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Accelerating Action

Women of K&A Share Their Stories of Change

On International Women’s Day 2025 at Khatib & Alami, we celebrate the women of K&A who drive impact, break barriers, and shape the future under the global theme “Accelerate Action.” Across all disciplines—from design and supervision to proposals, sustainability, project management, digital services, and marketing & communications—women at K&A are leading change, advancing equity, and redefining what leadership looks like in the industry. Their voices reflect progress, resilience, and the steps that continue to move us toward a more inclusive future.

What “Accelerate Action” Means to Us

For the women of K&A, “Accelerate Action” is more than a theme—it’s a mindset. It means driving meaningful progress through technology, leadership, and advocacy to create a more efficient, innovative, and inclusive industry. For some, it’s about streamlining processes and advancing innovation; for others, it’s about building safer, more equitable environments where everyone has access to opportunity. At its core, accelerating action is rooted in forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to championing women’s advancement—ensuring that conversations about equality lead to real, measurable change.

“In my opinion, ‘Accelerate Action’ is about bridging the gap between merely talking about gender bias and actually implementing change. In a fast-paced industry like ours, immediate action to remove barriers is crucial for progress.” – Mokshika Arora, Sustainability Design Engineer, India.
“To me, accelerating action is having the power and will to overcome challenges while balancing professional development and personal life, ensuring that neither is impacted.” – Alaa Hamed, BIM Developer, BIM & Digital Design, Egypt.
“For me, it’s about speeding up progress by making faster decisions, improving collaboration, and using tools or methods that help deliver results quickly without compromising quality.” – Lulwa AlKhail, Interior Design-Residential, Riyadh, KSA.
“Accelerating action in document control means ensuring the right information is available at the right time, enhancing accuracy and compliance, and using digital tools to optimize workflow efficiency.” – Salima Seifeldinne, Document Controller, Transportation, Lebanon.
“In the construction and design industry, accelerating action means leveraging technical expertise, creative thinking, and leadership to improve project efficiency while ensuring sustainability. For example, on the Masdar City project, I focused on optimizing design processes, integrating sustainable solutions, and using 3D modeling to help clients visualize the impact of our designs.” – Afra AlMansoori, Senior Site Architect, Supervision, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Taking Action: Real Stories of Change at K&A

Real progress happens when challenges spark action. Across K&A, women are not only breaking barriers but also building pathways for others to rise. Their stories reflect courage, leadership, and a commitment to reshaping the industry—from challenging gender assumptions on-site, to mentoring the next generation, to creating more inclusive workplace cultures. Through their actions, they prove that women belong in every space where decisions are made and innovation takes place.

Leadership on Site & in the Field

“As a Site Architect, I have actively advocated for the equal treatment of female engineers and architects in construction environments—proving that we can climb the highest scaffolding and endure the toughest site conditions just as well as our male counterparts.” – Ahood AlMaimani, Site Architect, Infrastructure, Oman.
“At one of my project sites, I realized I was given fewer leadership tasks because of my gender. After speaking with my project manager about this, we implemented a new approach that ensured task rotation and equal opportunities for everyone on the team.” – Amal Abukheit, Associate Site Project Manager, Supervision, Sharjah, UAE.
“As one of the first women in my company, I worked to reshape perspectives, demonstrating that women are equally capable of holding leadership positions and effectively leading teams. Through this, I aim to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of increasing women’s workforce participation.” – Lojien Jowharji, Contracts Specialist, Projects PMC, Jeddah, KSA.

Driving Change Through Strategy, Mentorship & Advocacy

“Driving change starts with leading by example. By stepping up, speaking out, and demonstrating confidence in my work, I strive to inspire other women to do the same. Whether through leadership, mentorship, or advocating for equal opportunities, I believe that visibility and action help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in my field.” – Dina Qadous, BIM Manager, BIM & Digital Design, Egypt.
“I have always tried to provide guidance, career advice, and advocate for women’s promotion into leadership roles.” – Mona Edarous, Senior Manager, Proposals, Digital Services, Dubai, UAE.
“I have been collaborating closely with our HR and leadership teams to identify opportunities for female students, emphasizing mentorship, hands-on experience, and career growth. At a recent career day event addressing the gender gap in the industry, I advocated for a more inclusive recruitment approach, ensuring we actively engage talented young women in STEM, helping them envision a clear path to success in the industry.” – Mary Hanna, Senior Analyst, Sales Strategy & Proposals, Qatar.
“As the only female HSE engineer in K&A Dubai and working on RTA projects, I have often used my position to advocate for better representation and inclusivity. One defining moment was responding to a major bus accident, where I led emergency safety procedures, proving that women belong in this field and that leadership transcends gender; decisive action in emergencies marks true competence.” – Ailyn Monje, Site HSE Specialist, Supervision, Dubai, UAE.
“In my team, the female gender dominates, which is my way of driving change in my field and society. We can accelerate action and make a lasting impact by empowering women and giving them leadership opportunities. Creating space for women at the start of their careers isn’t just about individual growth — it strengthens the entire industry.” – Olga Khoury, Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications, Lebanon.
“I offer online and offline seminars on career automation, making education and career growth accessible to women regardless of their location or circumstances.” – Alaa Hamed, BIM Developer, BIM & Digital Design, Egypt.