‘Women will continue to enrich our nation for years,’ says TECOM’s Haif Zamzam

In this exclusive interview with Gulf Business, Haif Zamzam, SVP of Strategy and Marketing at TECOM Group, discusses the critical role of mentorship and inclusion in her career, the evolving landscape for women in the UAE workforce, and her advice for Emirati women aspiring to lead and innovate in their fields.

How important have mentorship and inclusion been in your professional journey, and what advice would you give to Emirati women starting their careers?

Mentorship and networking are crucial for skills development, and the guidance of experienced leaders – both men and women – can open doors to new opportunities and help navigate the complexities of the professional world. Encouragingly, employers are cognisant of the role of such advisory, and the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report found that 14 per cent of organisations surveyed across 45 economies will prioritise teaching and mentoring in their upskilling and reskilling programmes through to 2027.

There is a clear business advantage to sharing institutional wisdom with talent of all ages, and my advice to Emirati women is to leverage this benefit by actively seeking out mentors at every step of their career.

Meeting role models that resonate with their aspirations and building meaningful relationships with them is a vital investment in their future.

As a successful Emirati woman in a leadership position, can you share your perspective on the evolving landscape for women in the UAE workforce?

The UAE’s unwavering commitment to gender balance has constantly enabled and empowered my professional ambitions. Our leadership’s proactive approach to creating opportunities for women – be it the appointment of Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi as the first female minister in 2004 or Dr Amal Al Qubaisi’s appointment as President of the Federal National Council in 2015 – is a reminder that Emirati women can truly access every opportunity to grow in our country.

This environment has bolstered my determination and resolve to continue making meaningful contributions towards the growth of my colleagues and my country.

Gender parity is not only a social endeavour but an economic imperative for sustainable growth and progress in the UAE, and women in the country will continue to enrich our nation for years to come both as professionals and as individuals.

How do you ensure Emirati women are offered opportunities to grow at TECOM Group?

We have curated a supportive ecosystem that inspires our talent to seek and seize growth opportunities in their personal and professional lives. Our environment, social, and governance (ESG) framework includes achievements such as a 7.32 per cent increase in women-owned start-ups within our in5 incubator in 2023.

The Good Store, WeWalk, and Hands of Tribute also contribute to creating an environment conducive to the growth and development of Emirati women at TECOM Group.

The Good Store empowers men and women from all walks of life to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, while the WeWalk charity walkathon represents an opportunity for Emirati women to participate in community development.

Hands of Tribute launched on Emirati Women’s Day 2023, provided a platform for Emirati women’s voices to authentically tell the stories of their strengths and successes. Our platforms are playing a crucial role in shaping a culture that nurtures Emirati women’s empowerment.

What message would you like to share with Emirati women on this occasion?

Never underestimate your ability to make a difference and draw inspiration from the incredible women who have paved the way for us to shape the world for future generations. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said, “Every role a woman takes to contribute to society makes her a partner in building our nation.”

This inclusive environment is the reality we are fortunate to live in, and I encourage every Emirati woman to unlock her true potential and, be it as a mother, sister, or professional, contribute to the growth of our nation for years to come.

Read: Emirati Women’s Day: Using education to empower entrepreneurs