Noura Farag, Learning & Development Administrator at Conrad Abu Dhabi, shares her journey to a meaningful career and making a difference in the workplace as a person of determination. Ms Farag sadly died in early December, just three weeks after the Inclusive Workplaces Summit where we interviewed her. We honour her memory by sharing her story and words of hope for people of determination to find meaningful work they love.
Noura Farag is shaping a path for inclusivity at Conrad Abu Dhabi. The 35-year-old learning and development administrator helps employees thrive while inspiring greater workplace acceptance for people of determination (POD).
After finishing high school in Abu Dhabi, Ms Farag taught herself skills in web and graphic design.
She secured her first job at the former Hilton Grand Capital in 2019, shortly after the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi.
“I watched my mother work hard to give us a good life and wondered if I could ever do the same,” says Ms Farag, who has facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
The genetic condition primarily affects the muscles in the face and upper body but can also spread to other muscles in the body.
“Back then, so few companies were flexible or open to the needs of a person of determination,” she added, speaking at Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit.
Hilton gave her that chance. Although she lost her first job in 2020, Ms Farag returned to the Hilton chain in 2021. She now oversees onboarding for more than 600 employees at Conrad Abu Dhabi.
“It gave me excitement – something bigger than myself,” she says.
Hilton made some key modifications to accommodate Ms Farag’s needs before she joined, including a wheelchair-friendly bathroom and emergency pull strings. One of her general managers also gifted her a motorised chair.
The empathy and support she receives has made work incredibly fulfilling, she says.
“I will never forget the general manager who gave me the chair and said, ‘Noura, I want you to feel independent and part of the team.’ That meant everything to me.”
Ms Farag dreams of seeing more POD in workplaces. “Often, we’re present but not seen. Companies must take a chance, adapt, and help us unlock our potential.”
Her goal is to create an independent platform to simplify finding and hiring people of determination.
“I want to simplify the connection between employers and people with disabilities,” she says.
“Like everyone else, we just want a foot in the door to prove we can be the right hire.
“Companies like Hilton have shown what’s possible when employers are willing to give us a chance. Others can do the same,” she adds.
While this journey is personal for Ms Farag, her mission carries universal significance.
“It’s about doing right by the community and creating opportunities for everyone.”
Be authentic
Be 100 percent yourself during the interview process. Authenticity builds trust and sets the right tone for your future role.
Focus on your abilities, not your limits
Highlight your strengths and what you bring to the table. Let your abilities speak louder than any challenges.
Show commitment and excitement
Even a small role can be a big step. Enthusiasm and dedication can make a lasting impression on employers.
Did you know 60% of people without disabilities use an accessibility feature designed for people of determination?
From Sanad to Esaad and Hafilat to Fazaa Hemam, the cards, permits, exemptions, benefits & discounts to apply for as a POD, by emirate.
![[Aurora50 template] Sara Nooruddin, head of private investments at Osool Asset Management and board director of Aegila Capital Management, Amanat Holdings and the Royal Hospital for Women and Children (RHWC) in Bahrain](https://aurora50.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/002_Sara.jpg "[Aurora50 template] Sara Nooruddin, head of private investments at Osool Asset Management and board director of Aegila Capital Management, Amanat Holdings and the Royal Hospital for Women and Children (RHWC) in Bahrain")
Sara Nooruddin, head of private investments at Osool Asset Management and board director of Aegila Capital Management, Amanat Holdings and the Royal Hospital for Women and Children (RHWC) in Bahrain, on her path to company boards.
