![[Aurora50 template] Collage 10 listed UAE women board directors to know: Top row (L-R): HE Aarefa Al Falahi, Maha AlQattan, Hind Al Ali, Mariam Balfaqeh, HE Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Elham Al Qasim. Bottom row (L-R): Fatima Al Fahim, Dr Moza Sweidan, Raja Almazrouei, HE Dr Raja Al Gurg](https://aurora50.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022_08_22-Blog-post-Emirati-Womens-Day-SCA-data-768x420.png)
Be seated: 10 UAE women board directors to know
25 August 2022
As the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day, we highlight 10 women to know on the UAE’s listed boards, including several chairs.
Pathway20
The GCC's first accelerator to increase boardroom gender balance
Pathway20 is the region’s only board career accelerator dedicated solely to building the pipeline of highly competent female board directors and connecting them to boards of listed, large-scale private companies and high-growth scale-ups supported by the UAE government.
Ready to drive diversity at the top?
Partners
Anchor partner
Founding partner
Corporate partners
How is Pathway20 unique?
Pathway20 offers a distinctive framework to support women in their early board careers.
Through a targeted 12-month programme, women discover what it takes to build a successful board career and how to really add value in the boardroom.
Pathway20 offers unmatched networking opportunities, connecting participants from the GCC’s largest and most influential organisations, who collectively showcase their wealth of experience across a broad range of industries.
This is a fast and effective opportunity for a board-ready woman to accelerate her impact, as she learns from the first-hand experiences of brilliant directors and board advisors.
Through workshops, discussions and one-to-ones, participants learn to add value in the boardroom, connect with seasoned directors and get exposure to all the skills needed to build a board career.
Boards are actively involved in resolving perceived talent gaps, improving gender parity and creating an ecosystem where corporations have access to exceptional female talent.
Are you ready for Pathway20?
Are you a woman looking to accelerate your board career?
Are you part of a forward-thinking organisation?
Are you a woman looking to accelerate your board career?
Pathway20 offers exclusive, customised accelerators with:
- Unmatched networking opportunities
- Skill-building & knowledge-sharing sessions
- Confidence-building discussions
- Guidance and advice from the most prestigious board members in the GCC.
The best preparation for sustaining a board career.
Are you part of a forward-thinking organisation?
Forward-thinking organisations can support the development of the ecosystem, while being rewarded for their investment.
The world of work as we know it is changing. Participating in Pathway20 can help your organisation create a diversity-rich corporate culture, allowing your business to:
- Grow your pipeline of competent women
- Meet your team diversity KPIs and surround yourself with innovative thinkers
- Enhance your organisation’s visibility with rating agencies such as MSCI, regulators and government bodies
- Develop board members who fully understand their roles and obligations, and who appreciate the value of diverse perspectives
- Improve your retention rates, talent pool and productivity
- Invest in improving your organisation’s ESG score
- Gain competitive advantage and earn customer confidence.
- Premium Plus packagePremium package
- WorkshopsEight CPD accredited workshops on board-critical topics within 12 months
- Networking-buildingEstablish connections with 20+ boards of listed, high-impact and rapidly expanding companies:
- Join a community of aspiring women, fostering growth in the initial phases of your board journey
- Elevate your career through exclusive networking events alongside Pathway20 accomplished alumna
- 24×7 online learning platformAccess our 24×7 Online Learning Management System (LMS) to amplify your year of transformation, including on-demand content:
- Profile-building
- Writing your compelling board bio
- Mastering strategic networking
- Applying for your first board position
- Unveiling strategies to identify and approach target companies and boards
- Board bio deckAurora50 is gaining renown for our network of accomploshed women board directors. You’ll join our exclusive Aurora50 board bio pack, shared with executive search firms and nomination committees in search of talented women
- AssessmentAssessment of participant by third party
- Personal development workshopAttain bespoke personal and executive skills coaching, delivered by experienced coaches, meticulously tailored to your unique assessment
- MentorshipMentorship from a seasoned board director
- Board career planningTwo one-on-one sessions with Aurora50 leadership team to strategically map your board career action plan
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Our theory of change
There is a large disconnect between female board talent in the UAE and boards that are looking to appoint women board directors, often caused by women’s lack of network access to board members.
By simultaneously building the pipeline of competent women and connecting them to current board directors and chairs, Aurora50 believes we will reduce the network gap between boards and talent and that we can reach a ratio of women holding 20 percent of UAE-listed board seats within a decade.
As such, we commit to connecting each Pathway20 participant to at least 20 boards. This theory of change is the driving force that informs all aspects of Pathway20.
“ADNOC has an unwavering commitment in supporting females to grow, develop and excel in their careers, which is why we are proud to be an anchor partner of the Pathway20 initiative. We believe that gender diversity in leadership positions contributes to innovative thinking that drives competitive advantage. As we seek to contribute towards our nation’s prosperity, this programme will build a pipeline of female talent in leadership positions.”
Fatema Al Nuaimi, Executive Vice President, ADNOC Downstream Business Management, and chair of the ADNOC Gender Balance Committee
“At Mubadala, we recognise that women’s equality and empowerment is not only vital for society but is also valuable for our business and the community. As a partner of the Pathway20 initiative, we are keen to continue working together to ensure talented women assume leadership roles across the region.”
Homaid Al Shimmari, deputy group CEO, chief corporate and human capital officer, Mubadala Investment Company
Pathway20 alumni news
Pathway20 initiative
Who should participate in Pathway20?
Pathway20 curriculum
Who should participate in Pathway20?
Programme participants are typically leaders from UAE’s most influential and well-respected organisations, who generally share the following traits:
- Hold senior roles such as CEO, president, vice-president, director and department head.
- Offer a significant scale of position in terms of budget and people responsibility.
- Demonstrate strategic dimensions of work.
- Have proven ability to change opinions through rational argument.
- Are able to influence key high-level decisions.
- Possess considerable leadership experience.
Pathway20 curriculum
Pathway20’s curriculum includes:
- Profile and development assessments: Identify key learnings, networking and communication traits to develop and influence as a board director
- Workshops, case studies and simulations: Subjects include corporate governance, environment, sustainability and governance (ESG), sustainability and disruption
- Practical board experience: All participants must attend a minimum of four board meetings during the 12-month accelerator.
- Peer-to-peer learning and networking: Engage with industry peers and seasoned directors to develop skills and experience
- Professional coaching and office hours: Guidance from accredited executive coaches and programme chairs.
Each cohort has a limited capacity to enhance and tailor the executive experience.
Your team members will join a robust peer network
L-R: HE Sara Awadh Musallam, Chair of Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and vice-chair of Du; HE Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and chair of the UAE Space Agency; HE Huda AlHashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs; Dr Aisha bin Bishr, Vice-chair of Emaar Development; Sangeeta Desai, board director, Anton and NED to Boat Rocker Media
Steering committee
Chaired by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa al Nahyan, our steering committee comprises our co-founders and senior representatives from leading organisations with considerable boardroom experience.
The committee members provide high-level oversight and practical support to the initiative, ensuring that the development programme is relevant to future board directors, in line with global and regional trends.
Think tank
Commitment to making a positive impact on the region's business ecosystem
Strategic corporates
Growing from within, delivering quality service and protecting shareholder interests
Independent directors
Successfully transitioning to non-executive board roles and holding multiple assignments
Regulators
Compliance, navigating complexities and building value together with the public sector
Questions? Connect with us
There are two ways to connect with the Pathway20 team:
2. Subscribe to our newsletter
to access practical tips for building a board career, stay up to date on enrolment opportunities, hear from board peers and much more.
Partners
Our partners are forward–thinking organisations making tangible shifts towards a more gender-balanced ecosystem. Leading by example, these organisations are building internal talent pipelines, thus demonstrating their commitment to board-level gender diversity. Additionally, they provide us with pragmatic guidance in shaping our annual programme and, ultimately, the boards of tomorrow.
Anchor partner
ADNOC
ADNOC is one of the world’s leading diversified energy and petrochemicals groups with a daily output of about 3 million barrels of oil and 10.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. With 14 specialist subsidiary and joint venture companies, ADNOC is a primary catalyst for the UAE’s growth and diversification.
Founding partner
Mubadala
Mubadala Investment Company is a sovereign investor managing a global portfolio, aimed at generating sustainable financial returns for the Government of Abu Dhabi. Mubadala’s $232 billion (AED 853 billion) portfolio spans six continents with interests in multiple sectors and asset classes. We leverage our deep sectoral expertise and long-standing partnerships to drive sustainable growth and profit, while supporting the continued diversification and global integration of the economy of the United Arab Emirates. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Mubadala has offices in London, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, New York, San Francisco and Beijing.
Corporate partners
Abu Dhabi Ports is the region’s premier facilitator of logistics, transport, and trade, bridging Abu Dhabi with the world. Established in 2006, the company owns and manages 11 ports and terminals in the UAE and Guinea, alongside KEZAD Group, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business portfolio in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi Ports is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
Established in 2007, Al Hilal Bank is a progressive Islamic bank headquartered in Abu Dhabi (UAE) offering a wide range of client-centric, Shari’ah-compliant retail banking, treasury and wealth management.
Americana Restaurants is a trailblazer in the MENA region and Kazakhstan’s Out of Home Dining industry, and among the world’s leading operators of QSR and casual dining restaurants. With a diverse portfolio of iconic global brands and a dominant regional footprint, they have delivered consistent growth and innovation for over half a century – to now stand alone in the market. The millions of customers they serve each day are placed at the heart of their omni-channel universe. Their dedicated team of over 40,000 talented women and men work with pride and purpose to create memorable moments through fantastic food, superior service and exceptional experiences.
Knowledge partners
Our knowledge partners contribute to the annual Pathway20 development programme and raise awareness for board-level gender balance.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) opened for business on 21 October 2015. ADGM’s strategy is anchored by Abu Dhabi’s key strengths panning over private banking, wealth management, asset management, derivatives and commodities trading, financial innovation, sustainability and more. ADGM comprises of three authorities: ADGM Courts, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the Registration Authority.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) was established on November 15 of the year 2000 by Local Law No. (3) Of 2000, the provisions of which vest the market with a legal entity of autonomous status, independent finance and management. The Law also provides ADX with the necessary supervisory and executive powers to exercise its functions. ADX is a market for trading securities; including shares issued by public joint stock companies, bonds issued by governments or corporations, exchange traded funds, and any other financial instruments approved by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) is the region’s leading capital market operating as a secondary market for the trading of securities issued by public shareholding companies, bonds issued by federal or local governments, local public institutions and mutual funds as well as other local or foreign DFM approved financial instruments. DFM’s continuous efforts and strategic initiatives have further reinforced Dubai as a centre of excellence in this part of the world and enhanced its leading position as a sustainable capital market which embraces international best practices to provide stakeholders with innovative services in conducting trading, settlement and depository of securities, in an efficient, transparent and liquid environment.
Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Future Foundation was established back in 2016 to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Dubai for the advancement of humanity. With a mandate in positioning Dubai as a hub for innovation and a leading city of the future, the Foundation collectively imagines, inspires and designs Dubai’s future in collaboration with government and private entities within various sectors.
Regulators
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