Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

As part of celebrations of Emirati Women Day, Women Committee at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) hosted Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Vice Chairwoman and Board Member of Dubai Women Establishment. 2019 year’s edition of the event, which is annually celebrated on August 28, took place under the theme ‘Women, Icons of Tolerance’ in line with UAE’s initiative designating 2019 as a Year of Tolerance. 

Badri is a role model of a successful professional Emirati woman and a pioneering business leader. It was no wonder that she is a recipient of the Best Businesswoman Award 2015, and was ranked by Forbes in the 200 Most Powerful Arab Women 2014. She is also the first certified Emirati corporate governance professional having completed the International Directors Program with INSEAD. 

During her progressive career, she has been supportive to the values of knowledge, giving, social responsibility, and young entrepreneurs as well as the empowerment of women to realise their dreams. 

In a speech delivered to RTA’s women leaders on the event, Badri shed light on efforts of UAE’s leaders to empower Emirati women. She paid tribute to the role of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the "Mother of the UAE,” in supporting the drive of women development and empowerment. 

She recapped her professional career and prosperous personal experience. She started by reviewing the highlights of her academic path and key challenges and achievements during her career marked by resounding successes in corporate identity, entrepreneurship, sustainability, communication, and media. She also lent support to the transformation of businesses through creative branding and enhanced social responsibility. She played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating women to prove their merit and showcase their unparalleled ability to deliver. She reflected on the academic credentials and skills of Emirati ladies have to have in order to embark on professional careers confidently and beat potential challenges ahead. 

In her speech about the Year of Tolerance, Badri stressed the leading role of Emirati women in fostering the value of tolerance in all aspects of life. Throughout her career, Badri has been a model of tolerance and champion of giving back to the community. She was an active board member of several volunteering entities such as Dubai Cares and Indimaj Foundation. She also delivered an array of community-oriented initiatives and was a worthy winner of Middle East Order of Honour for Social Responsibility in 2014. 

Attending female employees of RTA engaged in rich discussions focused on the features characterizing Emirati women in the business sector and professional career. Discussions covered issues like striking a balance between family and professional life, and the key ingredients of successful business ventures. 

“Celebrating Emirati Women Day 2019 epitomizes our pride of the high standing Emirati women have achieved in assuming top positions, thanks to the unwavering support of our wise leadership,” said Moaza Al Marri, Executive Director, Office of the Director-General and Chairman of the Board and Chairperson of Women Committee, RTA.  

“The Day included a plethora of excellent events held in collaboration with Sketch Art Café, and female employees have expressed their innovative artworks on coffee cups. During the event, giveaways were distributed to employees, adding more to the joyful spirit. RTA is keen on leveraging and qualifying women by showing more confidence in their abilities. We are also committed to nurturing an innovative and inspiring working environment for female staffs to bring them happiness and boost their role in driving RTA’s successes,” added Al Marri.