Million dollar women

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Amna Binhendi, CEO of Alpha Properties.

Female executives are now playing a bigger role in the future development of the nation's landscape. Kim Latham and Holly Sands talk to leading female business players to find out their views on being a woman in an industry pre-dominantly headed by men.

Amna Binhendi

Amna BinHendi is CEO of BinHendi Enterprises, a business empire known for its success in the trade and distribution of international retail brands and products such as fashion, jewellery and food outlets across the GCC and India.

In 1994, BinHendi Enterprises launched Alpha Properties to its ever-growing portfolio.

The real estate venture focuses on the buying, selling and leasing of residential and commercial properties across Dubai. Alpha Properties is a small but significant step perhaps indicating that BinHendi Enterprises could lean further towards future investment in the real estate industry.

At just 28-years-old, Amna BinHendi is one of the region's youngest and yet most senior female executives working across industries that in the past have been predominantly led by men. She expects to see more female executives enter the property market in the near future and insists that a female perspective is essential in the UAE's booming real estate industry.

"It is extremely important that women have a say in the development of this nation. Men and women think differently. A developing country will flourish perfectly if its future is built by both men and women equally," she says.

BinHendi gained the position of CEO in September 2007. During this time she has had little choice but to learn - and fast.

"I've experienced business growth and success at every stage expanding three-fold in a short period of time. Dubai's increasing growth and opportunities and my passion to excel and strive for perfection doesn't make my work feel like work. I have the support, education and experience," she states.

Nevertheless, BinHendi says she has "a lot on her plate," and stresses that it is possible for those who have the right potential and enthusiasm to compete in a fast-paced corporate world.

"Achieving a title of such responsibility at such a young age and expectations of leading a huge organization is a huge challenge in itself. The three things I strongly focus on are my competition, staying ahead of the game, flexibility to embrace changes and retaining our employees," she emphasizes.

Asked for her views on the UAE's current booming real estate industry and if she believes it is a bubble waiting to burst, BinHendi says:

"Everyone is asking and saying this. There is no doubt that the current market is at its peak. But considering the current inflation, I see Dubai as a commercial hub. However, I also notice that many families are moving out of the country and are migrating. This could cause the property market to fall," she says.

BinHendi says "it's great" to be a woman in a position of power and believes there are many women that have the potential but they need a push from their families.

"The future sees both women and men having equal power and achieving success, finally to be rewarded equally. More and more women are getting educated and are being encouraged by their families to seek their careers."

As CEO, BinHendi clearly needs to makes vital company decisions on a daily basis and she is humble about her role.

"There are times when you have to make a decision and you wonder if this is the right move and the price you have to pay if it isn't. Then there are times when you wonder if you've been fair and if everybody who works is rewarded his worth," she says.

BinHendi is well-known for being an advocate of seeing more women in the business world and says she is happy to do this interview because it will "have an influence on other women to come out and perhaps start their own businesses. There are many families who have businesses, she says, but usually they are passed down to men."

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