• 4 minute read
  • December 17, 2024
What the UAE means to me: Eman Al Shorafa, Entrepreneur and CEO 

As a visionary Emirati leader and entrepreneur, Eman Al Shorafa’s career bridges healthcare, business, and innovation. Having started her journey at United Eastern Medical Services (UEMedical), Eman’s exceptional dedication and expertise propelled her to become the Chief Protocol Officer at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children. By 2019, she was leading it as the Chief Operating Officer, where her transformative approach elevated patient satisfaction and operational efficiency, impacting over 200 team members and countless lives. 

Eman’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Wevin Investments, a diverse holding company, and Wevin Consultancy, a firm specialising in enhancing healthcare operations and patient experiences. Beyond corporate success, Eman channels her passion into ventures like Mon Café, Mon Bebe, and Rohr Chocolats, redefining standards in luxury retail.

What is your passion in life and how did you find it?

My passion lies in driving impactful change, particularly in healthcare and investment, where I can support innovation and growth. This emerged early on, from witnessing my family’s commitment to service and leadership. Watching my father and older brother work diligently inspired me to pursue a path that would allow me to give back to my community and contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s development. 

From the early years of my career, I witnessed how dedicated and informed leadership could transform patient outcomes and operational success. This experience became the driving force behind my decision to establish Wevin Investments & Consultancy, fuelled by a desire to help other organisations achieve similarly impactful results.

How has being an Emirati shaped your worldview?

Being an Emirati has instilled a deep sense of pride, resilience, and responsibility that aligns with the UAE’s values of innovation and progress. Our nation’s rapid development and commitment to innovation have taught me the value of forward-thinking and adaptability. As an Emirati, I feel a strong obligation to uphold the UAE’s values and contribute to its global influence, especially in sectors like healthcare and education, where we can make a lasting impact. Our wise leadership steadily empowers our nation’s people, especially women, and that has inspired me to set ambitious goals and pursue excellence in everything I do. This worldview pushes me to leverage my ventures not only for success but to contribute positively to the community and the UAE’s global reputation.

How did the UAE empower you to get where you are today?

The UAE has been instrumental in my journey, providing supportive infrastructure, visionary leadership, and policies that encourage women and young entrepreneurs. 

The country’s progressive laws and initiatives have allowed me to establish my ventures and grow confidently in various fields. This support has been especially empowering as a woman, where I feel encouraged to take on leadership roles and drive change.

Starting from my education at Zayed University to my recent leadership roles, I benefited from policies that encouraged women to drive change. The UAE’s emphasis on innovation and economic diversification has also been a foundation for my organisation success, allowing us to explore opportunities across healthcare, security, and education sectors with confidence.

As a female leader in your field, how are you paying it forward to the next generation?

I am deeply committed to mentoring young Emiratis, especially women, through my role in the Emirates Angel Investors Association and by supporting promising start-ups. 

By sharing my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and providing guidance, I aim to inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs and help them develop the skills they need to succeed. 

I believe in creating pathways for the next generation to build their own legacies, inspired by the UAE’s supportive environment for women in business.

What do you wish you’d known earlier on in life when it comes to your chosen career?

In the early stages of my career, I believed that hard work alone was enough. However, I’ve learned that having the right team – one that embraces shared values and culture – is key to long-term success and a harmonious work environment. 

Success is not just about personal effort, but about building a team that shares a unified vision and values. This realisation has become a cornerstone of Wevin’s operations, where we emphasise alignment in culture and goals.

What’s the next challenge you’re looking forward to taking on?

I’m excited about exploring new investment opportunities in fields beyond my current focus areas, including ventures that leverage technology to address global challenges. 

Expanding Wevin Investments and Consultancy into new sectors is a challenge I’m eager to embrace. This will not only enhance Wevin’s portfolio but also strengthen our impact in shaping a diversified, resilient UAE economy.

As a proud Emirati, how do you wish to represent your culture to the wider world?

I aim to represent Emirati culture as one that values progress, compassion, and unity. By recognising Emirati leadership in healthcare, investment, and innovation, I hope to showcase the UAE’s commitment to positive change and our unique approach to blending tradition with modernity. 

I want the world to see Emiratis as forward-thinking contributors to global progress and as people who are deeply connected to their roots. I hope that our ventures serve as a bridge, showing the world how our business leaders are contributing positively to global industries.

Follow @emanalshorafa_ on Instagram

Next In