As a female leader in Human Resources, Amal AlGhammai feels a strong responsibility to pay it forward to the next generation. Through actively mentoring and guiding young professionals, especially women, she is guiding the next generation to navigate their careers and find their place in the world of technology and innovation.
Another of her passions is promoting inclusivity for women in STEM. By advocating for females in leadership roles, Amal prioritises teaching young women that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
To share my story with the world and help as many people as possible by sharing my hardships, manifestations, and big wins – often arriving better and faster than I could have imagined. I am deeply committed to well-being in all forms, including health, beauty and mindfulness. This journey has shaped who I am today.
I believe wholeheartedly in the power of coaching and mentorship, and I am incredibly grateful for the guidance of professionals like Shorouk Al Abdallah, who have been instrumental in my journey. I am equally passionate about helping others grow and develop in areas they love, empowering them to reach their highest potential and enjoy their unique path to well-being. My role at the American University of Sharjah as the Executive Director of Employee Services helps further my path and my goal to provide an empowering environment with mindfulness and well-being at its core.
Being Emirati has profoundly shaped my worldview, especially having grown up in the era of our late Ruler His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
As a young Emirati at that time, I felt the positive impact of their policies directly, which nurtured our growth. This experience has left me with a deep respect for cultural heritage and an unwavering belief in the importance of education and empowerment – principles that continue to shape my approach to both my professional and personal life.
By creating a landscape where hard work and dedication lead to real opportunities and growth. In the UAE, if you work diligently, you not only achieve your goals but often surpass them, finding support to reach heights you may not have initially imagined. The country offers countless opportunities – you just need to seize the ones that align with your vision.
The UAE’s drive to constantly evolve and improve has been incredibly inspiring. Our leaders are committed to making each day better than the last, while always preserving our traditions, values, and culture. This balance has motivated me to pursue my own path with ambition and integrity, knowing I am part of a society that values both heritage and forward-thinking excellence.
I’m committed to paying it forward to the next generation in several ways. I actively mentor young professionals, offering guidance and support as they navigate their careers. I share my experiences, including the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned, to help them build resilience and confidence.
Although I encountered some tough bosses early on, I work to ensure that those I mentor experience a more positive, open environment where they feel safe to speak their minds
and make mistakes, knowing that learning often comes from those experiences.
Additionally, I advocate for inclusive practices within my organisation, ensuring that future leaders have equal and equitable opportunities to thrive. By creating a supportive environment and sharing my journey, I hope to inspire the next generation of HR leaders to reach their full potential with confidence and empowerment.
Looking back, I wish I had recognised earlier the importance of networking and building relationships within my field.
In the beginning, I concentrated on developing my technical skills and knowledge, but I now realise that connections and mentorship are essential for career growth. Understanding the value of collaboration and seeking guidance from others could have accelerated my development.
As a senior professional dedicated to personal growth, my next challenge is to deepen my impact as a mentor and leader, especially by reshaping perceptions around HR and women in leadership. I aim to demonstrate HR as a strategic, forward-thinking field and to dispel outdated stereotypes, showcasing how women in leadership bring unique and transformative insights. I hope to inspire future leaders to see HR as integral to business success and to create a workplace where well-being and mental health are prioritised on a larger scale.
On a personal level, I am deeply committed to my continuous journey of self-care, mental health advocacy, and self-healing.
I am passionate about presenting my culture to the world by highlighting the values of hospitality, generosity, and innovation that define us.
Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi’s role as President of the American University of Sharjah and her dedication towards creating opportunities for students, faculty and staff to grow and contribute meaningfully to society and beyond for the betterment of humanity is truly inspiring.
Following in the footsteps of my father, a well-mannered pioneer in UAE education, I aim to carry forward his legacy of leadership and commitment to excellence. To this day, people still share remarkable stories about him, which highlight his character and reinforce what a true gentleman he is.
This fills me with pride and strengthens my resolve to follow his example and give even more. My mother’s kindness and generous heart also influence me deeply, reminding me of the importance of compassion and community service.
Through my actions and initiatives, I hope to honour these values and present a true representation of the UAE – one that celebrates both our rich traditions and our ambitious future.