Dubai: Growing up in a business environment helped Muna Eisa Al Gurg learn the ropes at a young age. The name that she earned in Eisa Saleh Al Gurg Group within a short period led to her selection as a chairperson of Young Arab Leaders.
Passionate about art and culture, she is also a board member of the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (Ductac).
Her responsibilities have taught her punctuality and discipline in life. She follows a tight schedule from the time she gets up at 7am. She makes it a point to watch the business and political news on BBC World everyday while having breakfast before heading for work at the Al Gurg Group tower in Deira. The Dubai Quality Group recently awarded her the Emirates Women's Award in second place in the Business category.
Muna spoke to Gulf News about her views on business and other matters.
Gulf News: Did you enter the business domain because you are drawn to it or because you are a businessman's daughter?
Muna Eisa Al Gurg: As a matter of fact, both aspects played a role in my entry into business. However, it's true I'm influenced by my dad and my eldest sister since I have grown up amid business talks. However, the decision to practise it as a professional path was totally mine.
What are you in charge of at the group?
For eight years I was Director of Marketing and Advertising because that was the area of my interest. But after gaining sufficient experience, I decided to take over other tasks outside my comfort zone. Therefore, I entered finance and accounting and last year I obtained my MBA from London Business School. Now I'm a director of retail business so my current position allows me to have a say in the business strategy.
What's the philosophy of business you apply when you sign your deals?
Well I adopt the philosophy of growth strategy and the vision of long-term goals as I always like to think a head.
What does your duty revolve around as a vice-chairperson at Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders?
I have been on the board of the establishment for the past two years, and our mandate is to look at the issue of unemployment of the Arab youth and work to reduce it. So we offer internship to people who have difficulty in finding jobs. For instance, last year we signed an agreement with the HSBC and they agreed to accept 100 Arab interns per year. Also we offer a scholarship for what we call bright pupils to provide them with opportunities in prestigious colleges across the emirates.
What role do you play at Ductac?
I have been a board member from the time when the project was on paper in 2004. The idea started because I believed that Dubai has developed impressively in terms of business, marketing and branding but art has remained in the shadow. Therefore, the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre was established for building bridges of artistic communication involving Dubai's community.
What kind of art and artists do you cherish?
In fact there are many Asian and Middle Eastern artists. However, my favourite ancient artist is French Paul Gauguin and I was fortunate to see his works of the beautiful women from Tahiti at The National Gallery in London.
What types of books do you read?
Well, besides business books, there are a combination of novels and biographies. For example, I recently read The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany, a book set in 1950's Egypt, and I found it a readable book that depicts many aspects of life that still exist in Egypt. I also like to enrich my knowledge with other informative readings.
Did you ever consider being a member of the National Federal Council?
It definitely would be great to be given the opportunity that would officially authorise me to look into the country's strategy in crucial sectors such as education or any other field.
What are the issues you would like to highlight?
In the language of business we have learned that customer is king or customer is always right. But customer service unfortunately neglects or I should say deliberately ignores such a crucial aspect. The service sector is in desperate need of improvement because there's a lack of proper training and unacceptable attitudes of customer service staff. This I believe is a serious issue and is the main reason for losing customers driving them to approach other alternatives that offer better service. Therefore, such a critical issue must be brought to the table of discussion.
What has business taught you so far?
I have learned a lot. Perhaps the most important lesson is that in business as well as in life in general, many ups and downs happen. But you should learn how to pull yourself together and confront the situation with confidence and self-belief.
What do you look forward to accomplish?
In terms of business I aspire to make our group of companies internationally recognised. I am also eager to intensify my efforts in philanthropy in assisting people to set up businesses in the Third World countries in order to sustain themselves and their families financially for generations to come.
Is there any Emirati woman you look up to?
Well, indeed I do look up to my eldest sister and business woman Raja Al Gurg. She has done a wonderful job in balancing her duties as a business woman and her private life.
What do you think Emirati women are capable of offering their country?
Emirati women have successfully entered many fields such as media, aviation, business and politics. And they have a great potential in contributing more and the coming decades will prove my expectations.
