For Shazia Shabandri, a biotechnology engineer and science writer, returning to work meant not just finding employment, but reclaiming a part of herself that had been sidelined while focusing on domestic duties. She noted that in the routine of household management, she lost her professional identity, yet an inner spark remained, motivating her to continue developing and learning.
This internal motivation led Shabandri to the Women’s Pavilion Return to Work program, where she became one of twenty participants in the first cohort. Now, as the second cohort begins under Sama—a new platform launched by Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai—former participants have shared how this experience changed their view of career, capabilities, and the period spent outside traditional employment.
Shabandri emphasized the special value of connecting with women who share similar concerns and aspirations. Despite some participants appearing more confident or successful initially, she found they shared many of her doubts. This helped her feel normalized in her experiences and gain the courage to take up positions where she previously felt out of place.
The program encouraged participants to network, engage in continuous learning, and seek new opportunities. Shabandri stated that she joined the program hoping to find a path back to work, and left feeling that she had found a lost part of herself.
For Ruba Sleiman, an academic, trainer, and consultant in tourism and hospitality, the term 'career break' does not entirely capture her years away from a permanent corporate position. She finds the term interesting because, looking back, she doesn't feel like she ever stopped. During that time, she managed her own business, handled marketing, taught, conducted professional training, and completed consulting projects while continuing to take courses.
Her main task was to consolidate this diverse experience and present it as a cohesive professional narrative. She explained that she wasn't returning with a 'gap in her resume,' but with numerous different experiences, yet hadn't seen their collective value. She joined the program when she was ready for greater professional activity but needed clarity regarding her positioning and next steps.
The network formed among the participants became one of the most significant outcomes. Sleiman added that despite coming from completely different fields, cultures, and life experiences, within six months, they ceased to be just a group of women attending one program and transformed into a genuine support network.
Dr. Yuki Yamaguchi, a physician from Argentina with an MBA in healthcare management, came to the program at a critical juncture. After moving to the UAE, she was exploring the new job market and considering career options beyond her initial scope. Her mentor helped her assess her experience, define priorities, and decide what she wanted from her next role. She reported that through discussions with her mentor, she was able to refocus on her past achievements and experience, recognizing the value of what she had already accomplished.
Yamaguchi currently works as a project coordinator at the Dubai Health Innovation and Technology Centre, where she is involved in research and innovation initiatives.
The Sama platform, launched on September 7th, is named after the Arabic word meaning 'sky,' symbolizing limitless growth and ambition. It will support women at various stages of their careers through professional development, education, and employment-related initiatives.
The Return to Work program, designed for women seeking to restart their careers after a break, is implemented in partnership with HSBC, supported by the Expo City Dubai Foundation, and executed by C3 Companies Creating Change. According to organizers, about a third of the first cohort found full-time employment, and 10 percent are engaged in entrepreneurship or freelancing.
Starting in early 2027, free Sama Skills sessions will cover resume and interview preparation, artificial intelligence and workplace technologies, and financial literacy. Participants will also gain access to a digital learning portal and opportunities to interact with employers. Applications for the second cohort of the Return to Work program are accepted until September 27th via the Sama website.