-A personal perspective on how environment defines leadership, discipline, and impact.
We often underestimate the role of environment in shaping who we become.
For me, living most of my life in UAE has not only influenced my career—it has defined my mindset, my standards, and the way I operate across the world.
UAE is not just a country. It is a system of thinking.
1. Success is Structured, Not Accidental
In UAE , success is not left to Chance. It is designed, planned, and executed with precision.From infrastructure to governance, there is a consistent message:
Think long-term
Act decisively
Deliver with excellence
This environment shaped my own approach to leadership:
Strategic planning over improvisation
Consistency over quick wins.
Measurable impact over presentations, speeches and visibility.
2. Creativity Thrives in Possibility
UAE removes limitations.
It encourages you to think beyond:
Geography
Tradition
Expected pathways
When you are surrounded by a country that continuously reinvents itself, what do you expect. Of course ; creativity becomes natural.
It is not about being artistic.
It is about thinking out of the box most of the time.
This mindset has influenced how I approach:
Partnerships
Programs
Global initiatives
Social media
Awareness campaigns that include songs , films , fashion , storybooks , Tv programs , podcasts and more.
3. Diversity is Not a Concept—It is Daily Reality
One of UAE’s greatest strengths is its diversity.
Dubai is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 200 nationalities living and working in the city. Expatriates make up roughly 88.5% to 90% of the population, with native Emiratis constituting around 10–11.5
People from all over the world live and work together, bringing:
Different perspectives
Different cultures
Different approaches
This daily exposure helps me to build Adaptability, Cultural intelligence and Respect for differences
These are not optional skills when working across countries—they are essential.
4. Tolerance Creates Space for Impact
UAE has built a culture where tolerance is institutionalized.This creates Stability, Trust and Openness.
When people feel respected, collaboration becomes easier.
This principle has been central to my work:
Building partnerships across regions
Engaging with leaders from different backgrounds
Creating programs that are inclusive and sustainable.
5. Sustainable Development is a Mindset
Sustainability in Dubai is not limited to environmental initiatives.
It is embedded in Economic planning, Social development and Long-term national vision
This has influenced how I design initiatives:
Focus on long-term outcomes
Build systems, not one-time solutions
Align with national and global priorities
6. Excellence Becomes a Standard
In UAE , quality is not optional. There is a clear expectation to :
Deliver at a high standard
Pay attention to detail
Continuously improve
Over time, this becomes internalized , it becomes the way you do anything at all levels.
It shapes how you approach Communication, Execution and Presentation.
Perfectionism, when managed correctly, becomes a driver of excellence, not a limitation
7. Global Thinking Starts with Local Environment
Living in a global country creates a global mindset.
UAE connects:
East and West
Public and private sectors
Tradition and innovation
This positioning influenced how I see the world:
Borders become less limiting
Opportunities become more interrelated and overlapping.
Impact becomes scalable not only a nice colorful presentation.
Therefore : Environment does not guarantee success—but it shapes how you think, act, and lead.
Living in UAE has given me:
Structure in strategy
Freedom in creativity
Strength in diversity
Discipline in execution
And ultimately, it has shaped how I build influence across countries with clarity, consistency, and purpose.
Stay tuned to know more about “How I Built Influence Across 50+ Countries Without Political Power or Endless Resources…..
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej
CEO of Merck Foundation.