September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
Former founding Director-General of Smart Dubai, the first woman to lead the transformation of a smart city globally, and an inspiration to the youth, in this interview with Her Excellency Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, we discover her secrets to success and definition of power
The Mother of the Nation revealed the landmark day celebrated on August 28 will have the theme ‘Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation’. What does this mean to you?
I want to congratulate Her Highness The Mother of the Nation and Chairman of the General Women Union, Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak on this occasion and “Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation”, this theme holds a deeper meaning as it highlights two things. First, it celebrates 5o years of Emirati women’s success that made the UAE what it is today. This success wasn’t possible without our leader’s vision, the late Sheikh Zayed, and his vision for women as he entrusted Sheikha Fatma to lead this. Second, it’s because he trusted us to achieve the UAE’s goals. In this interview, I would like to say that we accept this challenge on behalf of my peers.
You are known for supporting young Emirati women to achieve their goals and empowering them to be the best version of themselves, what drives this within you?
It’s not something out the ordinary for a female leader to do; this is something you should do as a leader. Leadership is not about superiority but about building partnerships with your team and community. The majority of my team in my last mission, as Director-General of Smart Dubai, were women. I didn’t plan it to turn out this way, but this resulted from the brilliant and talented women we have in the region. Ladies run most of the strategic agendas in Smart Dubai.
Where do you think women in the UAE get their motivation from?
The support of the UAE’s leadership broke a glass ceiling here that women in other countries don’t have. We also have the help of the community around us, including our families. It’s not only their ambition but also the support of the UAE through its women empowering policies and regulations that allow ladies to work smoothly.
Where do women stand in Dubai’s futuristic plans?
Women have always been at the forefront of Dubai’s futuristic plans. I was entrusted with establishing the first-ever smart city of its kind, Smart Dubai, and managed to build a team that made Dubai a role model for cities globally. It was a passion to build Dubai’s name in the ICT sector. I’m proud to be the first lady globally to be entrusted with such a mission.
What was the most important step you took during your journey with Smart Dubai?
Selecting the proper team members for Smart Dubai, I’m so proud we grew a fantastic calibre of people, many who graduated from and moved to higher positions. Supporting people’s passion is not easy.
The most important quality a person should have to work in Smart Dubai?
To be passionate about life. As a leader, it’s to give your team members space to try new things and learn about their interests.
Were these core work values always with you?
They come from our Emirati, Arabic, and Islamic values: hospitality, tolerance, and openness. We shouldn’t segregate them from our work environment; we should take these values and integrate them into our corporate values. I’ve done this in my previous position because people give more when treated with more respect.
What is the source of your power?
I think it’s the will to make people happy. When people are happy, my soul lights up. It’s also the small details in life; to me, they are blessings. I enjoy every single moment in life because I appreciate life.
Has the COVID-19 experience added to your view of the future and in what way?
Indeed it did. COVID-19 taught me not to take everything for granted. It also taught me that no challenge is unbeatable with proper planning. It changed our priorities.
What is your advice to young individuals aspiring to become successful in their respective fields?
Being successful is easy and challenging at the same time. It’s simple because you have only to follow your dreams, but it’s hard because no single success in life is a coincidence, it has to be hard work and planning. Yes, follow your dreams but work hard for them. Struggles are stones you have to step on, but they make us more resilient.
What is the most invaluable advice you’ve received?
My late father taught me to be yourself and to be authentic. We need to sharpen our soul, to reflect and see our strengths; you cannot copy other people’s passions. You have to respect your needs and listen to your internal voice.
What do you think of the progress of female empowerment in the Middle East?
I’m happy for Saudi women and the huge leaps and successes happening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, I believe Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, still have room for improvement and I look forward to continuing to see this.
