“Namaa for the Advancement of Women” organized, in collaboration with the “Pearl Initiative,” the second session of the “Irtika” Council for Chief Executives. This event brought together esteemed leaders from various economic sectors in the UAE to discuss methods for enhancing equal opportunities in the workplace and fostering sustainable positive transformations in organizational strategies and practices.
The second session of the council took place at “The Chedi Al Bait” hotel in Sharjah and attracted executives from key fields such as energy, transportation, aviation, technology, and manufacturing. It reflects “Namaa’s” vision to elevate the role of women in decision-making positions and to establish justice as a key institutional priority and a developmental investment, aligning with the vision of Sharjah and the UAE regarding the future of businesses based on equal opportunities.
This year’s council program featured an extensive panel discussion titled “From Commitment to Impact: A Dialogue Among CEOs on Inclusive Leadership,” moderated by economic empowerment expert Noha Hafni. The discussions centered on the critical connection between effective governance and the promotion of equal opportunities within organizations, identifying these aspects as essential drivers for innovation, business resilience, attracting talent, and retaining it.
Prominent executives from leading global and regional institutions participated in the council, including: SAP, Transco Energy, Arada Property Development, Emirates Global Aluminium, global advisory firm Teneo, Air Arabia, Google, PwC, and Petrofac.
Maryam Al Hamadi, General Director of “Namaa for the Advancement of Women,” stated: “At Namaa, we believe that creating work environments that ensure the full participation of women at all levels of decision-making is a shared responsibility. This is based on the understanding that diversity enhances productivity, and that justice and equal opportunities are fundamental factors in strengthening organizations’ capacity for innovation and sustainability. By organizing the CEO Irtika Council, we turn this belief into practical reality, as it gathers business leaders and decision-makers from key sectors to discuss the relationship between governance practices and women’s empowerment. The council underscores the importance of institutions committing to serving diverse markets and investing in empowering the next generation of female leadership.”
Ralph Choueiry, Executive Director of the Pearl Initiative, remarked: “The CEO Irtika Council serves as a vital platform that unites a select group of leaders from diverse business sectors to exchange insights and experiences, while also promoting a culture of accountability. It translates commitments into practical results capable of making a tangible impact. Through constructive dialogue on effective governance and leadership, we aim to continue supporting the business sector in developing innovative and resilient work environments that can adapt to change and achieve prosperity for all.”