Bazaar Belief: Haleema Humaid Al Owais On Her Life-Defining Moment, Biggest Inspiration, And Career Role Model
Bazaar Arabia speaks to the CEO of Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate about her biggest regret and best piece of advice…
The CEO of Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate for over 15 years, Haleema has made a career out of being fearless when it comes to taking on new challenges and expanding her family business into different arenas of the industry. A patron of the arts – and a strong believer in ‘paying it forward’ – Haleema has also been an early backer of countless small businesses. She sees their successes as a way to continue to uplift and support the community around her.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What life-defining moment changed the way you think about everything?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Summiting Mount Elbrus in Russia. It was an extremely difficult hike that ended in an unexpected complete whiteout. That broke all the limitations I though I had and proved to me that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.
HBA: What do you still want to learn and why?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: I never want to stop learning, in any field I find interesting and I can create an impact.
HBA: What part of your work are you most proud of?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: The sustainability of being part of the third generation and continuing to help the company grow and thrive. They say that in a family business the third generation is the one that wrecks the work of the past two generations. I was determined not to be an example of that but instead be a trustworthy custodian who will raise the fourth generation to be level headed and balanced.
HBA: Describe yourself in three words…
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Strong, resilient and aware.
HBA: What do you listen to most- your head, heart or gut -and why?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: My gut. In the past I chose to ignore it when my heart and head echoed louder, but now it’s my compass.
HBA: Proudest achievement?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Building our portfolio and tripling it during my 16 years at the company.
HBA: Biggest sense of achievement?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Raising two daughters to become strong minded, compassionate and aware that they can express themselves while sticking to their roots.
HBA: Defining career moment?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Taking over when it was required. My father passed away when I was 22 and working in procurement at Sharjah TV. During that time I realised it was my responsibility – along with my older brother – to step into my father’s role as a parent to our seven younger siblings and also in the family business. I had no choice but to learn on the go, in a field I had no background in. I experienced first hand how willpower can can be a driving force.
HBA: Luxury is…
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: An abundance of time.
HBA: Who is your career role model and why?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: I find admirable attributes in many people around me and look up to HH Sheikha Bodour who has always lead with fairness and is known for breaking glass ceilings while remaining authentic to her true self.
HBA: Best piece of advice to someone launching in your field?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Start with building a strong foundation and find out what your strengths are. Then sharpen them while at the same time recognising your weaknesses.
HBA: What experience in life taught you most about yourself and why?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Loss of family members. In the grand scheme of things what really matters most are the connection you have with your loved ones.
HBA: Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: Always my father. I wonder what he would think if he could see me right now.
HBA: Who or what feeds your soul?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: My faith and human connection.
HBA: Biggest regret?
Haleema Humaid Al Owais: None at all, time has taught me that everything happens for a reason.
Compiled By: Jessica Michault. Photography: Katarzyna Siud
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s October 2023 issue.