Amazon MENA’s Zainab Mohammad Albalooshi on why ‘every day is Emirati Women’s Day’

Tell us about your career path and how you’ve managed to carve a niche for yourself.
I came across Amazon while attending a recruitment fair for UAE nationals organised by the government. The excitement around the booth, as the “Amazonians” passionately spoke about their own experiences instantly drew me to find out more. I was intrigued that they were more focused on the work environment than the actual roles available. I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in Technology Innovation – Security and Networking, but I always believed in trying to do more than what is within my scope, in all aspects of my life. I felt that Amazon could provide the right environment to feed this hunger to keep busy and try new things, so I immediately submitted my application.

Within just year, I become an Area Manager at Amazon’s biggest Fulfilment Centre in the UAE, managing a team of 175 people. Not long after, I was honoured to be among the launch team of a new Amazon Fulfillment Centre, which was named DWC3. Setting up and rolling out a new facility, ensuring that people, processes and technology work seamlessly together, while adhering to the company’s highest standards of quality and safety was a rich learning experience. So, when the next facility DXB5 was being launched this year, I was elated to be on the launch team once again but this time with wider responsibilities across multiple sections of the site. In addition, I was also appointed as a sustainability site leader in MENA region.

I am ‘two years young’ in the company and like me Amazon is also young in the MENA region. I attribute much of my success to my appetite to learn and try new things, combined with the experiences, tools and skills that Amazon has given me, enabling me to grow quickly within my team and to share my knowledge with my peers.

What makes the UAE one of the pioneers in the region to promote DI&E at the workplace?
The UAE government has made great efforts to empower Emirati women, providing us with equal rights to education, employment, economic resources, legal status, inheritance, and abundant opportunities to pursue fulfilling careers in every sector. Membership of Emirati women on the boards of directors of federal bodies, companies and institutions has been mandatory for the past decade. The government is leading the way with the representation of women in our cabinet being the highest in the world. Women make up 66 per cent of the public sector workforce, of which 30 per cent are in leadership roles and 15 per cent are in technical and academic role.

In addition to the legislations and policies that are constantly enhancing the opportunities for women, it is a matter of greater pride that we belong to a nation that believes in the immense value that women bring to economic progress. It is this fundamental faith in the daughters of the UAE and their role in the nation’s future that has made the region’s leader in promoting diversity, inclusivity and equity in the workplace.

Any tips on how peers and other Emirati women can forge ahead in their careers and business?
One of the greatest things, I have learned along my career journey and would like to pass on to other Emirati women is that everything seems complicated and stressful until you learn it. So, don’t let anything stop you because your possibilities are endless. This belief has allowed me to approach every new challenge with agility and courage, because I know that once I get to the other side of the learning curve, I will come out stronger. At Amazon, everything we do is geared towards constantly inventing on behalf of our customers. This relentless obsession with the customer, encourages me to always try to do things better, to find new solutions and to be more efficient. With this approach to my professional career, I have truly learned that anything is possible.

Why is Emirati Women’s Day so special for you considering the theme: ‘Inspiring Reality.. Sustainable Future’?
I believe that in the UAE, every day is Emirati Women’s Day. However, August 28 is the day where all Emiratis regardless of gender, can recognise and celebrate all the efforts and achievements of this country’s women. This year the Emirati Women’s Day theme, ‘Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future’ pays tribute to the massive strides the country has made towards women empowerment and celebrates our position of strength as we look ahead to the future. As we actualise a society where Emirati women are key players in the private and public sector, this is a moment to honour them and also to inspire the young women of tomorrow with the possibilities that have been unlocked for the next generation.