In a unique celebration ahead of Emirati Women’s Day, thirty Emirati women representing three generations of the healthcare sector gathered for a special leadership journey aboard Etihad Rail. The event, which traveled from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah and back, was conceptualised and organised by Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with the national railway operator.
The participants included a diverse group of senior physicians, doctors, nurses, and clinicians, alongside professionals from administrative and support functions. This mix of talent allowed for a comprehensive look at how the professional landscape for Emirati women has evolved alongside the nation’s rapid development over the past several decades.
Dr. Farida Al Ali, Assistant Undersecretary for National Talent Empowerment at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), joined the delegation. During the trip, she shared insights regarding career development, national contribution, and the increasing influence of Emirati women within the UAE’s workforce and healthcare infrastructure.
The journey served as a platform for intergenerational dialogue, where veteran professionals who entered the field when opportunities were limited exchanged experiences with mid-career leaders and younger staff members. These conversations highlighted the transition from a time when few women were present in certain medical specialties to the current era of widespread participation and leadership.
“Healthcare is built by people with very different skills, but with one shared purpose,” said Dr. Tahani Al Qadiri, Associate Vice President of the Burjeel Training Academy. She noted that witnessing these natural, cross-generational exchanges was one of the most meaningful aspects of the trip, as it showcased how each generation creates new opportunities for the next.
Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Aysha Almahri, CEO of the Al Ain Region at Burjeel Holdings, remarked, “When we began our careers, Emirati women were rarely seen in many healthcare specialities. Today, it is inspiring to see the next generation stepping forward with confidence and ambition.”
This sentiment was echoed by Sara Alkatheeri, a nutritionist at Burjeel Medical City, who emphasized the importance of the legacy left by those who came before. “Today, we have the confidence to dream bigger because the women before us broke barriers and proved what was possible. Their legacy motivates us to keep raising the bar and contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare in the UAE,” she stated.
Beyond the clinical roles, the event highlighted the contributions of women in operations and patient services, acknowledging that the entire healthcare ecosystem relies on a variety of essential functions. The choice of Etihad Rail as a venue provided a symbolic backdrop, reflecting the UAE’s broader commitment to connectivity and long-term national growth.
The program concluded with a focus on informal mentorship and networking, reinforcing a recurring theme among the participants: that progress is a cumulative process. As the train returned to Abu Dhabi, the women reflected on their shared responsibility to ensure that future generations are empowered to go even further in their professional journeys. The report also notes that the Emirati Women’s Day Leadership Journey brought together 30 Emirati women for a special journey from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah and back, conceptualised and organised by Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with Etihad Rail. The report also notes that more importantly, how every generation is helping create the next set of opportunities, their stories show how far opportunities for Emirati women have progressed and. The report also notes that creating opportunities, and building for the future, the journey reflected the broader story of a country that has continuously invested in connecting people.
Source: Gulf Today
