Who Am I?
Her Excellency Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi is a powerful politician responsible for the development and future planning of the United Arab Emirates. Her training and education were in business, and she made good use of this by becoming the first Arab woman to hold a role in the United Nations Global Entrepreneurship Council.
What Am I Known For?
In 2016, she became the Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing – the first time this role had ever been created in the world. In this role, she appointed several new positions titled ‘Chief Happiness and Positivity Officers’ around the country. Each officer was given training in how to make their workplaces happy places. Mindfulness practice was introduced, and the ‘science of happiness’ was studied and adopted.
Her excellency believes that forging healthy partnerships and working together positively will make the UAE one of the happiest places in the world.
Our brains are wired for relationships and release oxytocin, which helps us to feel connected to others when we are shown trust and respect. Working with others gives us a sense of purpose and control over our lives, helping us flourish.
How About You?
In her work, Ohood Al Roumi has shown that she works well with other people to achieve a common goal. Can you take the lead in a task, and can you also let others take the lead?
What is your preferred role in a team activity, and why?
Other Amazing People (you can find them on the website)
If this has inspired you, why not explore the stories of other female leaders, such as Sarojini Naidu of India or Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti of Nigeria? Both feature on our website.
Other Useful Resources (available on the website)
Other Amazing People from the Middle East are featured in our EDI resource.
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Image: World Government Summit