The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has launched its new initiative, ‘SBWC Talks’, to establish an exclusive platform for its members to share knowledge, explore best practices and learn from successful business professionals.

The first edition of SBWC Talks was held recently at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah, from 09.30pm-11.30 pm.

Heba Al Emara, Associate Director, Head of Middle East Relations, Vistra, delivered the inaugural lecture titled ‘Secure Your Future’. She spoke on the importance of investing and financial independence.

Al Emara began her career with various legal and philanthropy roles in London, and later joined the Orangefield Group (now Vistra) in 2012, as part of their commercial advisory department. In addition to management responsibilities, she provides fiduciary services to a number of subsidiaries of multinational organisations. She focuses on high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and family offices, particularly from the Arabian Gulf region.

SBWC Talks aims to attract new members to the SBWC community and inspire them to explore the possibilities of starting their own businesses by networking with successful women entrepreneurs. This series of inspirational talks will be a monthly feature and will not be restricted to business-related topics, and will cover a range of interests. It will also have diverse speakers from various backgrounds and fields, including government entities.

Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qassimi, Chairperson of SBWC, said: “SBWC Talks is a new initiative that aims to encourage networking among the members of Sharjah Business Women Council by hosting discussions on important topics of interest to our members, in alignment with the mission and vision of SBWC. The number of start-ups owned and managed by women is increasing indicating that SBWC is succeeding in its mission.”

Al Emara said she is honoured to have been invited to speak at the inaugural session of the SBWC Talks. She added that the platform will highlight the most important ways in which the entrepreneurship, planning and governance can help provide long-term foundations to further drive economic growth in Sharjah and the region.

SWBC is one of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment’s (NAMA) affiliates. The primary goal of the Sharjah Business Women Council is to encourage women to excel in the field of business and to facilitate the healthy growth of women-owned businesses. It was established in 2002 to create and enhance the work environment for women and train and prepare them enter private economic activities that will lead to greater social and economic development. To achieve this, SBWC carries out a range of programmes and activities including conferences, seminars, workshops and research. It also forges partnerships with government and private organisations and foundations in the UAE and beyond.