HE Nawal Al Hassani, Executive Director of the Strategy and Planning Sector, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
With women making up 69,9 percent of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi’s (DCT Abu Dhabi) workforce, it isn’t surprising the management wants to ensure their professional needs are being met. And establishing a Women’s Council seems to be the perfectly responsible solution. The move by the heads of the organisation established in 2012 by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, is part of its commitment to implement UAE government directives regarding the role of Emirati women in supporting the country’s development.
The Women’s Council at the body that regulates, supports, develops and markets Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry will oversee strategies, policies and plans relating to the development and leadership of Emirati women at DCT Abu Dhabi. The new board will also propose ideas and present initiatives that help Emirati women achieve their goals, and work to implement them. Additionally, the Women’s Council will work on investigating and finding solutions to issues and challenges facing Emirati women in the workplace and empower Emirati women to become leadership examples across all fields.
HE Saood Al Hosani, Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
As well as enhancing the role of Emirati women in society, the committee will enable Emirati women to represent DCT Abu Dhabi through its work across all public and private institutions, events and activities in Abu Dhabi. Plus, the Women’s Council is set to prepare plans to harness the potential of Emirati women and invest it in achieving leadership in decision-making, learning and growth, in line with global developments.
“In acknowledgment of the fact that female employees may sometimes face different issues than their male counterparts, we intend for the Women’s Council to play an active role in advocating for this valued portion of our workforce. I look forward to witnessing the great work I am sure it will do,” Saood Al Hosani, Acting Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said.
Meanwhile, one of the female employees, Nawal Al Hassani, shared why she felt the formation of the Women’s Council is so important. She said for any organisation to flourish, it has to take the wellbeing of its employees into account.
“It is crucial that all staff feel empowered and valued and are given clear opportunities for development and paths for progression. The DCT Abu Dhabi Women’s Council will ensure this is the case for our female colleagues, allowing them to further thrive,” the tourism department’s Executive Director of Strategy & Planning added.
