A Quiet Catalyst for Change: Maryam AlDhanhani's Impact on UAE’s Utility Services
By SARA ALZAABI (Abu Dhabi)
In the dynamic landscape of infrastructure and utilities, few individuals operate with the quiet tenacity that defines Maryam AlDhanhani, Vice President of Connection at Etihad Water & Electricity. While most utility services function under a veneer of predictability, AlDhanhani’s role is anything but ordinary. Her mission transcends mere water and electricity provision; she is the unseen force behind the vital connections that energize lives, spark businesses, and underpin national progress.
For AlDhanhani, every service connection represents a new opportunity, a chance for families to build homes, for businesses to flourish, and for communities to grow. “Behind every switch we flip or pipe we activate, there is a person waiting to begin a new chapter. That is what drives me: knowing our work directly enables people’s lives and ambitions,” she states emphatically.
AlDhanhani’s leadership philosophy is intricately woven into her understanding of the profound impact her role has on her community. “It is not just about megawatts and metres,” she elucidates, “it is about trust, consistency, and helping people move forward—with peace of mind.” This perspective shapes her work, ensuring that each connection is not just a technical feat but a cornerstone for personal and societal advancement.
Navigating the complexities of demand in utility services, AlDhanhani explains, “Every request we receive is different—each one tied to someone’s vision.” The challenges of her day-to-day responsibilities are myriad, involving executive decision-making, performance analysis, and high-priority escalations—all set against the backdrop of national infrastructure objectives. Yet amidst the pressures of deadlines and metrics, AlDhanhani’s approach distinguishes her as an empathetic leader. “In an environment full of stress and urgency, I lead with calm,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of listening over commanding.
What she regards as her proudest professional accomplishment is not a groundbreaking technological achievement, but the trust she has cultivated within her team and among stakeholders. “Earning trust in this field—especially as a woman in leadership—can be challenging,” she notes. For AlDhanhani, trust is built word by word, action by action. “I have created this trust not through promises, but by being present, delivering solutions, and showing up consistently in critical moments,” she asserts, highlighting the significance of reliability in her role.
The impact of her leadership extends beyond immediate utility operations; many of the colleagues she has mentored have soared into leadership roles of their own. “What I am most proud of are the people I have helped grow into confident, thoughtful leaders,” she affirms, encapsulating a key aspect of her legacy.
However, AlDhanhani also recognizes the unique hurdles she has faced as an Emirati woman in a male-dominated field. “The real challenge was proving that I didn’t have to change who I am to succeed,” she states candidly. Her experiences resonate with the UAE’s overarching national vision for women’s empowerment, which aims to create opportunities and dismantle barriers for women across various sectors. “In the UAE, I never had to justify my ambition,” she insists, crediting national leadership for recognizing women as integral partners in nation-building, rather than mere bystanders.
Trust, from AlDhanhani’s perspective, is a privilege and a profound responsibility—one she bears with pride and commitment. She is emblematic of a new generation of leaders who drive change not through noise, but through a dedication to service, empowerment, and a nuanced understanding of the human side of utility services.
In her role, AlDhanhani not only contributes to the infrastructure of the UAE but also embodies the spirit of progress that characterizes the nation. As the UAE continues to evolve, forward-thinking leaders like her will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future, bridging the gap between traditional expectations and modern aspirations.
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