Shamsa Al Falasi: A Trailblazer in the UAE Banking Sector and Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
in an exclusive interview on the YouTube channel Arab Cast, Shamsa Al Falasi, one of the leading female figures in the UAE banking sector, shared her inspiring journey and insights into the evolving role of Emirati women in the financial industry. Al Falasi, who has become a symbol of resilience and ambition, emphasized the critical role women play in shaping the nation’s future, stating, “Women make up three quarters of society, showing the important role played by Emirati women in several fields.”
From Equestrian Dreams to Banking Realities
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Al Falasi’s career path began unexpectedly. She described her early experience as an English broadcaster at the Dubai Equestrian Club as a “station of serendipity.” While she enjoyed her time in equestrian sports, her family’s influence and her own curiosity about the banking sector led her to pivot. “My enthusiasm in dealing with customers and the stories I heard about this area made me see the banking sector as an opportunity to learn and grow,” she explained.
Breaking Barriers in a Competitive Sector
Despite her success, Al Falasi acknowledged the challenges women face in the banking sector, particularly the historical lack of female leaders in senior roles. She highlighted the intense competition not only between genders but also among diverse nationalities.“The sector needs continuous growth,” she noted, adding that overcoming biases against women’s success requires focus and determination.
Her career trajectory is a testament to strategic planning and perseverance. Starting with corporate accounts, she focused on building client relationships and expanding her professional scope. international training programs, including one in Brazil, further enriched her expertise.“Women need the support of trainers and mentors to develop their skills, especially at hesitant stages in making professional decisions,” she advised.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Al Falasi also emphasized the importance of work-life balance. Reflecting on her earlier years, she admitted, “Before, I only focused on work, but after that I realized how important it is to give time to the family and for myself.” By setting strict work hours and adhering to them, she found a way to harmonize her professional ambitions with personal well-being.
Representation of Emirati Women in Banking
Al Falasi revealed that Emirati women now outnumber men in the banking sector, particularly in key roles. However, she observed that many women gravitate toward indirect roles, such as administrative or project planning, rather than client-facing positions. This trend, she believes, reflects both personal preferences and societal expectations.
Advice for the Next Generation
To the new generation of emirati women, Al Falasi offered invaluable advice: “Build a personal brand and continue to develop skills.” She stressed that success demands commitment, discipline, and the confidence to seize opportunities. “The banking sector provides opportunities for growth and development,” she said, crediting government support and national initiatives for fostering innovation and investment in the UAE’s financial landscape.
Key Takeaways from Shamsa Al Falasi’s Journey
| Aspect | Insights |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Career Beginnings | transitioned from equestrian sports to banking, driven by family influence.|
| Challenges | Addressed lack of female leadership and gender biases in the sector. |
| Career development | Emphasized strategic planning, mentorship, and international training. |
| Work-Life Balance | Advocated for structured schedules to balance professional and personal life.|
| Representation | Highlighted women’s dominance in key roles but preference for indirect work.|
| Future Advice | Encouraged personal branding, skill development, and confidence. |
Shamsa al Falasi’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of determination,mentorship,and strategic planning. Her journey not only inspires Emirati women but also underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering gender equality and innovation in the financial sector.
for more insights into the rise of women in the UAE’s financial sector, explore how the Central Bank of the UAE is driving this change. Additionally, learn about the vital role Emirati women play in shaping the nation’s economy through initiatives highlighted by Gulf Business.Shamsa Al Falasi’s journey is a beacon of hope and a call to action for women everywhere to pursue their ambitions with confidence and resilience.
Empowering Women in Banking: Insights from Shamsa al falasi and expert Dr. Layla Al Mansoori
In a world where gender equality and depiction in leadership roles remain pressing issues, the UAE banking sector has emerged as a beacon of progress. Shamsa Al Falasi, a trailblazer in the industry, has become a symbol of resilience and ambition, inspiring countless women to pursue careers in finance. To delve deeper into the challenges and opportunities for women in banking, we sat down with Dr. Layla Al Mansoori, a renowned expert in gender equality and financial sector development, to discuss Al Falasi’s journey and the broader implications for Emirati women in the workforce.
From equestrian Dreams to Banking Realities
Senior Editor: Dr. Layla, Shamsa Al Falasi’s career began in an unexpected place—the Dubai Equestrian Club. How do you think her early experiences shaped her approach to leadership in banking?
Dr. Layla Al Mansoori: It’s engaging how diverse experiences can shape a leader.Al Falasi’s time in equestrian sports likely honed her discipline, focus, and ability to connect with people—skills that are invaluable in banking. Her transition from sports to finance also highlights the importance of adaptability and curiosity. Many women, especially in the UAE, are breaking away from conventional career paths, and Al Falasi’s story is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities.
Breaking Barriers in a Competitive sector
Senior Editor: Al Falasi has spoken about the intense competition in the banking sector, not just between genders but also among diverse nationalities. What are your thoughts on the challenges women face in such a competitive environment?
Dr. Layla Al Mansoori: The banking sector is indeed highly competitive, and women ofen face additional hurdles, such as unconscious bias and limited access to mentorship. Al Falasi’s emphasis on strategic planning and perseverance is crucial. women need to be proactive in seeking out mentors, building networks, and continuously developing their skills. International training programs, like the one Al Falasi attended in Brazil, are also vital for broadening perspectives and gaining a competitive edge.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Senior Editor: Work-life balance is a recurring theme in Al Falasi’s journey. How can women in demanding roles like banking achieve this balance without compromising their career ambitions?
Dr. Layla Al Mansoori: Achieving work-life balance is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Al Falasi’s approach—setting strict work hours and prioritizing family and personal time—is a great example. Employers also play a crucial role by offering flexible work arrangements and fostering a culture that values well-being. Women should feel empowered to set boundaries and seek support when needed. It’s about finding a harmony that works for you, both professionally and personally.
Representation of Emirati Women in Banking
Senior Editor: Al Falasi noted that Emirati women now outnumber men in the banking sector, but many gravitate toward indirect roles. What can be done to encourage more women to take on client-facing and leadership positions?
Dr. Layla Al Mansoori: This is a critical issue. While it’s encouraging to see women dominating the sector,we need to address the factors that steer them toward indirect roles. Societal expectations and personal preferences play a role, but so do systemic barriers. Organizations must actively promote women into leadership roles and provide the necessary training and support. Mentorship programs and visibility of female leaders, like Al Falasi, can also inspire more women to step into client-facing and leadership positions.
Advice for the Next Generation
Senior editor: Al Falasi has offered invaluable advice to the next generation of Emirati women. What would you add to her message of building a personal brand and developing skills?
Dr. Layla Al Mansoori: I would emphasize the importance of resilience and self-belief. Building a personal brand and developing skills are essential, but so is the confidence to take risks and embrace failure as part of the learning process. Women should also seek out diverse experiences and perspectives, as these can enrich their professional journey. they should never underestimate the power of networking and collaboration. Success is rarely achieved alone.
Key Takeaways from Shamsa Al Falasi’s Journey
| Aspect | Insights |
|---|---|
| Career Beginnings | Transitioned from equestrian sports to banking, driven by family influence. |
| Challenges | Addressed lack of female leadership and gender biases in the sector. |
| career Development | Emphasized strategic planning, mentorship, and international training. |
| Work-Life Balance | advocated for structured schedules to balance professional and personal life. |
| Representation | Highlighted women’s dominance in key roles but preference for indirect work. |
| Future Advice | Encouraged personal branding, skill development, and confidence. |
Shamsa Al Falasi’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of determination, mentorship, and strategic planning. Her journey not only inspires Emirati women but also underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering gender equality and innovation in the financial sector.
For more insights into the rise of women in the UAE’s financial sector, explore how the Central Bank of the UAE is driving this change.Additionally, learn about the vital role Emirati women play in shaping the nation’s economy through initiatives highlighted by Gulf Business. Shamsa Al Falasi’s journey is a beacon of hope and a call to action for women everywhere to pursue their ambitions with confidence and resilience.
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