Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics giant AD Ports Group has begun taking concrete steps to achieve a gender-balanced boardroom.
To achieve this goal the company, which is more commonly referred to as Abu Dhabi Ports, has partnered with Aurora50, a social enterprise focusing on promoting women into senior corporate roles in the United Arab Emirates.
The move comes ahead of a potential listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
Through the new partnership, AD Ports Group and Aurora50 aim to create a "more inclusive and integrated workplace environment" with a new programme called Gain Leadership Opportunities for Women (Glow).
The programme has been designed to accelerate the careers of "high-potential" Emirati women and prepare them for board-level and leadership positions.
AD Ports said the accelerator will enable Emirati women to build a strategic plan to maximise their career development, and provide a suitable support mechanism and encouragement vehicle to enable female Emirati employees "achieve and realise their highest potential".
Maitha Al Marar, AD Ports vice president of human capital and Emiratisation, said Glow reflected the company's commitment to ensuring Emirati women have a supportive work environment, access to the tools they need to accelerate their career development and feel more confident in leadership roles.
“Emirati women are playing instrumental roles and making remarkable achievements across different industry sectors. Glow is a distinguished initiative that focuses on nurturing female Emirati employees' technical abilities and personal development at AD Ports Group,” Al Marar said.
AD Ports website indicates that no women currently sit on its board of directors.
Chief executive Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said the company "strongly supports" the UAE's national strategy to drive and encourage women to play a leading role in the long-term development and future prosperity of the Emirates.
"Our company culture is committed to nurturing tomorrow's exceptional female leaders and closing the gender gap within an industry that men have traditionally dominated," he said.
Nurturing talent online
Glow participants will be chosen by a selection committee established by Aurora50 based on a standard criterion that aligns with AD Ports’ strategy. Third-party assessments tools will also be utilised to shortlist participants.
The programme includes live and virtual workshops, a dedicated workbook with online reading references, practical tools and assignments.
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a member the Abu Dhabi royal family who is co-founder of Aurora50, said: "Our collaboration with AD Ports Group is a crucial step in our endeavour to strengthen gender diversity and unified prosperity in the country.
"Through Glow, we will help AD Ports Group effectively identify local talent, establish more prosperous careers for their female Emirati employees and bolster the talent pipeline of female directors at the leadership and board level."
In September, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company, the government-backed holding company under which AD Ports falls, said it planned to list the ports and logistics company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.
The initial public offering is expected to comprise a sale of a proportion of existing shares to investors in the UAE.
