Developing Youth for a Richer Culture
How did she rank in the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women of 2011? Noura Al Kaabi, the CEO of twofour54, credits her family: “My family is the reason for my success. They support every step we take but never force any choice on us. It is a wonderful mix of support and freedom that I enjoy.”
Mrs. Al Kaabi’s response is consistent with the majority of responses we’ve heard from other successful Middle Eastern business women we have interviewed who also attribute their early success to family encouragement and support.
Mrs. Al Kaabi has brought her learned work ethic and attitude to her career pursuits and working environments combining it with her talents to become a role model for young Emirati women and an example of how hard work, talent and determination can lead to success.
Noura joined twofour54 – a government initiative named after the geographic coordinates of Abu Dhabi that is at forefront of UAE’s fast growing media industry as its first recruit in 2007 during the company’s start-up stage. The company’s vision is to grow the Arab media industry by creating world class content through its work with local television, radio, film, publishing, online, mobile, music, gaming and animation businesses. Mrs. AlKaabi just stepped into the role of CEO this April.
One of her current focuses is on developing youth in the UAE and involving them in business pursuits. “If you want to enrich the culture, you simply engage the youth,” she said.
Today, Mrs. Al Kaabi sits on several boards: Abu Dhabi Media Company, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, Flash Entertainment, ImageNation, as well as the Advisory Board for Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Tawteen, an initiative by Emirates Foundation.Noura’s belief in giving back also plays a big part in all she does: “If I can add value to something and make even a small contribution to making a difference, I would not hesitate.”
Follow Noura on Twitter.
Sources: Gulf News, The National, The National (2)
