What Inspires Emirati Women to Excel in Healthcare Careers?
Emirati Women’s Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the crucial role women play in the UAE’s development, particularly in sectors like healthcare. Burjeel Holdings, a super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region, takes this opportunity to honour the inspiring journeys of young Emirati women who have dedicated themselves to this vital sector. These women, driven by passion and a deep sense of duty, share their stories of overcoming challenges, embracing their heritage, and making meaningful contributions to the nation’s healthcare landscape. As the UAE continues to build a robust healthcare system, Emirati women are at the forefront, driving progress and innovation.
Take Marwa Hasan Al Fardan, for instance. She’s a Guest Service Executive at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, and her journey into the healthcare sector was a natural one. As a person of determination, Marwa spent much of her life in and out of hospitals, both in the UAE and abroad. Being immersed in that environment, she realised she wanted to be part of it—to contribute to the care she had received. Since joining a healthcare organisation, Marwa has found herself happier, more socialised, and more confident. Of course, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Busy clinic days can be overwhelming, but Marwa draws strength from the support of her colleagues and parents. The positive feedback she receives from patients also boosts her confidence. She speaks highly of the supportive work environment in the UAE’s healthcare sector, especially for people with special needs. Marwa is eager to continue learning and growing in her role, hoping to become a valuable member of the sector by sharing her experiences and building her social skills.
Then there’s Dr. Fatima Mahmoud Al Khajeh, a General Practitioner at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi. For her, becoming a physician was a lifelong dream. However, balancing her roles as a mother and a physician became tough, so she took some time away from her career to focus on her family. Once her children became more independent, she returned to medicine with renewed zeal, driven by the desire to be a role model for her children and to give back to her country. Dr. Fatima’s Emirati heritage profoundly shapes her approach to healthcare. She mentions that their heritage colours every action they take, from greeting a patient to providing the best care. In the healthcare industry, she finds daily rewards, seeing it as a field where you seek rewards both from Allah as ‘Ajr’ and from your patients when you succeed in making their lives better. Dr. Fatima encourages other Emirati women to join the profession, emphasising the significance of Emirati Women’s Day as a message from respected leaders, affirming that their contributions are valued.
Another inspiring story is that of Wadima Musabbeh Ghumail Alshamsi, a Registered Nurse at Burjeel Royal Hospital in Asharej. Her inspiration to pursue nursing came from her childhood, where she took care of her grandparents, who had chronic conditions. They called her their nurse, and that’s where her journey began. Transitioning into the demanding healthcare environment wasn’t easy for her. The long hours and demands of patient care were challenging at first, but with guidance from her colleagues, she learned the importance of planning, setting goals, and maintaining a work-life balance. As an Emirati woman, Wadima feels a deep sense of purpose in her work, proud to contribute to advancing the nation and supporting her patients.
Lastly, we have Maitha Mohamed Alzaabi, an Assistant Psychologist at Burjeel Medical City. Maitha’s interest in psychology began during her school years, fascinated by how mental health affects people’s lives and well-being. Her passion for the field grew from a desire to help others and understand human behaviour and mental processes more deeply. Her Emirati heritage plays a significant role in her approach to healthcare. Maitha emphasises that their culture is community-oriented, with family and society at its centre. This heritage teaches them to be generous, understanding, and kind, which helps them embrace people from different backgrounds in their society. She feels this quality is essential in her work, helping her provide the best care possible without judgment. Maitha is proud of the strides Emirati women have made in healthcare and beyond, noting the significant push for them to take on leadership roles and pursue specialised careers. Through hard work and dedication, they continue to break barriers and inspire future generations of strong and capable women.
The stories of professionals like Marwa, Fatima, Wadima, and Maitha highlight the diverse paths and shared values that define Emirati women in healthcare. Their journeys reflect the talent and resilience of Emirati women as they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.
