DSS success brings Leila Suhail miles of smiles (page 1 of 2)

Although it's generally held that women are more likely to hit a glass ceiling than their male counterparts when it comes to climbing the corporate ladder, it's getting less surprising to see a local woman handling an executive position.

The opportunity for Emirati women to take on senior positions in big companies is growing, meaning that meeting female executives at Middle Eastern businesses is not as much of a phenomenon as it was even just a few years ago.

"Today, we see more women in leading positions, and this is encouraged by our government and leader. Such encouragement motivates women to do more."

Suhail pays tribute to women's tolerance and patience, which she says, has enabled this change. "By nature, women are more patient and this enables them to do different kinds of jobs. Of course, each field has its requirements and circumstances, but I do believe that there are no limits for what women are capable of doing, as long as they find the support they need."

Envied

The UAE government is ready to do all it can to reinforce women's role in all business sectors. This is clear in the different initiatives it continues to come out with, the aim of which is to develop women's potential in the workplace.

"Emirati women are envied for the support they receive from the UAE government. Nonetheless, this is what brought us in leading positions and at the same time challenges us to prove that we deserve this support and are able make the best of the chances we are given."

One government initiative in particular, said Suhail, has been a big help, that is the Dubai Establishment for Women ['s] Development, which she describes as an imperative step towards enabling women to achieve more in their careers.

Equally, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation provides support for women who want to establish their own businesses.

Dubai Establishment for Women Development was launched at the end of 2006 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who also appointed HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Al Maktoum to run the establishment.

Its role is to launch initiatives and projects targeting women, provide recommendations on legislation that will impact a woman's role, raise awareness on a woman's role in society, and empower women on the local and international levels.

Women receive additional support from private sector companies as well. "I've worked closely with companies from the private sector and I could see the high levels of support Emirati women get from them. It's something that shows how much these companies will welcome local women aboard."

Bringing dead to life

Dubai Summer Surprises, with its slogan 'miles of smiles', first came to light in 1997. It was introduced as a way of bringing Dubai's dead summer season back to life, and now offers a mix of events and shows at various shopping malls, as well as huge savings in sales throughout the period.

"The first step was to invite all the shopping malls and discuss the idea of DSS with them, as their cooperation was essential for its success. Being competitors, it wasn't easy to convince them to work all together but as they realised the benefit this will bring them, our mission became easier."

Today, 30 per cent of the DSS budget comes through the private sector in the form of sponsorships, promotions, and direct expenses.