JEDDAH: Women lawyers employed in the Middle East in cooperation with international law firm Fulbright & Jaworski have come together with other businesswomen in the region to create a series of forums to share experiences and best business practices in the region.
The group’s third forum — which is to be held at the Capital Club in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) on Dec. 8 in Dubai — will be held under the theme, “Women Doing Business in The Middle East,” and will allow participants to take part in conversations meant to examine opportunities, challenges and triumphs of women doing business specifically in Saudi Arabia.
The quarterly forum’s December speaker, Michelle Smith Motiwalla, an American citizen, has lived and built her career in the region over the past three decades and regularly travels to and works within Saudi Arabia. The senior marketing and communication professional has been working on a pro bono basis on behalf of leading women’s organizations in the Kingdom as well as held major positions within numerous companies from around the region.
“The economy in Saudi Arabia remains and will likely continue to be strong. However, there remain misconceptions about the opportunities, as well as the daily working environment for both local and expatriate women working there,” Motiwalla said.
During the two previous forums earlier held this year, one of which was in September, Aida Al-Busaidy, speaking to over 100 women from the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and around the world, called for more importance to be made on creating a strong personal brand in the modern business world.
“The Fulbright, Women Doing Business in the Middle East, forums have given a new meaning and strength to likeminded women who want to share their experiences, best business practices, or even sit down to have a cup of coffee,” Al-Busaidy said.