Celebrating Emirati Women's Day: Empowerment and Equality at Jacobs

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2021 and worked through two part-time jobs and then as an intern for a couple of organizations before I finally landed my first full-time job as a Graduate Environmental Consultant at Jacobs.

I could probably go on forever about how incredibly rewarding it is to be in the environmental field. I think being in nature and working within such a complex ecosystem serves as a constant reminder of how beautiful our world is, if only we take more time to appreciate it. The fact that I get to spend every day at work doing just that fills me up with so much joy and gratitude.

I’ve always wanted to join a company that puts its people at the heart of what they do, and I’m grateful to say that Jacobs is just that. Coming to Jacobs has really showed me that people thrive when they feel and know that they belong. It has been such a refreshing experience to be seen wholly as I am, and the value that I can bring.

Our founder His Highness Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan (Rest his soul) said: “A woman is half of society; any country which pursues development shouldn’t leave her in poverty nor illiteracy,” and I think it beautifully summarizes the privilege and blessing of being an Emirati woman.

My interest in creative activities started at a young age. Calligraphy art, art and crafts classes and painting activities were the type of classes I enjoyed and spent time on. Early in high school as we learned the essence of digital design was when I decided to pursue a career in the creative industry.

As a Visual Designer at Jacobs, I work with the architecture department to compile reports and design graphics that help communicate the message intended. Every task is a new challenge and completing one successfully is extremely fulfilling.

Women and men perceive things differently; therefore, diversity of gender in the industry is beneficial. Emirati women tend to have wider ranges of taste and stronger senses of tolerance and multitasking due to their involvement in the cultural norms. Bringing these skills sets and habits to the table can shift the projects results.

At Jacobs, our Emirati community is growing and everyone holds a diverse career background or focus of study. Jacobs benefits from the different skillsets in the community and the different personalities and perspectives Emirati women hold. The sense of belonging rises from our close cultural norms and traditional activities. It becomes very easy for Emirati women to connect and communicate quickly. In addition, we all thrive to build a happy, healthy and sustainable country. This goal that all Emirati share helps us motivate, support and celebrate each other strongly.

Emirati women bring diverse viewpoints and skills to engineering projects, enhancing creativity and problem-solving. For instance, I recall a project where my ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders in the local community led to smoother project approvals. By understanding cultural nuances and addressing concerns, we managed to create a better alignment between the project and the community's needs.

Emirati colleagues at Jacobs share unity and purpose. Celebrating Emirati Women's Day fills me with pride, witnessing the growing number of women in our company and industry. I'm hopeful for an even more inclusive future. This day also reminds me to progress and keep breaking barriers.

To aspiring Emirati women, I'd say believe in your capabilities and don't let stereotypes deter you. Seek knowledge, continually improve your skills and actively network with professionals in the industry. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and always stay curious and adaptable.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, semi-government and private sectors, I specialize as a professional urban, transportation and transit solution planner and designer. My expertise lies in developing projects ranging from average to mega mixed-use endeavors. This includes crafting strategic master plans, progressing through design stages, and overseeing projects right up to final delivery, all while supervising contractors.

What drew me to Jacobs is their exceptional sales & growth focus and the opportunity to contribute positively to the development of my country and showcasing it on the global stage. The projects we are currently working on hold the potential to enhance the transportation network and connectivity within the UAE, something I’m extremely proud of. Our team comprises exceptionally skilled individuals, and their support for women and gender equality is evident through the significant presence of women within leadership positions, where they are empowered to make decisions and drive actions.

I'm extremely passionate about supporting fellow Emirati woman in discovering their own passion within the field of engineering. My advice to them would be to embrace your capabilities with strength and confidence. Pursue your career aspirations with determination, refusing to yield easily. Have faith in your ideas, and remain committed to perpetual learning, while infusing your distinct personality into your work. Do not hesitate to share your thoughts or seek guidance through questions. Embrace challenges willingly, for within the Jacobs culture, a warm and embracing environment prevails, characterized by robust ethics and a spirit of open welcome.

My role as Graduate Architect is quite diverse as I get to work on various aspects of architecture, including planning, graphics, and incorporating technologies like 3D printing. As part of the graduate program, I was paired with a mentor who played a crucial role in guiding my professional development. It provided a platform for open discussions about my progress, ensuring that my learning journey was well-rounded. These mentorship experiences have significantly impacted my professional journey. They have not only enriched me as an individual but also helped me contribute effectively to the company and the projects I've been involved in.

Within the Jacobs community, the sense of camaraderie and support among Emirati colleagues is truly heartwarming. There's a strong bond that brings us together, driven by a shared sense of pride in our culture and heritage. As Emirati Women's Day is celebrated, it fills me with immense pride to be part of both the Emirati community and the larger Jacobs team. 

As a proud Emirati woman, I cherish the opportunity to represent my country and share our culture with those who may not have been exposed to it before. It's incredibly rewarding to see people from diverse backgrounds learning about our traditions and values. We, as a nation, take great pride in our heritage, and it's gratifying to be part of a company like Jacobs that encourages and celebrates this cultural exchange. It's a reminder of the richness of our traditions, which might not always be prominently showcased but are deeply cherished by the Emirati community.