(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A UAE resident for the last 23 years, it's safe to say Lebanese-Canadian or "global citizen" as she prefers to be called, Rana El-Eid has witnessed more than a fair few changes. When she set herself up in this country, the Burj Al Arab, the Palm nor most of Dubai we consider integral parts of the city were even conceived of, let alone constructed.
It is not however the advancement of the quality of buildings that impresses the businesswoman and author. It is in fact the rate in which women around the region have ascended the ranks of educational, commercial and political spheres. And she is hopeful the trend continues.
"If you look at all they do, they realise education is the number one passport to open- mindedness. Once a woman is educated anything is possible." Rana was commenting on the role the UAE government has played in this sea change from patriarchal to a more egalitarian society. "It's also with the support of parents. They want their daughters to be empowered. They have to believe it is important and they realise that here."
Although the mother of two girls suggested there was still room for improvement.
"Society takes time to evolve. People are not buildings. The infrastructure here may have taken a few decades but a society takes longer."
Rana recently came to the Khaleej Times office in order to talk about her new book, Think Like a Woman, Act Like An Entrepreneur. Available now on Kindle and set to be published in hardback this May, Rana's corporate credentials are substantial.
Since 1996 she has founded three successful empires including branding firm RED Design, pottery painting hangouts Café Ceramique and the latest venture RE Salons and Spas (formerly Azur spas). Single-handedly wrangling these businesses to country and GCC-wide notoriety, Rana credits an inquisitive mind and propensity for risk-taking from an early age.
"I discovered in school that I didn't accept to conform. I pushed my own boundaries. If I had any fear, I would question it and take the risk anyway.
"I come from a strict family background. It was always about questioning. You question the rules and you question yourself. If you manage to break your own barriers you can make it anywhere. That is what the book is about."
Rana also cites reading about psychology and spirituality as inspirations.
It is this spirituality, she told us, which led to her practising meditation - a tool which she says focuses her mind and helps her achieve.
Elaborating further on the book, it was put to Rana what advantages women may have over men in the business world. She replied it was not a question of one gender having the upper hand over the other, but for women to realise the skills they already possess put them on an equal footing.
"The gut feelings, the multi tasking, managing family and work, planning - with children you have to plan logistics. They all help in a working environment. Contrary to the myth women are too emotional, we are decisive and strong, just as much as men."
The same view can be said about Rana's opinion on feminism: it should centre on equality.
"Feminism feels like you're fighting against someone - men. Female empowerment is an inside job. Finding your own power and using it."
Rana said she teaches the same notions to her girls, the youngest of whom will soon be off to university. Though, as is typical of the entrepreneur, she believes in leading through example.
"It's not something I preach to them. It's what they go through, what they witness. I want to leave a legacy for them - to have something to emulate."
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.