I was born and raised in London and began my career in the UK, working across leading global banks, government entities and consultancies before moving to the UAE three years ago. Today, I hold a senior leadership role across data, artificial intelligence and business strategy, with a particular focus on the ethical, safe and sustainable use of AI and responsible data management. Alongside my corporate career, I am the co-founder of an AI consultancy in the UAE and run a holiday-home business across the UAE, UK and Europe.
My connection to the UAE goes back decades. My family has had ties to the country since the 1980s, when my father was involved in the gold business here, so I grew up watching the UAE transform long before choosing to make it my home. I later studied at the London School of Economics, completing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in economics and international management, with a specialisation in this region, before further specialising through professional certifications in data, data management and AI.
A purpose that runs alongside my career is creating greater opportunity and independence for women. I have mentored young girls and women throughout my professional journey, particularly those entering traditionally underrepresented fields such as banking, data and technology. My Pakistani heritage also led me to establish a charitable initiative supporting women affected by domestic abuse, helping them develop the skills and financial independence needed to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient.
As a Muslim woman from an ethnic minority background, I believe ambition and identity should strengthen one another, not compete. To me, empowerment is not about following one definition of success; it is about having the education, confidence, opportunity and independence to define it for yourself.
The UAE represents that possibility to me. It is a country I grew up connected to, chose to study, watched evolve and ultimately chose as the place to build my career, businesses and future. Through Miss UAE, I would hope to represent a generation of women who lead with purpose, embrace innovation responsibly, remain grounded in their values and use their success to create opportunities for others