, Desert Rock, Turtle Bay Village, and the Red Sea International Airport sites. The rest of the day split between office work, reports, and progress meetings.

What’s your International Women’s Day message for young women? Be brave, be strong, and strive for independence. Do what you believe in and be proud of yourself.

HILTON QATAR AND SAUDI ARABIA’S HOSPITALITY HEROINES

MAGDALINA CHUNG

GENERAL MANAGER, FUWAIRIT KITE BEACH, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON

Magdalina has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry having held various roles at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu and Mercure Waterfront Kota Kinabalu. She is currently the General Manager at Fuwairit Kite Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Qatar.

Magdalina developed an interest in hospitality during high school after working with a hotel group on a CSR initiative. She was also inspired by her elder sister’s successful career in the industry and wanted to travel, explore different cultures, and meet new people, while growing personally and professionally. She believes the hospitality industry offers ambitious and dynamic women a chance to break the glass ceiling in leadership roles.

Passionate about creating ‘wow’ moments and unforgettable memories for guests, Magdalina derives satisfaction from mentoring team members and making a difference in their lives. Her long-term career goal is to collaborate with hospitality-focused educational institutions and share her knowledge and expertise with students.

How do you stay motivated?

Seeing the project materialise before our eyes is truly astounding. I will never forget my first day at the Southern Dunes site, when the area was just golden sand dunes and nothing else. Today, the resort stands tall and ready to soon start welcoming guests.

What progress have you seen on gender equality within Saudi Arabia?

I see the greatest example before my very eyes, as I see my fellow colleagues take charge on construction sites and stand side-by-side with their male counterparts on the field.

Magdalina completed her formal education in Australia and started her career at Sofitel Great Barrier Reef as an intern. She then travelled to Switzerland to pursue her diploma, completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida International University, Miami, USA, before moving to the Middle East.

What is it like being a woman specialising in hospitality in the region? Being a woman does not define who you are, and it should not stop you from being less capable than men. We are now in an era where substance and professional know-how is of greater importance than gender. The most rewarding feeling as a woman in this industry is seeing other women I have mentored and coached in the past take on leadership roles across different departments. These women inspire me to continue to strive for greatness in all I do. I am proud and humbled by their determination to succeed at work and unleash their full potential.

Did the hospitality industry embrace you or was it an uphill climb? Please elaborate.

In life, what you really want will never come easy. However, I believe that everything is possible with focus and determination. I’ve faced a lot of challenges and obstacles head on and continue to stay motivated. This self-motivation coupled with the trust my leaders have in me, has given me the opportunity to excel and advance in my hospitality career. It has been a whirlwind journey filled with passion and love for what I do every step of the way. As the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”.

What is the biggest misconception that people have about women in leadership in this region?

I don’t see the glass ceiling anymore; women are equally capable of assuming roles in male-dominated areas. Women have come a long way and are now being recognised for their skills rather than their gender. It can be argued that women are no longer a minority in the corporate world. They are leading with new ideas and have a broader approach when it comes to handling and managing organisational responsibilities. To me, this is amazing.

What's the best advice you have for other women out there that have an interest in hospitality but are too afraid to start?

The hospitality sector is the most rewarding industry that you can be in. Of course, sometimes you must go the extra mile, putting in long hours, providing extra support to team members, and effectively handling hotel guests. The most rewarding feeling is when you turn every moment into a memorable and ‘WOW’ experience for guests and team members alike. Being able to travel the world and experience different cultures is the icing on the cake.

My advice for women interested in the hospitality industry is to persevere, stay focused and stay committed. Most importantly, love what you do - this helps you fly high! Remember, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going!”

VERA TSONCHEVA DIRECTOR OF FINANCE FOR WALDORF ASTORIA LUSAIL DOHA, COUNTRY DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, QATAR

Vera has worked in the hospitality industry for over 16 years. She joined Hilton in 2007 as the Director of Finance at Hilton Sofia, Bulgaria, and was later promoted to Director of Finance & Human Resources. In 2016, she moved to Abu Dhabi and within a year, she was promoted to the role of Cluster Director of Finance for both Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Hilton Al Ain.

At th`e end of 2019, she joined the pre-opening team at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Qatar, and successfully helped launch the property. In 2021, she was instrumental in the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha – the brand’s first hotel in Qatar – where she now works as Director of Finance. Vera is also Hilton’s Country Director of Finance for Qatar.

Her interest in hospitality was sparked by reading Arthur Hailey’s novel ‘Hotel’ as a teen, and she was immediately drawn to the thought of a dynamic and varied professional environment.

Her list of achievements also includes winning awards such as the ‘HR Commercial & Innovation Award 2015 (EMEA region)’ and ‘Director of Finance 2017 for Arabian Peninsula and Turkey’, as well as securing the runner-up award spot in the ‘Director of Finance 2021 for Arabian Peninsula and Turkey’. Vera has also completed the Women in Leadership ‘Train the Trainer’ Learning & Development programme.

What is your biggest advantage in hospitality as a woman?

Based on my experience, I believe there are no specific advantages or disadvantages to being a woman in the hospitality industry. I believe that hard work, self-development, and dedication are what matters in any industry.

Did the hospitality industry embrace you or was it an uphill climb? Please elaborate.

When I joined the hospitality sector, I felt at home. There were no preconceived ideas about gender, age, and ethnicity. I believe people get opportunities in hospitality based on their talents, strengths and potential. I also received a lot of support of my General Managers and the Regional Corporate team.

What is the biggest misconception that people have about women in leadership in this region?

The greatest misconception is that women are not good with numbers. The best approach is to prove them wrong, roll up your sleeves and get the job done. It is important to note that this misconception is not only in this region but globally.

What's the best advice you have for other women out there that have an interest in hospitality but are too afraid to start?

The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers in the world, and we have entered the Golden Age of travelling post pandemic. The industry provides a variety of specialisations where everyone can find their specific niche –food and beverage, rooms, commercial, human resources, finance and many more. These serve as the foundation for an attractive career that allows you to travel the world, meet different people and cultures and grow professionally and personally.

NOURAH RASHED ALHUDAITHY GUESTS SERVICES MANAGER AT HILTON RIYADH HOTEL & RESIDENCES

How did you get into hospitality?

I started out my career in the health sector and pursuing a career in hospitality never crossed my mind. I was later presented with the opportunity to work in the hospitality sector, and despite some of the challenges I faced in the beginning, I started to enjoy this line of work and chose to make a career out of it.

I started out as a receptionist at the DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh - Al Muroj Business Gate, where I was able to learn quite a lot about this field. I then moved briefly to work with another brand before returning to Hilton and undertook the role of the Guest Services Supervisor. Shortly after that, I was promoted to Guest Services Manager in just a matter of seven months – thanks to Hilton's ongoing support.

Hilton offers numerous learning and development opportunities through the programs it offers through the Hilton Worldwide University. It supports professional development, offering a gateway to many educational platforms, including courses from renowned international educational facilities.

My current career path is in line with the goals I set when I first started, and I look forward to further learning and advancement to reach those goals. I aspire to be in a leadership role at Hilton, also because Hilton supports women in leadership.

I have become passionate about this profession and love the fact that it's not a routine job, as there is so much that happens through the day, and no two days are the same.

How can the hospitality industry in KSA encourage more women to join the industry?

The hospitality industry in the KSA can encourage more women to join by ensuring the availability of equal opportunities, fair pay, and a safe and supportive work environment. Additionally, mentorship and training programs can enable women to develop the skills and knowledge required for leadership roles. Brands like Hilton are continuously promoting female advancement and females in leadership positions for them to become role models and inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector?

The biggest misconception about women in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector is that they are not interested in pursuing leadership roles or are not capable of handling such roles. However, this is far from the truth. Women in Saudi Arabia have demonstrated tremendous poten- tial and dedication in the hospitality sector, and many are striving to advance their careers and take on more leadership roles.

NOUF AL DHAHRI ASSISTANT FOOD & DRINKS MANAGER AT JEDDAH HILTON

Tell us about your journey into hospitality?

I started my career in banqueting as part of a family business. I then moved on to work in Jeddah Hilton in 2019 as a banquet supervisor before getting placed within the Food & Drinks Department as a coordinator. Here, I learned on the job through simulating and observation, and placed myself on a career path to becoming Food & Drinks Manager.

I was then shortly promoted to Food & Drinks Supervisor, where I was also assigned as the Acting Assistant Banquet Manager, and in Jan 2022, I was given a big step up in my career to become Junior Assistant Food & Drinks Manager, following which I was promoted to Assistant Food & Drinks Manager. This makes me one of the first Saudi women to assist with leading a Food & Beverage Department.

I was selected by the government to undertake special training as part of the 2030 leader’s program for women. I was also one of the 200 selected across Saudi Arabia to study for a master's degree in Les Roches in Spain.

Hilton has provided me with a steppingstone to reach to the top. I have received a lot of support from the team who believe in me and provide me with the necessary training as well as the opportunity to lead. I feel it’s a great brand with a great culture, with programs around women in leadership to support and inspire women hoteliers in their careers.

I have decided to continue my career in the hospitality sector because of my passion for the industry, and I find it quite enjoyable and fulfilling, especially when I provide the best service that I can to the guests and see their faces light up. There is never a dull moment because there is something new happening every day.

All my life, I have dreamed of becoming a role model for women, and I hope to inspire Saudi women to believe that everything is possible through hard work, being smart and through believing in yourself and never giving up. There is no shortcut to success.

My ultimate goal is to play a role in helping Saudi Arabia fulfil the Vision 2030 and I aspire to become one of the leaders in the Ministry of Tourism.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector? It’s a common perception that women in Saudi Arabia are only suited for support roles and are unable to take on more serious roles such as operations. The reality is that many Saudi women in hospitality are exceeding expectations and actually have a clear career path to be on top within the industry, where the sky is the limit. Personally, as a woman I have faced challenges where many did not feel I would be able to handle different shifts, work during holidays, and balance work and family life. However, I overcame these challenges to achieve the success I have now.