CIPS MENA Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day with Empowering Event in Dubai
Dubai, UAE – On September 4, 2025, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) MENA hosted a notable event in honor of Emirati Women’s Day at the MAKTABI Business Centre, focusing on the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years.” The occasion, aptly titled “Women in Procurement,” attracted industry leaders and burgeoning talent, providing a valuable platform for inspiration, dialogue, and networking.
The event exemplified CIPS’ commitment to promoting women’s leadership in procurement, featuring insightful discussions from several distinguished female leaders in the field. Attendees were treated to a series of compelling presentations from accomplished women who hold the prestigious MCIPS designation (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply). This sold-out gathering, with only 50 seats available, created an intimate atmosphere conducive to fostering meaningful connections among attendees.
Among the highlights was a presentation by Rahmah Aal-Ali, the Procurement & Supply Chain Director at Dubai South. Rahmah’s discourse focused on the critical need for resilient and sustainable supply chains in the face of rapidly changing market dynamics. She underscored the pivotal role that procurement professionals play in enhancing efficiency, driving innovation, and ultimately supporting the strategic goals of the UAE—particularly in its enduring efforts toward economic diversification and growth.
Following Aal-Ali’s engaging presentation, the evening continued with an inspiring talk from Ruba Younes, the first female MCIPS holder in the MENA region. Ruba shared her personal journey, detailing the hurdles she overcame in a traditionally male-dominated profession and highlighting the significance of mentorship and inclusivity in paving the way for women’s advancement in procurement leadership roles. Her reflections served not only as a reminder of the progress made but also as a call to action for future generations.
“Earning the recognition as the first female MCIPS in the region was a milestone, not just for me, but for all women in procurement,” Ruba Younes commented. “Tonight shows that our profession thrives when we support each other, share knowledge, and break barriers together. This celebration is a powerful step toward empowering future generations of women leaders.”
An innovative Networking Passport activity complemented the presentations, aimed at catalyzing professional exchanges and collaborations among participants across various organizations and experience levels. The event’s design emphasized active engagement and collaboration, aligning with CIPS’ central message of empowerment and unity.
Rahmah Aal-Ali further remarked, “Emirati Women’s Day reminds us of the vast progress women have made in shaping our national advancement. In procurement and supply chain, we are uniquely positioned to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and support the UAE’s strategic goals. Events like tonight underscore the vital contributions of women in steering sustainable growth.”
The event resonated as a valuable reminder of the significant strides made toward gender equality in the workforce, particularly in the fields of procurement and supply. It reflected the evolving landscape of women’s leadership in the UAE’s burgeoning industry sectors—a development that is crucial for driving economic growth in the region.
Haaniya Qureshi, the Marketing & Events Manager for CIPS MENA, expressed pride in honoring Emirati Women’s Day through such an inspirational assembly of procurement professionals. “This event embodies CIPS MENA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. The insights shared and connections made tonight affirm the bright future of women in our field,” she affirmed.
As the UAE continues to champion gender equality and empowerment through various initiatives, gatherings like the “Women in Procurement” event serve to inspire the next generation of leaders and amplify the voices of women contributing to the nation’s economic landscape. The event is not merely a celebration of past achievements, but also a clarion call to action for a collective vision toward future inclusivity and empowerment in procurement and beyond.
As we reflect on the progress made and the road ahead, it is evident that collaborative efforts will be essential in nurturing an ecosystem where women can flourish, thereby catalyzing innovation and sustainability across industries.
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