Empowering Women's Leadership: CIPS MENA Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day with 'Women in Procurement' Event in Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates—September 4, 2025 – In a heartening acknowledgment of the contributions of women in the field of procurement, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) MENA commemorated Emirati Women’s Day with the dynamic “Women in Procurement” event held at the MAKTABI Business Centre in Dubai. This momentous gathering, aimed at fostering collaboration and mentorship among industry professionals, saw a congregation of leaders and aspiring pioneers dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in procurement and supply chain management.
Aligned with the Emirati Women’s Day 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,” the event underscored a commitment to half a century of progress in the empowerment of women. The exclusivity of the evening, with only fifty seats, provided an intimate atmosphere, which allowed for meaningful interactions—reflecting CIPS MENA’s dedication to elevating women’s roles in the procurement sector.
Notably, the event featured compelling presentations from Ruba Younes and Rahmah Aal-Ali, both prominent figures in the procurement landscape. Ruba Younes, a symbol of resilience and progress as the first female MCIPS in the MENA region, opened the discussions by recounting her experiences and the pivotal role of mentorship in advancing women’s careers within this traditionally male-dominated sphere. Her assertion that, “Tonight shows that our profession thrives when we support each other, share knowledge, and break barriers together,” resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the shared responsibility of fostering an environment conducive to women’s leadership.
Following Younes’ inspiring address, Rahmah Aal-Ali elaborated on the necessity of cultivating resilient and sustainable supply chains, particularly in today’s ever-evolving economic climate. As the Procurement and Supply Chain Director at Dubai South, Aal-Ali called attention to how women in these roles can drive efficiency and innovation, directly contributing to the UAE’s strategic growth objectives. She remarked, “Emirati Women’s Day reminds us of the vast progress women have made in shaping our national advancement. Events like tonight underscore the vital contributions of women in steering sustainable growth.”
The evening’s structure, comprising an engaging Networking Passport activity, facilitated the forging of new partnerships and the exchange of knowledge among professionals at various stages of their careers. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogues with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, creating an environment rich in opportunities for collaboration. This format, designed to spark innovation and unite participants, echoed the event’s core message of empowerment.
Haaniya Qureshi, Marketing and Events Manager at CIPS MENA, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s success and its implications for sharing knowledge and fostering diversity in the procurement sector. “We are proud to honor Emirati Women’s Day with such an inspiring assembly of procurement professionals. This event embodies CIPS MENA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment,” she stated, reinforcing the conviction that such initiatives contribute positively to the landscape of procurement.
Through the narratives shared and connections forged at the event, CIPS MENA not only celebrated the achievements of women in procurement but also opened pathways for future generations. The collective experiences recounted during the evening illuminated the challenges faced by women in the sector and the ongoing journey toward equality and recognition.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for business and innovation, events like “Women in Procurement” are vital in ensuring women’s contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. By elevating female voices in procurement and encouraging collaboration, there is a palpable shift towards a more inclusive future—one that promises to inspire aspiring leaders and pave the way for unprecedented growth and progress.
The continuing evolution of women’s roles in procurement across the MENA region emphasizes the significance of opportunities such as this, where professionals can engage, inspire, and lead together while contributing to a more diversified economic landscape.
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Tags: #BusinessNews, #EconomyNews, #UAE