Although she comes from a family of hoteliers, Shaikha Al Nowais began her career in finance at KPMG. From there, she transitioned to the family business at Rotana in 2012, where she leveraged her finance expertise and passion for hospitality to rise to the top. Today, she is the Corporate Vice President of Rotana, overseeing strategic growth and revenue optimization to promote global sales.  

“After entering the professional world, I soon learned that the hospitality industry was the perfect fit for my passion, which was also derived from the love my father has for the sector, his affection for every hotel we operate, and my desire to lead and serve,” she tells us. Her father, she tells us, has been both her mentor and her inspiration over the years.    

As a leader in the hospitality industry, Al Nowais believes in the power of relationships to attract and retain talent. “I lead by example, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, especially with new hires,” she says.  

Despite her success, Al Nowais is acutely aware of the challenges of being a female leader. “As a society, we hang many labels on a woman–a mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend, and colleague. Balancing these numerous roles of womanhood in a fast-paced sector like the hospitality industry can be a challenge at times–a challenge even I face,” she admits.  

Aside from mentoring young Emirati leaders and empowering female employees at Rotana, she has also spearheaded initiatives that allow young Emiratis to receive training and secure jobs within the hospitality sector.  

“Currently, women represent more than 20.5% of the total workforce for the group. From equal pay, education, and training to supportive workplace policies, we aim to foster an unbiased workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute effectively to Rotana’s success,” she says.  

In 2023, Al Nowais was appointed to the board of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, where she promotes and supports the advancement of female entrepreneurs.  

Her advice to young women starting their careers? “Don’t let anything hold you back from learning. Keep asking questions, stay curious, and explore new ideas,” says Al Nowais.  

“As an Emirati woman in a prominent leadership position, I’m proud to have broken barriers and play a role in shaping the future of this exciting sector,” she says.