Luma Makhlouf on IWD: The UAE is a land of opportunity for women in business
Luma is the co-founder of Maiz Tacos, Good Burger and Luma Cakes, and the creator of A Women’s Table.
As a lifelong business enthusiast, I always believed that the US was the land of opportunity. That was until I moved to Dubai 14 years ago and began my career in the start-up world. Growing up, I was fascinated by business, and I started working when I was just 14 years old. This drive and passion for this world continued to grow as I got older, and I knew that I wanted to make a career out of it one day.
Between 2009 and 2010, the tech industry was booming in Dubai, and I was lucky enough to be part of the growth and acquisition of some amazing start-ups. Even though I was not a founder or owner of these start-ups, I was always empowered as a young fundamental leader in the success and growth of these brands.
During my time in the UAE, I was given numerous opportunities, often even more than my male peers. While my hard work certainly played a role, it was evident that the opportunities for growth and advancement in Dubai were abundant, especially for women.
Throughout my career, I have never felt any inequality in the businesses I have been a part of. I have always been obsessed with performing well, and my competitive nature has led me to be given the opportunities I deserve. The brands I have worked for have consistently promoted me, offered me training opportunities, and empowered me to learn and help grow their teams.
I know that many of my peers in the United States have not had the same experiences, as they often face more challenges in their careers compared to what I have witnessed in Dubai.
This is why I believe that the UAE, Dubai specifically, is a fantastic place for women in business. With just a few clicks on my phone, I can find countless groups, committees, organisations, and strategies created specifically to support and empower women in business. Many of these initiatives are even government-led and funded, which speaks volumes about the country’s commitment to supporting women in the business world.
I have even created a supper club myself, that brings women in business together to share, network, and simply know they are not alone. I think as women we are also responsible to help lead this and work towards growing and supporting one another.
Over the years, it’s in the UAE that I have learned so much about marketing and how to grow a business from the ground up. I have gained knowledge about strategy, data, analytics, and consumer behaviour, which are all crucial for success and scaling in the business world.
When I compare my career path with those of my peers who graduated with me in Chicago, it is certainly a different story. While I face daily challenges as a woman in business, I have been given a magnitude of opportunities that I truly do not believe I would have received anywhere else.
In conclusion, my experience in Dubai has taught me that the UAE is a place where women in business can thrive and receive the opportunities they deserve. With its booming tech industry, expanding city and numerous initiatives to support women in business, Dubai has proven to be a fantastic place for women in the business world.
While there are daily challenges to face, I have only been given opportunities to learn and grow, which is why I believe that the UAE is a land of opportunity for women in business.
