Business | Property
Women in Property sets up office
Organisation Women in Property aims to support professionals by creating new opportunities
- By Aya Lowe, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 March 19, 2010
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
- Formed in 1987, the WiP group currently has over 1,400 members and 12 regional branches representing all disciplines in the property and construction industry.
Dubai : The globally recognised UK organisation Women in Property (WiP) introduced its first international branch in Dubai yesterday.
Formed in 1987, the group currently has over 1,400 members and 12 regional branches representing all disciplines in the property and construction industry.
It aims to provide a supportive forum for professional women in the property and construction sectors to exchange views, network, develop professionally and create new business opportunities.
WiP's decision to establish its first overseas branch in the UAE underscores the considerable success women have achieved in the UAE and wider GCC property and construction markets as well as the wealth of opportunities available for women.
"In a region of the world which is sometimes unfairly perceived as not allowing women to maximise their talents and forge their own paths, the UAE leads the way within the region in demonstrating the enormous contribution that women can, and should, make to the business world," Guy Warrington, British Consul General in Dubai, said in a message of support to WiP UAE.
WiP UAE's committee currently comprises Heather Wipperman Amiji of Investment Boutique, Lucy Atherton of Gardiner & Theobald Fairway, Louise Collins of Ramboll, Nadia Milligan of Simmons & Simmons, Georgina Reynard of Pinsent Masons LLP and Tania Wallace-Smith of Davis Langdon.
The association takes a three-pronged approach to supporting the development of members and their industries by concentrating on education, mentoring and networking.
WiP UAE will hold regular events, embracing all the emirates, with a focus on networking, professional development and training.
At the launch dinner, Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Elaine Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Asteco Property Management LLC, Dr Gisela Loehlein, Architect and Educator spoke about the industry.
Strong connection
The committee and launch speakers who all share a strong connection with both the UK and UAE markets were enthusiastic about the cross pollination of best practices, problem solving and networking between the east and west
"The property and construction sector here is very strong and there are a lot of women in those sectors doing incredibly well.
"The UAE has a good reputation for allowing women to follow a good career path and maximise their talents. Another great thing about Dubai is that we get the benefit of people's know-how from so many different walks of life and cultures.
"We very much want to benefit from that and adapt our organisation to suit this market," Georgina Reynard, Chairman of WiP UAE and Senior Associate at Pinsent Masons LLP, told Gulf News.
Interest so far comes mainly from the UK.
Also attending the event were industry professionals from Australia, Canada, India, the UAE, Ireland, Germany, the US and Russia.
Members will have access to a mentoring programme and will be able to attend events such as site visits and talks from guest speakers.
They will also receive a tri-yearly newsletter.
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