From the moment she started her career in the UAE 13 years ago within Marketing & Communications, Dania Ghalayini has been guided by a deep curiosity to uncover the “why” behind it all. Why are we actioning this brief, developing this campaign, delivering this product? Is it aligned with the business strategy? Will it add value to the organization and most importantly, the customers and wider community? This was Dania’s guiding north-star as she supported the brands she managed when she was on the agency side, ensuring that her work was rooted in purpose.

Her move in 2017 to the brand & corporate side at Dubai Holding’s leasehold residential arm, Dubai Holding Asset Management, allowed her to channel that curiosity into community engagement, championing initiatives and acts of kindness that made residents truly feel at home. Later, at Masdar City, she embraced a cause close to her heart: sustainability. As part of the marketing team, which was tasked to deliver Masdar City’s wider strategy, specifically for COP28 UAE in 2023, Dania realized that sustainability is not as complicated as people often believe. Whether at home, at work, or on the go, it is about living with kindness toward the planet.  This experience deepened her beliefs in purposeful brands, making her next move a natural one.

Today, Dania holds the position of Brand Communications Manager at Nespresso in UAE. She was inspired by the brand’s commitment to “Care”, and through her work, she aims brings that promise to life, showing how care extends to people, customers, communities, and the world around us.

What is your leadership style?

Throughout my professional growth, I have been intentional about shaping a leadership style grounded in empathy, transparency, and collaboration. Inspired by mentors who led with care, determination, and honesty, I have learned to lead similarly, creating a space for others to thrive. I often recall the words of Maya Angelou, who said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This philosophy underpins my belief in leadership through empathy and impact.

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you?

My reflections on International Women’s Day are quite candid. Why do we need a single day to celebrate women, when achievements should be recognized every day. For me, this day’s true purpose is to celebrate milestones that were once deemed impossible as we broke glass-ceilings. And this year, the UN’s 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates deeply. 

Giving back, whether to my family, my team, my workplace, my community, and even to myself, is the foundation of collective growth. By fostering a shared purpose, I believe we gain not only stronger organizations but also relationships, cultures, and personalities we can be proud of. As Gibran Kahlil Gibran wrote: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” This sentiment captures my conviction that the honest generosity of spirit is the most powerful driver of progress.

Your advice to the next generation of women in the industry:

It’s really simple, yet powerful: stay curious, lead with empathy, and never underestimate the value of giving. Because in giving, we gain, not just for ourselves, but for the communities and industries we shape.