Latest news with #SarahSefiane
Khaleej Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why this German expat believes life is the best financial advisor
German expatriate Sarah Sefiane, 35, is the general manager of Skyrize Partners. Based in Dubai, she has been in the UAE for six years. While she says money can bring excitement, in the end, it is the precious things such as love, friendship and laughter which cannot be bought. How would you describe your relationship with money? Unrequited love. I want more of it, but it keeps playing hard to get. Money and I have a practical relationship — no hard feelings, no obsession. I don't chase it, but I respect its role in giving me freedom and choices. As a business owner, it's incremental to build your business. How do you think this relationship was formed? A combination of upbringing, society, and my bank account reminding me that, unfortunately, things aren't free. What lessons about money management did you learn from your mother? My mother is German, so saving is in her DNA. She's always been careful with money, not in a restrictive way, but in a wise, forward-thinking manner. She taught me that a strong financial foundation can give you stability to take on new opportunities. Who do you speak to about money matters and is it something you consider 'taboo'? Money isn't really a taboo topic for me. My father has always been my go-to advisor, not just on money but on life decisions in general. He has this balanced perspective, which I find invaluable when I need a reality check. Who has taught you the most about financial management? Life. Honestly, nothing teaches you better than living through your own mistakes and successes. Each decision, whether good or bad, adds another layer to your understanding of financial management. What do you think has been the most profound experience you've had so far in relation to money, good or bad, and what has it taught you since? As a business owner, cash flow is king to keep your system running. You want to make sure that you always have a good buffer, otherwise you put everything at risk. This also counts for your private life. Enjoy life but also save up for times when you really need it. How do you think living in the UAE has changed your relationship with and perception of money? Living in the UAE is like a crash course in ambition. You see incredible success stories all around you, and it pushes you to think bigger. It's a place where taking calculated risks is not just encouraged but almost necessary if you want to thrive. If you could give your child or your younger self one piece of advice about money now what would that be and why? Start investing very early on. Start small but start. And you don't really need this big amount of shoes. What do you value spending money on? I love investing in my business. I also enjoy treating my loved ones, travelling, and occasionally splurging on a nice pair of shoes when I hit a milestone. It's my little way of celebrating progress. Do you long-term plan your finances, and if so, how? I'd say I take a mid-to-long-term approach. I believe in a balanced portfolio—real estate, shares, and keeping some cash on hand. It's important to stay agile and adapt to changing circumstances. What is your long-term goal or dream which is pegged to your finances? Growing my business. There's so much more I want to do with Skyrize Partners, particularly in expanding our impact on women's leadership programmes in the Middle East and beyond. Financial stability plays a huge role in making that vision a reality. How much do you save each month? I try to save as much as I can without compromising on enjoying life. I believe in a healthy balance between living in the moment and preparing for the future. What is your greatest financial decision? The one you're most proud of or the most profitable one? It depends on too many factors I can't anticipate yet. However, for me the best financial decision will boil down to one that will give me the best returns in the future, whether it will be me investing in my business or the money I have bought shares with. My biggest financial loss occurred when I invested into Wirecard. Shares massively dropped after its board revealed that the company would be filing for insolvency.
Mid East Info
12-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Women's Leadership Program Empowers Emirati and Arab Women in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE, 12 March 2025 – The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), in collaboration with Skyrize Partners and Accenture, celebrated the conclusion of the 11 th cohort of the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program. Marking the first cohort of 2025, this milestone underscored Dubai's position as a hub for innovation and leadership in the UAE. The program empowered more than 450 Emirati and Arab women, equipping them with critical skills in leadership, problem-solving, and digital innovation to excel in today's competitive work landscape. Participants attended workshops on topics such as time management and strategic leadership, while a capstone case study titled Driving Sustainability Through Digital Innovation, allowed them to apply these skills to real-world challenges. 'The Nomu Al Ghurair Program is a testament to our commitment to empowering women as architects of change,' said Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. 'By equipping women with the tools to reach their full potential, we are not just transforming lives—we are igniting a movement that drives progress across the region. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this program enables women to lead, innovate, and accelerate sustainable development.' Sarah Sefiane, Founder & CEO of Skyrize Partners, said: 'Dubai continues to be a global leader in innovation, and it has been inspiring to see the women in this cohort engage in forward-thinking topics like technology. This program has proven to be a unique and successful platform for women to grow, learn, and connect with international corporations. We are excited to see what they will accomplish after the program.' Nadya Abdulla Kamali, UAE's country managing director at Accenture, said: 'Accenture is delighted to partner with AGF and the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program to upskill the region's women in today's most critical competencies. Such initiatives will open opportunities for them to pursue careers that can make a difference in their own lives and in the wider community. As technology enablers, we are continually aiming to improve efficiencies for businesses and young professionals.' Participants showcased their innovative solutions to a panel of industry leaders at the program's conclusion, demonstrating their ability to integrate sustainability with digital innovation. The Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program is a flagship initiative that aims to foster leadership and personal growth among young women in the UAE and across the Arab region. By equipping participants with market-relevant skills, the program contributes to building a skilled and capable workforce for the future. About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation: The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) is committed to empowering Emirati and Arab youth by providing access to quality upskilling and educational programs. Through various initiatives and partnerships, AGF aims to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the region's development. Nomu Al Ghurair Program: Named after the Arabic word for 'growth,' Nomu Al Ghurair Program is an AGF initiative focused on the upskilling and empowerment of youth throughout the Arab region. The program offers top-tier training opportunities, emphasizing market-relevant skills driven by UAE and regional priority sectors. This year, Nomu Al Ghurair Program has expanded its reach to Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, with plans to further extend into additional Arab countries—empowering the region's youth to become drivers of economic and social progress. For more information, please contact: pr@ About Skyrize Partners: Skyrize Partners is a consultancy firm specializing in strategic partnerships and large-scale educational programs that aim to elevate organizational performance and unlock individual potential. For more information, please contact: info@
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Women's Leadership Program empowers Emirati and Arab women in the UAE
Dubai, UAE – The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF), in collaboration with Skyrize Partners and Accenture, celebrated the conclusion of the 11th cohort of the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program. Marking the first cohort of 2025, this milestone underscored Dubai's position as a hub for innovation and leadership in the UAE. The program empowered more than 450 Emirati and Arab women, equipping them with critical skills in leadership, problem-solving, and digital innovation to excel in today's competitive work landscape. Participants attended workshops on topics such as time management and strategic leadership, while a capstone case study titled Driving Sustainability Through Digital Innovation, allowed them to apply these skills to real-world challenges. "The Nomu Al Ghurair Program is a testament to our commitment to empowering women as architects of change," said Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. "By equipping women with the tools to reach their full potential, we are not just transforming lives—we are igniting a movement that drives progress across the region. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this program enables women to lead, innovate, and accelerate sustainable development." Sarah Sefiane, Founder & CEO of Skyrize Partners, said: 'Dubai continues to be a global leader in innovation, and it has been inspiring to see the women in this cohort engage in forward-thinking topics like technology. This program has proven to be a unique and successful platform for women to grow, learn, and connect with international corporations. We are excited to see what they will accomplish after the program.' Nadya Abdulla Kamali, UAE's country managing director at Accenture, said: 'Accenture is delighted to partner with AGF and the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program to upskill the region's women in today's most critical competencies. Such initiatives will open opportunities for them to pursue careers that can make a difference in their own lives and in the wider community. As technology enablers, we are continually aiming to improve efficiencies for businesses and young professionals.' Participants showcased their innovative solutions to a panel of industry leaders at the program's conclusion, demonstrating their ability to integrate sustainability with digital innovation. The Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program is a flagship initiative that aims to foster leadership and personal growth among young women in the UAE and across the Arab region. By equipping participants with market-relevant skills, the program contributes to building a skilled and capable workforce for the future. About Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation: The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) is committed to empowering Emirati and Arab youth by providing access to quality upskilling and educational programs. Through various initiatives and partnerships, AGF aims to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the region's development. Nomu Al Ghurair Program: Named after the Arabic word for "growth," Nomu Al Ghurair Program is an AGF initiative focused on the upskilling and empowerment of youth throughout the Arab region. The program offers top-tier training opportunities, emphasizing market-relevant skills driven by UAE and regional priority sectors. This year, Nomu Al Ghurair Program has expanded its reach to Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, with plans to further extend into additional Arab countries—empowering the region's youth to become drivers of economic and social progress. For more information, please contact: pr@ About Skyrize Partners: Skyrize Partners is a consultancy firm specializing in strategic partnerships and large-scale educational programs that aim to elevate organizational performance and unlock individual potential.
