Life

Here, For our Youthquake issue, Emirates Woman reached out to several inspiring female leaders, across a myriad of industries, and asked them to each pick a young woman they felt our readers should keep their eye on. Interior Designer Nada Debs chose Sofia Sayah, Founder and Creative Director of Sosaï Events.

How did you first encounter her and what initially caught your attention?

She’s my niece, so I’ve known her since she was very young. Watching her grow over the years, I’ve always been attentive to how naturally driven and observant she is.

What qualities does she possess that feel distinctive or rare to you right now?

She has a strong sense of determination paired with genuine curiosity and a real openness to constant improvement. What stands out most is her integrity. She deeply cares about what she does and how she does it.

Can you recall a specific moment when you realised she was someone to watch?

When Covid hit and work came to a standstill, she didn’t freeze. Instead, she adapted quickly, creating small, intimate events like date nights. It was impressive to see how she reframed a difficult situation and applied her skills in a new, relevant way.

In what ways does she challenge or expand your understanding of leadership creativity, or success?

In just a few years, she’s grown into a leader, now managing a team of ten. Despite that, she remains humble and deeply attentive to detail. That balance, to me, is a very strong indicator of long-term success.

How does she navigate obstacles or uncertainty, and what do you admire about her approach?

Whenever a crisis arises, especially in the unpredictable events industry, she remains calm, measured, and thoughtful. That level of composure and clarity is essential in effective crisis management, and it’s something I truly admire.

If she were not in the room, what would you want others to understand about why she matters?

Her ambition is quiet but powerful. It’s not about rushing or shortcuts – it’s a deep, steady determination to succeed, step by step.

Is there something about her generation, through her, that gives you hope or curiosity about the future?

I see a strong emphasis on teamwork in her generation. There’s an openness to collaboration and collective growth, which I find very encouraging.

What piece of advice would you give her?

Stay grounded, and never lose sight of why you do what you do.

Anything else we should know?

Sofia has lived in several countries and eventually found her place in Dubai. She arrived without knowing anyone and, in a short time, built a life and a sense of belonging for herself. That independence and resilience are incredibly admirable.

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