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Zanubia Shams is a remarkable woman whose story transcends the ordinary and embodies the essence of inspirational leadership. Her journey is a testament to the power of determination and the profound influence of a strong mother-daughter bond.
Zanubia’s mother, Dr. Zulehka Daud, is the visionary founder of the Zulekha Healthcare Group, a healthcare conglomerate that has transformed medical services in the Middle East. Growing up, Zanubia witnessed her mother’s unwavering dedication to healthcare, igniting a passion within her to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
After earning a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, USA, Zanubia assumed increasing responsibilities within the healthcare group. Her journey culminated in her becoming the Co-Chairperson of the group, steering it towards greater heights of success. Under her leadership, the Zulekha Healthcare Group has seamlessly merged cutting-edge technology with a compassionate approach to healthcare, providing services across vital specialities like oncology, cardiology, orthopaedics, and bariatrics.
From her mother, Zanubia imbibed a crucial lesson: true leadership extends beyond personal achievements to uplifting others. This principle fuels her involvement in various awareness campaigns, particularly those addressing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which often affect underprivileged communities. Zanubia spearheads the annual ‘Pink It Now’ campaign, offering free breast cancer consultations and mammograms to women in the UAE, ensuring essential healthcare access for all.
Furthermore, Zanubia champions women’s empowerment within the healthcare sector. Collaborating with the IFC – World Bank Group, she has championed the ‘She Works’ initiative, striving for a more equitable gender balance in employment. Under her guidance, the Zulekha Group has already surpassed its goal of a 60:40 women-to-men employee ratio, setting a shining example of gender inclusivity in the workplace.
Zanubia Shams’ journey as a healthcare ambassador is a living tribute to the inspiration, encouragement, and resilience she inherited from her remarkable mother. Together, they have crafted a legacy of compassion and excellence that continues to impact the lives of countless individuals in the Middle East and beyond.
Founded by Dr. Zulekha Daud in 1964, the Zulekha Healthcare Group has grown to encompass a 185-bed hospital in Sharjah, a 140-bed hospital in Dubai, and the Alexis Multispeciality Hospital in India. In addition, the group operates multiple medical centres and pharmacies across Dubai and Sharjah, employing over 1,700 physicians. Zanubia Shams has played a pivotal role in overseeing operations in the UAE and India since 2005, ensuring the group’s continued success in advancing healthcare excellence. Her journey stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring women across the Middle East to dream big and achieve even bigger.
