As businesses strive to enhance their influence and drive economic growth, establishing strong professional relationships becomes crucial for long-term success. By creating an inclusive atmosphere that values diverse perspectives, organizations not only boost their resilience but also lay the groundwork for innovation and development.
Leaders like H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani exemplify the transformative power of strategic collaborations by advocating for cross-industry partnerships and embracing varied viewpoints. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion, believing that true and lasting success stems from commitment. Her journey has been characterized by a deep enthusiasm for promoting growth, sparking innovation, and building enduring partnerships. She is devoted to cultivating an environment where businesses can thrive, fully recognizing the importance of teamwork.
Furthermore, she is passionate about harnessing the potential of youth and women in the Gulf States and Africa to effect positive global change. H.E. El Atfani sees immense economic promise in these regions and is wholly dedicated to unlocking this potential to foster economic diversification, promote entrepreneurship, and contribute to a vibrant business ecosystem.
Celebrating Collaboration and Empowerment
H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani warmly acknowledges Mr. Dejan Stancer, CEO of GCBL, for his gracious welcome and encouraging comments regarding her recent role as Vice-Chairman for the Gulf States Region. Joining this esteemed organization is a true privilege for her, and she is eager to contribute to its objectives.
In this new capacity, H.E. Laila emphasizes the importance of partnerships in driving business success. The Chamber of Commerce stands as a robust and professional entity, and she looks forward to working alongside experienced leaders from diverse multinational backgrounds. Her goal is to cultivate economic prosperity by enhancing collaboration and linking the GCC with Europe and other regions.
Moreover, H.E. Laila is the visionary behind the I AM AFRICA initiative, a platform that aims to highlight the vast opportunities within the continent while promoting comprehensive growth and development for Africa.
Threads of Hope: The Miss Pink Movement
H.E. Laila has launched an initiative called Miss Pink, dedicated to providing essential medical, psychological, and emotional support to women during their most challenging times. The mission of Miss Pink is not only to extend a helping hand to those battling breast cancer but also to educate and empower women through early detection awareness.
In collaboration with Meena Asrani and her dedicated team, they achieved an incredible milestone by delivering a seamless and meaningful presentation. The event, titled Ms. Pink Assemble of Solidarity for Breast Cancer, serves as a beacon of hope, reminding women that they are not alone in their journey. By spreading awareness and fostering a strong sense of community, the initiative aims to give strength, joy, and courage to every woman who has endured the trials of breast cancer.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of early check-ups, ensuring that women are equipped with the knowledge to protect their health. The day culminated in a beautiful fashion show, symbolizing hope, happiness, and resilience, which left all participants inspired and uplifted. Together, they continue to build a supportive network where women uplift women, sharing strength and spreading awareness for a healthier, brighter future.
Championing Empowerment for Women and Youth
A central focus of H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani’s work is the empowerment of women and youth in the Gulf States region. She firmly believes that nurturing the potential of young individuals and providing equal opportunities for women can lead to transformative impacts on both the economy and society as a whole.
Her appointment as Vice-Chairman for the Gulf States Region at the Global Chamber of Business Leaders underscores the power of collaborative business efforts. This role presents a unique opportunity to advocate for the empowerment of women and youth, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.
H.E. Laila is dedicated to maximizing this opportunity and works closely with the Global Chamber of Business Leaders to harness the collective strength and expertise of the business community. Together, they aim to develop policies and initiatives that foster empowerment for women and youth, ultimately contributing to a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable business landscape.
Cultivating Community Advancement Through Collaboration and Innovation
H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani regards humanity as the most precious resource. She feels fortunate to partner with a range of non-profits in sectors such as information technology, finance, business strategy, and education. Her collaborations with organizations like Youth Gate in Cambodia, Anwar Associations, and REFAI in Switzerland reflect her dedication to societal improvement. Although these groups operate in different fields, they are united by a shared mission: to uplift communities. Through initiatives focused on financial empowerment, strategic planning, technological innovation, and education, they work to enhance the quality of life for individuals. These partnerships thrive on a foundation of mutual respect and trust.
H.E. Laila passionately advocates for the empowerment of women and youth through various initiatives spearheaded by non-governmental organizations. Her efforts include leadership training workshops, skill enhancement programs, and mentorship opportunities designed to provide individuals with the resources they need to take control of their futures and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Moreover, she supports emerging businesses by fostering incubation initiatives, facilitating access to funding, and offering mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs. These programs are aimed at cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among aspiring individuals, driving innovation, generating job opportunities, and contributing to economic progress in the region.
Forging Global Business Connections
H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani plays a crucial role in leading the Business Gate Network, an international professional network that spans various industries and regions worldwide. The primary aim of this network is to unite government officials, business owners, and top executives to foster the exchange of valuable insights, explore collaborative ventures, and establish lasting professional relationships. With a robust 16-year history, the Business Gate Network has earned a reputation as a dependable facilitator of global business connections, recognized for its innovative Business Gate Events and engaging member programs.
The network offers a wide range of business formation services tailored to all types of enterprises, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is instrumental in enhancing business branding, facilitating introductions, launching events, and attracting foreign direct investment through its strategic collaboration and sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, the Business Gate Network supports various initiatives, including assistance for SMEs, B2B networking, and the Women Business Circle.
Under H.E. Laila’s leadership, the “I Am Africa” initiative continues to strengthen the ties between the United Arab Emirates and Africa. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, this initiative aims to empower businesses to reach their full potential through cooperative efforts.
Championing Empowerment and Inclusion
H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani has long been passionate about promoting innovative business practices, cutting-edge technology, sustainable development, and economic growth. She views these elements as fundamental to driving positive change globally and shaping the future of society. With a strong aversion to monotony, H.E. Laila thrives on creativity and is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities. She is a firm believer in the power of collaboration and teamwork, recognizing their importance in helping individuals and communities reach their fullest potential.
Dedicated to exploring new pathways for empowerment, H.E. Laila harnesses advanced technologies to address global challenges while forming partnerships that encourage sustainable development. She envisions a prosperous future where social justice and environmental stewardship are paramount. Through her steadfast commitment to these ideals, she aims to create a world that is both equitable and sustainable for all.
During discussions with the President of the Global Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL), H.E. Laila proposed the introduction of the Women Business Circle (WBC) as a targeted initiative to promote gender equality and enhance business opportunities for women. By integrating the WBC into the chamber, she hopes to further her mission of advancing women’s rights and supporting their professional growth. This initiative aligns seamlessly with her broader projects, which include Women Driving the Future, 50 Inspiring Women, 50 Entrepreneur Leadership, Global Women Leadership, and Women in Art and Business. By empowering female professionals and entrepreneurs, this integration not only fosters a diverse and inclusive corporate environment but also enriches the global business community.
Nurturing Future Generations
H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani underscores the Global Chamber of Business Leaders’ commitment to engaging and empowering youth, a focus she has championed for over 14 years. Recognizing the importance of preparing young people for a rapidly evolving global marketplace, she firmly believes in cultivating the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs who will drive innovation and economic progress. The chamber aims to enhance members’ skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit by connecting them with mentors and established business leaders.
H.E. Laila advocates for a deeper involvement of the Global Chamber of Business Leaders in youth policy initiatives specific to the Gulf Region. Given the region’s emphasis on economic diversification and its shifting business landscape, she sees youth development as crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. By prioritizing the empowerment of young individuals, the chamber aims to foster a vibrant and resilient economy that can adapt to future challenges.
Promoting Economic Advancement
The Gulf States Region holds significant economic and geopolitical importance on the global stage. With vast oil and gas reserves, countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are poised to be key players in the international energy market. These nations have successfully developed their infrastructure, attracted foreign direct investment, and encouraged entrepreneurship and innovation. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Vision 2021 highlight their commitment to economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, and promoting private sector growth. Additionally, the Gulf States actively participate in regional and global diplomacy, often playing crucial roles in significant diplomatic initiatives.
H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani believes that the Global Chamber of Business Leaders in the Gulf Region is a powerful entity. She envisions the Chamber as an international platform that unites business leaders from various nations, leveraging its extensive network to connect decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and influential corporate figures from the Gulf and beyond. This global outreach provides valuable access to diverse perspectives, expertise, and potential partnerships.
She notes the impressive economic growth in the Gulf, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which are leading efforts to diversify their economies and attract foreign investment. H.E. Laila sees an opportunity for the Global Chamber of Business Leaders to contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. She advocates for strategic enhancements that will elevate the Chamber’s visibility and influence, including increasing representation, prioritizing sustainability initiatives, establishing an innovation and technology hub, promoting impactful policies, encouraging mentorship and capacity-building programs, engaging with educational institutions, and facilitating knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
Furthermore, H.E. Laila suggests that the establishment of a dedicated bank within the Chamber could strengthen its mission in the Gulf Region. By embracing principles of sustainability, innovation, diversity, and collaboration, the Chamber can effectively address business needs, drive economic growth, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Gulf business landscape.
H.E. Laila finds the greatest recognition in her nominations that reflect her dedication to empowering others and serving communities. Her accolades include the WOW Awards USA for Women of Worth, The Voice Achievers Award, the Super Mom Award, Mawlana Awards in Turkey, the Oscar of Best Entrepreneur in Morocco, The Most Inspiring Women Award, the Hoinser Magazine Award, and titles such as Ambassador UAE Africa and AFRIFATA. She takes great pride in these honors, as they symbolize the positive impact she has made in people’s lives beyond mere recognition.
Challenging Stereotypes and Promoting Inclusive Growth
As a prominent business leader, H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani is dedicated to dispelling misconceptions about women’s roles, particularly those of Muslim women, in today’s world. She finds it troubling that stereotypes continue to exist, preventing society from recognizing Muslim women as influential figures in their professions. H.E. Laila emphasizes that Islam encourages knowledge, personal growth, and social involvement for both men and women, advocating for justice, equality, and empowerment. Her message is straightforward: promoting diversity and inclusivity, especially in leadership roles, is essential to breaking down stereotypes and creating a more equitable society that appreciates the contributions of women from all backgrounds.
In the context of the post-pandemic global economy, H.E. Laila underscores the importance of focusing on innovative businesses rather than dwelling on past challenges. She advocates for creativity in the workplace, highlighting its potential to drive innovation and generate fresh ideas. H.E. Laila believes that by adopting a forward-looking mindset, businesses can position themselves for growth and success.
She also emphasizes the transformative power of building a robust professional network. H.E. Laila views networking as a strategic investment that opens doors to valuable contacts, insights, and partnerships crucial for entrepreneurial success. She firmly believes that networking can significantly enhance the entrepreneurial journeys of young individuals by providing access to essential resources and collaborative opportunities.
Regardless of their backgrounds—whether related to religion, nationality, education, or socioeconomic status—H.E. Laila encourages the next generation to prioritize tolerance, compassion, and respect in their efforts to forge collaborative relationships. She asserts that cultivating such connections is vital for any business aiming for sustainable success.
