This September, a delegation of women representing the CAMCA Network visited The United Arab Emirates to advance the network’s connections with the UAE business community and to attend the 2024 WE EMPOWER Summit organized by the U.S. Embassy in the UAE. The delegation was initiated and organized by longtime CAMCA Network member, Nazira Beishenalieva, a current resident of Dubai, and a native of the Kyrgyz Republic. Nazira facilitated several key meetings for the delegation, including with the leadership of Investopia, a global platform for investors, business leaders and governments; and of the DMCC, a leading business hub and an international center for trade, commerce and innovation in Dubai, during which the delegates discussed promising opportunities for cross-collaboration between the UAE and CAMCA business communities. At the Summit, the delegation heard from many talented speakers including notable changemakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who discussed the challenges in furthering women’s leadership and empowerment, in addition to a variety of inspirational success stories from the MENA region and beyond, including that of Nazira, who spoke on the groundbreaking Gender Bonds project she spearheaded in the Kyrgyz Republic. (Read more on the project here.)

The delegation comprised leaders from six countries with wide-ranging backgrounds in entrepreneurship, education, banking, finance, design, communications and more. CAMCA Network members were also joined by other top regional talent from beyond the network, including Natalya Shorokhova, COO of Tidam; Dana Shukirbayeva, a climate and urban tech entrepreneur; Zhaniya Seraly, Managing Director of Quantum Education; and Dildora Kasimova, a renowned Uzbek fashion designer; along with representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic.

We checked in with the delegates following their visit and are pleased to share some of their takeaways below.

First we heard from our host and lead organizer, Nazira:

• Chairperson of the Board, Bank of Asia
• Official representative of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) in the Kyrgyz Republic
• Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kyrgyz Republic

​Why did you think it was so important to connect the CAMCA business community with the professional community in Dubai and the broader UAE? What did you hope to achieve and what were some of your goals?

It has long been my dream to connect these two regions where I have strong networks and expertise. As an entrepreneur focused on building bridges between CAMCA and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, I decided to start this journey by inviting CAMCA Fellows to the UAE and facilitating exchanges in the other direction as well, with the aim of expanding these connections to the broader GCC countries.

Bringing together the CAMCA business community and the UAE’s professional network is essential for connecting two dynamic, fast-growing regions with much to offer each other. The UAE, as a global business hub, provides CAMCA entrepreneurs with access to a wide network, capital, and expertise across finance, trade, technology, and more. By creating these connections, we aim to build a more collaborative and supportive network for knowledge sharing, cross-border investments, and partnerships.

Our goals with this delegation included supporting economic growth through these partnerships, helping CAMCA businesses access global markets, and encouraging UAE investors and professionals to explore new opportunities in the CAMCA region. We also hoped to empower women in business in both regions, fostering inclusive growth and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs in our regions.

Then, Tamuna Kekenadze:

• Managing Director of the CAMCA Regional Forum; CAMCA Network Member, Georgia

A belief we share through the CAMCA Fellowship and Network is that people-to-people connections are the first important step to building bigger regional bridges and partnerships, leading to a better, more collaborative world. What do you think the CAMCA and Middle East regions could learn from one another and offer one another, as neighbors?

I believe the CAMCA and MENA regions have immense potential to foster lasting connections through people-to-people connections. By sharing insights in areas like innovation, resource management, and civic engagement, we can empower one another toward sustainable growth. Deepening cultural and educational exchanges will strengthen mutual understanding, building genuine, enduring bonds that pave the way for a more connected and prosperous future for our regions.

Then Assel Taher:

• Associate Vice-President at DBS Private Bank, Singapore; CAMCA Network Member, Kazakhstan

Can you share something impactful that has stuck with you from the trip?

The most impactful takeaway for me was the scale of economic development that has occurred in the UAE. I last visited this country for the first time as a child back in the 90's and I remember being fearful of leaving our hotel. This visit, now 30 years later, I see that literally everything has changed, particularly with regards to women's rights. I was struck by the number of well-educated, brave, unapologetic women in the top management of Emirati companies and the UAE government who want to contribute to the development of the society in different spheres. The level of commitment and the wide range of activity areas is truly mind-blowing. I am so happy for the UAE to see how much success they have had through promoting and prioritizing the education and retaining of their women capital!

Finally, Khulan Davaadorj:

• Founder and Director of Lhamour, Mongolia's first organic skincare brand; CAMCA Network Member, Mongolia​

From the perspective of an entrepreneur and business owner, what did you find to be particularly valuable about participating in this CAMCA delegation to the UAE?

For me, the overall experience was very inspiring as we met so many powerful and extraordinary female changemakers in the region. It was great to see how women are being supported on such a high policy level (the week before the UAE had finalized its policy that every board has to have a female board member) and how many women before them paved the way for those changes. It confirmed that we need to be very confident about telling our journeys and entrepreneurial stories and be vocal so that we can pave the way for future female entrepreneurs and businesswomen. It made me want to support my fellow future female entrepreneurs even more as Mongolia still has a long way to go when it comes to supporting businesswomen.

With the 2025 CAMCA Regional Forum being hosted in Mongolia, were there any connections you made that you hope will be further built upon at the Forum in Ulaanbaatar next year? How do you hope to utilize your experience to advance UAE engagement with the CAMCA community?

It was great to meet with DMCC and Investopia and I think in general the region has great interest in our part of the world. Thus the 2025 Forum has high potential in serving as a connector and Mongolia, especially, as a neutral connection point. Also, all the amazing ladies that we met in the UAE were just incredible and it would be so great if they could come and talk about their experience and possibly even meet with younger girls who eventually want to step into the start-up journey.

Our gratitude once again to our terrific CAMCA Network members, and particularly, Nazira Beishenalieva, for organizing this valuable cross-regional opportunity! We are grateful for Nazira's visionary leadership and commitment to the success of the region and look forward to seeing what develops from this important collaboration. Learn more about the professionals that made up the Dubai delegation, and of those within the broader 300+ member CAMCA Network here.