Page 231 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2024 (Part 2)

9/20/24, 11:32 AM Empowering Ventures: H.E. Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister Of State For Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneur
But what about those among us who are essentially on the cusp of taking the leap into

entrepreneurship—what would be the message Al Mazrouei would give to all you aspiring
founders out there in the UAE? Her reply is succinct—Al Mazrouei urges you to simply be

bold, and dive right in. "Pursue your passions with all your heart, and trust in the supportive

ecosystem that we are fortunate to have in the UAE," she says. "This is a time filled with

possibilities, and with courage and determination, there is nothing you cannot achieve.
Remember, your journey is more than just your own—it's an inspiration to others who will

see in your story the courage to chase their dreams. You have the power to make a

difference, not just in your life, but in the lives of countless others."

Al Mazrouei may well be speaking from experience here, given how she has been a role

model for so many entrepreneurs in the UAE, and especially so for those who are women.

As a woman in the UAE's business realm, she admits that there have been times when,

owing to her gender, the going has gotten tough—but then again, as the popular aphorism
goes, that's also when the tough get going. "Throughout my career, I've encountered

challenges, some of which were shaped by my gender," Al Mazrouei shares. "But rather

than letting these obstacles deter me, I've embraced them as opportunities for growth and

self-discovery. Each hurdle has taught me resilience, and they have been instrumental in
shaping the person and leader I've become. To the women of the UAE, both Emirati and

otherwise, I want to say this: embrace your unique strengths with pride. Never doubt the

value of the qualities that make you who you are. Seek out mentorship and build a strong
network of support, for these connections will be your greatest allies in your journey.

Collaboration and community are powerful; by sharing your experiences and resources,

you're not only paving the way for your own success, but also lighting the path for future
generations of women."

Interestingly enough, Al Mazrouei also points to one of the most cherished aspects of being

a woman— motherhood—as being central to her life today. "From a personal perspective,
being a mother is, without a doubt, the most profound and fulfilling achievement of my life,"

she says. "Motherhood has been my greatest priority as well as my most profound teacher,

imparting lessons that resonate deeply with the qualities of successful leadership—

perseverance, patience, collaboration, team-building, and unwavering resilience. Through
this journey, I've come to cherish every moment, understanding the true value of time, and

ensuring that each second is spent with purpose and love. I am deeply proud of my ability

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