The UAE entrepreneur who draws inspiration from other female leaders

Souad Al Hosani is president of Nexus Business Services and says she is inspired by the UAE leadership's faith in women as leaders.

At 28, Souad Al Hosani is the president of Nexus Business Services, which provides support to companies. Pawan Singh / The National

ABU DHABI // Souad Al Hosani is an exemplar of an Emirati women who is at the top of her chosen profession.

Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, her entrepreneurial outlook has taken her to the presidency of Nexus Business Services, which provides start-up and operational support for companies; the managing directorship of its Nexus Agencies element, and a member of the board of directors at Safetic International Safety and Security consultancy.

She is 28.

“Sometimes, when I work hard and feel exhausted, I feel like taking a break to refuel myself and be ready for the upcoming days, but I am a workaholic,” she says. “I love people and I love business. I can never have a break.”

A graduate in human resources management from the Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, Ms Al Hosani has worked as a diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mubadala Development Company, the British embassy in Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Amwal Holdings.

Having completed a training programme for women entrepreneurs, she also received a United Nationals Industrial Development Organisation certificate, while being honoured with a Young Achievers Award by the American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi. Last year, she was named best female service provider in the UAE.

“After seven years of being in business, I have learnt and enriched my knowledge a lot, with the support of my family, friends, and the community,” says Ms Al Hosani.

“My different experiences in the public and private sector have helped me develop, nurture and maintain significant and valuable business and government contacts.

“These opportunities have allowed me to network with professionals around the world, giving me a clear picture of what foreign investors are aiming to achieve by relocating abroad.”

Her world is a non-stop one, a whirlwind of meetings and events. But it has allowed her to become a truly global citizen as she promotes the UAE, and gauges the overtures of companies looking to invest in the country.

“I try to switch off at weekends, but I am still available when needed,” she says.

The rewards, she explains, are the smiles on her clients’ faces – and the knowledge that her efforts may empower other Emirati women.

“Being a strong female entrepreneur and sharing my experience with people inspires me,” she says. “Our leadership has always supported women and encouraged women development on a personal and business level.

“I am so proud about the number of Emirati female leaders we have nowadays – especially our Minister of Youth, who is 22 – and I am proud to be Emirati.”