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In an ongoing effort to advance the roles of Emirati women in management and leadership positions, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), in collaboration with Skyrize Partners and the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), has successfully launched the sixth cohort of the Nomu Al Ghurair programme. This programme, which focuses on the Women in Management and Leadership pathway, serves as a powerful initiative for women’s empowerment in Ras Al Khaimah. The programme aims to foster career advancement and skill development among Emirati and Arab women, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in the corporate world.
Why the Nomu Al Ghurair Programme Matters
The Nomu Al Ghurair programme represents a significant step toward addressing the gender disparity in leadership roles within the UAE. By offering structured training and development opportunities, the programme is designed to ensure that Emirati women can thrive in the professional environment. The initiative emphasizes career-focused training, providing participants with practical skills directly applicable to the workplace. From career counselling to business communication and leadership training, the programme’s comprehensive approach prepares women for success at the highest levels of their careers.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy of promoting women’s empowerment across various sectors, ensuring that the next generation of Emirati female leaders is equipped with the tools to make meaningful contributions to the economy and society.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Building Leadership Skills
The curriculum of the Nomu Al Ghurair programme is carefully designed to address the diverse needs of Emirati women aspiring to leadership roles. Participants engage in various modules, each tailored to develop key competencies required in the corporate sector. These modules include:
- Career Counselling: Participants receive personalized guidance on navigating their career paths effectively, aligning their professional goals with their skills and aspirations.
- CV and LinkedIn Optimisation: The programme equips participants with the knowledge to create impactful resumes and optimize their LinkedIn profiles, enhancing their visibility in the job market.
- People Leadership: This module focuses on developing the skills necessary to manage teams, lead projects, and positively influence organizational outcomes.
- Business Communications: Effective communication is a critical skill for any leader. This module helps participants refine their ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively professionally.
By integrating these elements into a cohesive training framework, the Nomu Al Ghurair programme ensures that participants are well-prepared to assume leadership positions and contribute to their organizations’ success.
Real-World Application: The Capstone Project
One of the most distinctive features of the Nomu Al Ghurair programme is the Capstone project. This hands-on experience allows participants to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained in a real-world setting. Working within RAKEZ’s Parks Operations and Marketing departments, participants tackle actual business challenges, develop strategic marketing campaigns, and contribute to operational improvements.
The Capstone project not only provides participants with practical experience but also gives them the opportunity to showcase their talents to senior representatives from AGF, RAKEZ, and Skyrize Partners. The culmination of the project is a formal presentation, where participants present their work and receive feedback from a jury of industry leaders. This experience is invaluable in helping participants build confidence in their abilities and prepare for future leadership roles.
Mentorship: Guiding Women to Success
In addition to the intensive training and real-world experience, the Nomu Al Ghurair programme includes a six-month mentorship period. During this time, participants are paired with seasoned professionals who provide guidance and support as they refine and apply their newly acquired skills. This mentorship is a critical component of the programme, as it helps participants navigate the challenges of their careers while fostering personal and professional growth.
The mentorship period also allows participants to expand their professional networks, connecting with leaders in their fields who can offer valuable insights and advice. This network is an essential resource for participants as they continue to advance in their careers, providing them with ongoing support and opportunities for collaboration.
Fully Funded Initiative: Supporting Women at Every Stage
One of the key strengths of the Nomu Al Ghurair programme is that it is fully funded by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. This ensures that all participants have access to the training and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their financial background. The programme is open to Emirati female students, fresh graduates, and young professionals aged 18-35, making it accessible to women at various stages of their careers.
By removing financial barriers, the programme ensures that talented women from across Ras Al Khaimah and beyond can benefit from the training and mentorship provided. This inclusive approach reflects the commitment of AGF, Skyrize Partners, and RAKEZ to creating equal opportunities for all women.
The Impact on Ras Al Khaimah’s Business Landscape
The Nomu Al Ghurair programme is not just about empowering individual women; it is about transforming the broader business landscape in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond. By equipping women with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, the programme is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce. This is particularly important in the UAE, where women’s participation in the workforce is seen as a key driver of economic growth and innovation.
Moreover, the programme’s focus on women in management and leadership roles ensures that women are not just participants in the workforce but leaders who can shape the future of their organizations. This is critical for fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, as diverse leadership teams are better able to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Emirati Women
The Nomu Al Ghurair programme sets a new standard for women’s professional development in the UAE. By offering a comprehensive training and mentorship experience, the programme is empowering women to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the economy. As the sixth cohort of the programme gets underway, the impact of this initiative is already being felt across Ras Al Khaimah.
Looking ahead, the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, Skyrize Partners, and RAKEZ remain committed to supporting the next generation of Emirati female leaders. Through ongoing partnerships and continued investment in women’s empowerment, these organizations are helping to build a brighter future for women in the UAE and beyond.
