SHAIKA AL SHAMSI

Shaika Al Shamsi carries an MBA degree and sixteen years of professional experience in different industries. She currently heads the Product Development Department at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority. Her job entails identifying, creating and developing adrenaline-rush inducing, demand-generating adventure tourism products. Shaika believes in challenging herself to wander through territories she hasn’t yet explored. Self-discovering and self-competing are her two main assets to growth and development of any kind.

"Always Seek Opportunity Especially Amidst Chaos"

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I come from the United Arab Emirates –a country of great accomplishments and wealth. But its true wealth lies in its people; their values, loyalty and perseverance. The UAE prides itself in being a country of tolerance, safety and security above all. The UAE is made up of seven emirates and I live in Ras Al Khaimah; the northernmost emirate of the country. It is known for its beautiful nature, combining mountains, deserts and beaches. It is also home to the longest zipline in the world! 

I currently head the Product Development Department at the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. Prior to that, I worked as a Business Counselor at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development supporting entrepreneurs from initial stages of ideation all the way to setting up their business and operating it. 

When I am not working, I am either devouring books or enjoying the great outdoors!

Q: What is your view of the Coronavirus crisis and the world as it is today? How do you define the concept of a better world especially given the hard lessons we have taken from this unprecedented crisis?

The Coronavirus crisis hit the panic button and brought the world to a halt and chaos. However, with every challenge comes opportunity. The world was forced to rethink its ways and adapt to the "new normal" by jumping on the bandwagon of innovation and to reinvent their value proposition and the way in which they deliver it - especially that this crisis has pushed new standards to emerge and people to develop a new level of awareness, I believe. 

One of the positive results of this crisis, that I observed, was that countries around the world standing together against this common threat. This portrayed a powerful representation of solidarity, which is something I would like to see beyond the passing of this crisis. This would be my personal definition of a better world.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently and how do you think CoVid-19 will affect your country?

There are many challenges that transpired in the past few months, but I believe small business owners have struggled quite a lot to survive, not only in the UAE, but around the world due to this pandemic. Restrictions and lockdown resulted in business slow down followed by a complete business shut down which ultimately dried up cash flow and SMEs couldn’t cope with managing their expenses.

Big corporations have also had it rough with a rise in unemployment due to layoffs. Two main industries that have been negatively impacted are hospitality and the airline industry. It would be interesting to see how these industries bounce back with an innovative approach.

Q: As a young individual what are a few of the hurdles that you had to overcome up until today?

I think most of the challenges I faced were at the workplace. As an Emirati, you have to work extra hard to debunk certain misconceptions particularly if you are working in the private sector. 

My advice to other Emiratis: persevere, persevere, persevere! Hard work pays off. Maintain a consistent level of professionalism, continue to raise the bar and lead by example for the younger generation to follow.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

Mentors play a pivotal role in developing aspiring leaders, motivating them and giving them sound advice. They provide a wealth of knowledge that a mentee can tap into and learn from. For me, the role of a mentor is important because I am at a stage where I’m trying to hone my leadership style as well as acquire life skills and discover my true and full potential.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?

• Always seek opportunity especially amidst chaos.

• Never stop exploring and challenging yourself to reach new heights and enter new dimensions.

• Surround yourself with the right people; the kind that lifts you up and inspires you.

• Playtime isn’t only for kids; adults need it just as much if not more.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!

Oh, where do I even begin! There are many but I will settle for a few that I believe made a huge difference in the well-being of people and their quality of life.

We have Ewa’a, a shelter (which is the literal translation of the word) for victims of human trafficking which provides temporary refuge and care, rehabilitation that includes psychological support, educational and occupational courses as well as recreational activities, before arranging for their safe return to their homeland. Similarly, we have the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children which works in the same way towards the same cause, in accordance with international human rights laws. 

There is a number of social initiatives aimed at preserving the UAE’s heritage through sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities to empower women artisans living in rural areas and enable them to earn a dignified living. These organizations provide these women with training, raw materials, and marketing services and support them in creating unique products that are culturally crafted. Two of my favourite are Sougha and Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Gender equality is of significant importance in my country. And I believe the UAE has done a tremendous effort in honouring women. There isn’t a field or industry where our women haven’t ventured and succeeded in. Our late President, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was ahead of his time when it came to women’s rights and supported women to be in leadership roles and emphasized that women and men are equal partners in society. This was almost 5 decades ago, and today, we are ranked as a leading country in gender equality in the region according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report..

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about Animal Welfare and I would like to see more stringent laws and legislations put against animal cruelty and negligence, where any violation can be prosecuted by Federal Law.