Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, first Emirati businesswoman to launch autobiography

Dubai, UAE, December 13, 2018:  Well known regional business leader, Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC (ESAG) today completes another milestone in a stellar career; she is the first Emirati businesswoman to write an autobiography, entitled ‘Raja Al Gurg - An Autobiography.’

The 180-page hardback book, released by Motivate Publishing was launched on December 12 at Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach, Dubai. A personal and inspiring account, the autobiography takes readers on a journey from Dr Al Gurg’s childhood on the banks of Dubai Creek to studying in Kuwait, through to her early career at Za’abeel Secondary School and her transition into the family business. Readers then discover how she learnt the ropes under the tutelage of her beloved father, His Excellency Easa Saleh Al Gurg. The book simultaneously charts the growth of the emirate of Dubai while providing an insightful account of how Dr Al Gurg overcame challenges, to create a legacy that will inspire a generation of young women leaders.

HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, who unveiled the book at the launch, provides a foreword. His Excellency mentions: “Dr Raja Al Gurg has a great story to tell and she tells it in a compelling fashion. Her story is in many ways the story of the United Arab Emirates.” 

Dr Al Gurg who holds two honorary Doctorates in Literature and for Economics, says: “I hope my book inspires women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. My stories of the challenges of balancing tradition as well as culture within a swiftly evolving city and country will also be a learning for the young and future generations of the family.”

Despite being bestowed with several commendations and respect for her business acumen, Dr Al Gurg admits: “At first I was not keen to venture into business.  When I took on the role in my father's company, I had to prove that I could be successful as a woman who was chosen by my father. It is crucial that all women push their own boundaries and have the will to succeed.'

The book reveals some of Dr Al Gurg’s philosophies and what drives her, in a career spanning over three decades, during which time she has seen the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group grow to encompass 27 entities with interests in consumer, building and construction, retail and lifestyle, industrial and real estate sectors. She joined the Group in 1989 as a Member of the Board of Directors.
Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg is also the only Emirati business leader in the listing of ‘The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ by Forbes for 2018, placed 82nd from a previous ranking of 90. She is also ranked 28th in the Gulf Business Arab Power 2018 list of the 100 Most Powerful Arabs. 

She has always championed Arab women entrepreneurs, and finds time to pursue several philanthropic, social and charitable activities, notably with the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation and Al Jalila Foundation.
Her influence is clear, underlined by multiple roles that she balances outside her active work life. She serves as President of Dubai Business Women Council; Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Dubai Healthcare City Authority; and serves on the boards of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and Dubai Women’s Association. 

Dr Al Gurg is the first Emirati woman on the board of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. She is on the Board of Trustees for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives; Vice Chairperson, Board of Trustees, for the Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences as well as a member of the Board of Governors of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University.
Summarising the book, Dr Raja Al Gurg says, “My autobiography is about bends in my journey which translated into opportunities. I hope that I can play a part in inspiring the younger generation to believe that they can achieve their dreams if they try hard, do their best and never give up.” 

The autobiography will be available at leading bookshops across the UAE.