Industry Business Day and Women Leadership Forum Launched
The College of Business at Abu Dhabi Campus organized the 4th Industry Business Day, a milestone event that emphasized the vital connection between academia and industry while promoting inclusive leadership across genders. One of the key highlights was the official launch of the Women Leadership Forum (WLF) a transformative platform dedicated to nurturing leadership, professional development, and peer mentorship among female students.
Under the leadership of Dr. Iffat Sabir and Dr. Mariam Farooq, the WLF launch included an inspiring panel discussion titled “Women Leaders: Overcoming Barriers and Shaping the Future,” moderated by Dr. Wejdan Farhan. The panel featured a group of distinguished female leaders who shared personal stories of resilience, achievement, and mentorship. Among the speakers were Dr. Yasmin Sajjad, Medical Director at Fakeeh Healthcare Group; H.E. Raba’a Baniyas, Chief Executive Director at the Statistical Centre Abu Dhabi; Ms. Aisha Legge, Senior Manager of HR & Support Services at Etimad Holding LLC; Ms. Noha Awartani, former Head of Corporate Credit Risk Control at BNP Paribas (UAE & KSA); and Dr. Noura Al Khaily, dermatologist and entrepreneur.
In parallel, the Internship Fair, coordinated by Mr. Sajjad from the College of Business, brought together field supervisors from more than 35 leading companies across the UAE. These professionals met with graduating students to recognize their internship contributions and explore potential employment opportunities. Students also presented reflections from their internship journeys, showcasing how practical experiences enriched their understanding of academic theories and enhanced their career preparedness.
With the participation of over 200 students, faculty members, and industry experts, the event served as a dynamic platform for networking, learning, and empowerment. Industry Business Day reaffirmed the College’s ongoing commitment to quality education, gender equality, and collaborative engagement advancing the goals of SDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The event had a strong impact on attendees, creating a sense of motivation and inspiration among the students. Many expressed eagerness to engage in upcoming WLF activities such as workshops, training sessions, and networking events. The forum’s focus on supporting women in leadership roles resonated deeply with the audience and set the tone for future initiatives.
The successful launch of the Women Leadership Forum marks an important step in fostering a culture of empowerment and advancement for female students. It is expected to grow into a vital platform for student engagement, leadership development, and broader societal change.
