Delegates at the 'We the Women' conference, organized by Khaleej Times in Dubai on Wednesday, shared remarkable stories of resilience and determination. Suhaila Ghobash from Dubai Economy and Tourism’s DFRE once had to organize a large-scale festival within just 24 hours, while curatorial assistant Mariam AlDhaheri spent a month living in a labor camp on a remote UAE island during an excavation project. These are just a few examples of the incredible grit and determination displayed by women at the event.
Women from diverse backgrounds recounted their journeys of stepping out of their comfort zones and overcoming obstacles to achieve success. Suhaila, the Vice President of Events and Outdoor Festival at DFRE, shared how she managed to organize a festival celebrating Saudi Arabia’s national day in 2019 within the tight deadline of 24 hours. She emphasized the importance of staying calm to prevent her team from panicking.
Suhaila, who has led major city festivals like Dubai Summer Surprises and Dubai Fitness Challenge, revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges of event management. She credited the positive feedback from the public and the growth of young talents she mentored as the driving forces behind her hard work.
Mariam AlDhaheri, a curatorial assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, spoke about her month-long stay in a labor camp on Marawah Island, Abu Dhabi, during an excavation. Despite the harsh living conditions, she formed strong bonds with the laborers, sharing meals and experiences. The excavation yielded significant artifacts, including the earliest stone-built houses discovered in the Arabian Gulf, providing insights into life in the UAE around 8,000 years ago.
Another panelist, Hana Al Nabulsi, the first Emirati to qualify and compete in the 2022 Asian Games, shared her relentless pursuit of success. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a 17-hour wait at an airport to make it to a crucial race, she persevered and achieved personal bests. Hana emphasized her commitment to paving the way for future Emirati women in triathlons, hoping her struggles would ease the path for the next generation.
