By: Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

As one of the region’s most forward-thinking countries, the UAE stands out for its commitment to gender equity. In fact, the participation of women in the UAE Cabinet is among the highest in the world, with over a quarter of ministerial positions held by women. Women also hold 50% of the UAE Federal National Council’s seats, one of the highest percentages globally. But these figures are not symbolic; they represent real impact. When I look at my leadership team at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), I see that same commitment. Gender representation isn’t just a goal for us – it’s a reality.

When I joined RAKTDA five years ago, we were voted the 17th happiest government entity in Ras Al Khaimah. Just a year later, we had climbed to the top, being voted the happiest government authority. That didn’t happen by accident. We worked tirelessly to eliminate negative spaces, creating an environment where open and safe communication flows across the entire organisation.

By nurturing a strong sense of inclusion, belonging, and empowerment among our colleagues, we created an environment where all employees, regardless of gender and other differences, can thrive. We’ve established ourselves as a leading example of how diversity enhances organisational performance, fosters innovation, and drives success.

One of my proudest moments has been seeing our organisation consistently recognised among the UAE’s best workplaces. In 2024, we have been named a winner once again on the ‘Best Workplaces for Women™’ list. This accolade, alongside our certification as a ‘Great Place to Work®’ for the fourth consecutive year and our place on the ‘Best Workplaces in the Middle East™ 2024’ list, speaks to our unwavering dedication to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

We firmly believe that bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives – and having a good balance of expertise in our team – unlocks the full potential of creativity and collaboration. This belief isn’t just a corporate mantra; it’s the foundation of our work culture and a principle that guides every decision we make. That’s why we’ve set benchmarks for diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging. 

Our diverse team of more than 80 members represents 27 nationalities, with a near-balanced gender ratio of 43 women to 39 men. Women hold 5 of our 10 leadership positions, including key roles such as Director of Government Relations & Events, Head of HR, Vice President of Finance & Corporate Services, and Vice President of Marketing & Communications.

In total, 52% of our team are women. This year, we implemented a professional development programme specifically designed to support the growth of two women leaders, enhancing their skills and influence.

One of the most significant changes we introduced was providing weekly communication updates involving the entire organisation. Every week, our leadership team shares updates about what’s happening within the organisation. We talk about our achievements and celebrate our successes together. These moments help build a sense of belonging and unity that is palpable in our daily work.

Creating gender parity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires deliberate actions and thoughtful policies. At RAKTDA, we believe that talent knows no gender, and we embrace evaluations based on individual contributions and abilities.

Rather than implementing gender quotas, we focus on fostering collaboration and teamwork, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and every voice is heard. By harnessing the unique talents and viewpoints of team members from diverse backgrounds, we enhance creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities – qualities I believe are essential to driving better decision-making.

A great example of this commitment is our Emirati Hospitality Professionals (EHP) programme, which prepared young UAE Nationals especially women for careers in tourism and hospitality. What’s remarkable is the strong uptake among Emirati women, underscoring our strong commitment to empowering female talent in the industry.

I’m not a micro-manager. In fact, I pride myself on giving people the freedom to succeed. I firmly believe that the best way to lead is to surround yourself with people who are more skilled than you in their areas of expertise and then empower them to do what they do best. This trust and freedom has allowed us to cultivate a joyful, open, trusted and responsive work culture. And as we look to the future, I’m confident that the role our female employees play in shaping our organisation will only grow.