Dubai The name of this emirate is known to the whole world today, and its history is being written now by our contemporaries. Is it because every person who somehow came into contact with the formation of the international image of Dubai is known in person here? Each of these people requires a special story, but we decided to talk with Anita Mehra Homayyun, who has been heading the marketing department of the Dubai Civil Aviation Department for almost a quarter century, and today is the vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Dubai Airports. For what? Yes, in general, in order to once again strike at stereotypes and show everyone what they are, real "women of the east."
Anita, Dubai International Airport is constantly expanding, passenger and cargo traffic is increasing, in June this year, the new Al Maktoum Airport in Jebel Ali is opening. How difficult for you, as a business woman, as a woman who has a family and children, was the last decade, marked by the rapid growth and development of the now Dubai Airports company?
I think that a woman, especially if she is married and has children, needs to carefully balance between family and career. To some extent, even more so than men. I have been working in the marketing service of the Department of Civil Aviation for almost 25 years, therefore, it seems to me that at the very beginning it was much more difficult for me than now. But if you love your job, if you enjoy going to the office every day, if you are sufficiently organized and disciplined, you can correctly distribute the time between work responsibilities and family. I do not consider myself a strong and domineering woman, primarily because I do not want to be one. I just love my job and try to do it well. I also love Dubai and the UAE, and I try to return to this country what it once gave to me and my family. And if you use the word "power", then I would apply it in such a context - the ability to motivate people. And no matter who these people are: my children, colleagues and subordinates, my au pair, who has been with me for more than 20 years. If she, for example, did not help me raise children, clean, cook, it is not known how successful my career would be. In my opinion, you need to lead only from the standpoint of goodness, respect for another person. These are the keys to understanding and teamwork. Maybe it’s wrong and someone does differently, but this is my way, this is how I work with my team to show the whole world that Dubai International Airport is the best in the world, our Duty Free shops are the best in Dubai is the best city on Earth. We strive to be the best in everything. And we succeed. But one aspiration is not enough.
Are there any secrets to your personal success that lead to the success of the whole team?
Of course have. My main rule is to never say no to work. During the years of my work at the DGA, I have never said no, I won’t do this, I don’t want to, I can’t, I don’t know how, or it’s not my responsibility.
I am sure that if you need to wipe the tables and arrange chairs for a successful high-level event, then I will take a rag and go to wipe the tables, no matter what. The main thing is that the work was done at 100%. I try to motivate my colleagues by personal example. Because if I do it once, then the person will understand that the main thing in teamwork is the result, and it should be perfect. The next day, this person will do everything he needs to achieve the best result. And I am happy if I can convey this thought to all members of my team.
How difficult was it to gain the respect and trust of men, who are the vast majority in the Civil Aviation Department?
Respect and reputation do not come on their own. They appear gradually, year after year. And many factors influence this: first, the manner of behavior and the ability to speak, how you are dressed, how you comb your hair, what jewelry, watch, and bag you have. Then, professionalism, experience and a desire to work are taken into account. I personally think that when it comes to professionalism, concepts like a man and a woman are erased. If you are a professional and respectful to those with whom you work, then in return you get the same respect. I personally have never had problems at work, and after all around me, indeed, most men are around. All my colleagues have always treated and respect me, regardless of their position. Of course, things like envy, anger sometimes happen, but this is not at all because I am a woman, but because I am a professional and a successful professional. I feel that way.
I have great respect for the men I work with. This is His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and Colm Mac Loklin, the chief executive officer of Dubai Duty Free, who was my first mentor, and Jamal Al Hayek, and Paul Griffiths, and my other male colleagues, of different nationalities. It seems to me that professionalism is manifested in this and in the ability to admit one’s mistakes.
Probably the only problem that I encountered at the very beginning of my career in the “world of men” was the discrepancy between the salary offered to me and my official duties.
Under my leadership, a man worked then, my deputy, who received twice as much as I did. And when I said this to the management, they answered me that these are the provisions of the labor legislation. The solution to the problem was my work in two positions at once. I then told myself that I would do the work entrusted to me "excellently" so that no one could even hint that I could not cope. For two years I worked as the head of the personnel department and the head of the marketing service. Terribly tired. Sometimes there was a desire to fall asleep right at the desk. But I was able to overcome everything. And over time, the company management changed its policy and began to pay not only for my work, but also the work of other women adequately, with all the allowances due.
It turns out, thanks to you, that women in Dubai and other emirates today receive the same wages as men? To some extent, yes. It was in the late 1980s when the necessary amendments were made to the UAE labor law. I just didn’t keep quiet, but asked questions, while not refusing any work, thereby attracting male leaders and earning their respect. I then proved to myself and others that a woman can do anything if she wants it.
Anita, what can you advise to modern young women taking the first steps in their career? What to consider? What is not worth doing?
I believe that the first and most important thing for a woman is her appearance. It must be remembered that in any part of the world, your clothes should not embarrass, irritate or insult others. The best option for a business woman is a suit, and if it is a skirt, then it is not too short, if the jacket is not too tight. In short, the costume should be strict, but at the same time feminine, because you and I do not want to look like men. The second is professional behavior that even such “trifles” as hairstyle, makeup and jewelry give out.
I often watch young women who come to this country in order to get a good job. And, unfortunately, many of them believe that if they flirt with their bosses, they will achieve more. It's a delusion. If you are a professional person, you will not allow flirting with a male boss. And another common truth - modesty adorns a woman in any country in the world, and even more so in the East. Want to be different from others? Improve your professional skills. Believe me, this is much more than just a beautiful face or long legs. The main thing is what's in your head.
How many people work in the DGA marketing service today, and do you cope with all the work assigned to you?
The marketing and corporate communications service team currently numbers 20 people. This is not so much, however, I must say that this is a fantastic team. She gathered literally bit by bit, one at a time. It took many years. I am sure that we would not be able to do anything without each individual employee of our friendly and multinational service. Each of us helps others, so the atmosphere of mutual respect and mutual assistance reigns in the team. By the way, the first thing I pay attention to before hiring a new employee is his sociability and respectful attitude to colleagues, regardless of position. When we do something together, none of us will tell the others that “this is not my job” and “I have to go home.” For me, a person who leaves the office at exactly six o’clock is a “stranger” in the team, to which I lose all respect. I also do not respect those who talk a lot about themselves and about what he is doing or has already done. In my opinion, everyone sees perfectly what this or that employee does in the team. The more modest a person behaves, the better. By the way, I never fired anyone myself, just “strangers” at some point themselves realized that they were “not in a team”, and left.
Anita, where do you see yourself in another five to ten years?
I will be here. As long as the management of the Department of Civil Aviation and Dubai International Airport will need my services and my head. As long as I can benefit from my post, I will work, because I really like what I do. And Dubai is my home. Here my family, friends, everything.
Would you like your children to follow in your footsteps?
Of course I would. I believe that civil aviation is an interesting industry. One of my sons is currently finishing his studies at the University of San Diego, where he is studying business. He should be back in Dubai very soon. I have already recommended him to undergo a series of trainings at the Dubai Aviation College, to then work in the field of civil aviation. My second son wants to be an actor.
What kind of opinions and advice do you value from people in your community?
For many years of work, I got used to listen to the opinion of Colm McLaughlin, he is my main mentor. Of course, the opinion of Sheikh Ahmed is very important and valuable to me. His reaction always shows whether the work is well done or not. And if a problem happens, then Sheikh Ahmed will always tell you the right solution. It is interesting to work with Paul Griffiths, as he is a very intelligent person, who, incidentally, has an incredible sense of humor, like Colm and Sheikh Ahmed. And, of course, when my father was alive, the most authoritative for me was his opinion. Even now I sometimes "talk" with him, I seek advice. It helps.
And for whom is your opinion authoritative and important?
For my sons, I suppose. My colleagues often turn to me for advice, moreover, not only for work, but also for personal questions. Sometimes strangers can call or come. And if I can help, I will always help. Sometimes I even get angry with myself and my busyness for not being able to help someone in finding a job or in another disaster. In my opinion, it is very important to see people around you and at the slightest opportunity to devote time and attention to them.
Thanks Anita. Would you like to wish something to our readers?
I want to say that Russia is a wonderful country. I was in Moscow many years ago, back in the Soviet Union, and I really want to go there again. You have an amazing, rich culture. And, of course, it would be great to see more Russian cultural events here in Dubai. Keep your nationality, do not waste it and acquaint the rest of the world with everything that Russia is so rich in.
