Charalampos Sarafopoulos, Executive Director, Al Shirawi Facilities Management
In a multi-national set-up like UAE, how do you promote gender diversity and inclusion within your industry, and how have you approached overcoming them?
As far as the UAE is concerned, it is one of the most multicultural regions in the world, with nearly 80% of the population made up of expatriates. This gives organizations in the UAE a unique opportunity to make their workplaces true examples of diversity and inclusion. Here, diversity and inclusion are not just initiatives; they are part of everyday life.
At Al Shirawi, we have consciously worked to break barriers. Over the last decade, we have ensured that at least 50% of our leadership and decision-making roles are held by women.The construction industry has traditionally been male-dominated, yet we were among the first organizations in the sector to appoint a woman General Manager nearly two decades ago. When people see women shaping strategies, leading teams, and making key decisions, it changes perceptions and sets a powerful example for the future.
Can you share a real example or success story where an inclusive practice led to measurable business impact, such as enhanced productivity, innovation, or employee engagement?
Having women represent 50% of our leadership team has played a significant role in helping us address challenges around diversity and inclusion.
What matters even more, however, is giving employees real-life examples of inclusion in action, not just making statements about diversity.
I remember during one of our all-hands meetings, a member of our housekeeping team approached HR seeking guidance on how she could grow within the organization. When she first joined us, she spoke very little English and had minimal educational qualifications. Today, she works in the administrative department, has earned promotions, and continues to grow professionally.
Stories like these build trust. Employees begin to believe that growth and opportunity are genuinely possible within the organization. That, to me, is what inclusion truly means, creating an environment where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to progress.Her journey has also inspired others to believe in their own potential and pursue similar opportunities. This is how we ensure that inclusion is not just a policy, but a part of our everyday decisions and culture.
