Page 338 - INVESTOPIA ENGLISH PR REPORT FEBRUARY - MARCH 2025

With a string of impactful executive roles to her name prior to being appointed to her current
position in July 2024, including being the CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development,
Advisor to the Chairman at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Director General
of the Human Resources Authority (HRA) in Abu Dhabi, and Director General of the Abu Dhabi
School of Government (ADSG), H.E. Al Mazrouei is particularly eager to nurture new female talent,
especially Emirati talent. "In a world where the role of women is continually evolving, Emirati
women are making significant strides," she adds.

In 2024, the UAE witnessed several milestones that highlight the success of the UAE's policies to
empower and build the capacities of Emirati women. Notably, the UAE advanced to the 7th place
globally and retained its top regional position in the UN Gender Equality Index 2024, issued by the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Furthermore, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness
Council and the UAE Gender Balance Council signed an agreement to enhance Emirati women's
participation in the private sector through joint initiatives and programs. "The total count of
business licenses in the UAE held by Emirati women account for more than 10% of total licenses,"
H.E. Al Mazrouei proudly states.

She adds, "Women's representation in the UAE government increased with the appointment of
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail in December 2024 as Minister of Family, following the establishment
of the new ministry."

In this context, the Ministry of Economy and the General Women's Union signed a cooperation
memorandum to improve communication and unify efforts aimed at advancing economic
empowerment and strengthening women's roles in sustainable economic development. "The
agreement aims to advance the economic empowerment agenda and strengthen the role of
women in sustainable economic development, one of the distinguishing features of the UAE's
inspiring model for women's empowerment," H.E. Al Mazrouei explains. "This partnership focuses
on increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in commercial activities and promoting
their economic contributions both locally and regionally."

H.E. Al Mazrouei adds that the General Women's Union also launched the second phase of the
Women's Economic Empowerment Program, aimed at equipping Emirati women with skills in
various sectors, particularly entrepreneurship, supporting them to start up or expand their
businesses.
H.E. Al Mazrouei's support to enterprising women, and particularly Emirati women, traces back to
the beginnings of her career when she was Group Chief Operating Officer of Mazrui International
LLC, which was estab- lished by her family 50 years ago and grew into a Abu Dhabi-based
conglomerate with a highly diversified business portfolio.

Due to her diverse professional experience, H.E. Al Mazrouei has a thorough understanding of how
to support women's professional advancement, effectively. "Firstly, it is important to promote
awareness on gender biases through training programs for leaders, managers, and employees can
help address these stereotypes," H.E. Al Mazrouei says. "Establishing clear metrics for performance
and focusing on merit-based promotions rather than personal biases will ensure that women have
equal opportunities to rise in economic leadership." She also advises creating women-focused
networks and mentorship programs within organizations. "Encouraging senior women leaders to

https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/leadership/trailblazing-women-he-alia-bint-abdulla-al-
mazrouei/488001