Introduction
Dr. Maya Tariq Al Hawary is a name that resonates with innovation, passion, and leadership in the UAE’s educational landscape. As the first Emirati PhD scholar researching emotional intelligence and leadership, she has carved a niche in fostering positivity, tolerance, and well-being across schools and workplaces. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Governors at Dubai Carmel School, Dr. Maya is not just an education leader but also a motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, and trainer with more than 900 hours of training sessions in communication, happiness, and emotional intelligence.
Breaking Barriers in Education
Dr. Maya’s journey in education began as a vice principal at Dubai Carmel School, where she dedicated eight years to shaping the next generation of leaders. Her leadership qualities soon caught the attention of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, who tasked her with establishing a pioneering school under the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai. This school, the first to feature blended learning in the UAE, became a landmark in Dr. Maya’s career, where she applied innovative approaches and modern educational strategies.
Today, as the Chairman of Dubai Carmel School, she continues to influence education through strategic planning, leadership, and her relentless focus on soft skills and well-being. Her approach goes beyond academics, emphasizing emotional intelligence, communication skills, and positivity as tools for effective leadership.
A Passion for Emotional Intelligence and Tolerance
One of Dr. Maya’s most profound contributions lies in promoting tolerance and acceptance. Her TEDx talk in 2019 marked a significant milestone, where she shared insights on how understanding, accepting, forgiving, and uniting with others can create more inclusive workplaces and communities.
In collaboration with the Dubai Government’s Community Development Authority, Dr. Maya designed programs to implement tolerance in workplaces, focusing on happiness and human well-being. Her training programs teach practical strategies to embrace diversity, interact with empathy, and build stronger interpersonal relationships.
“Tolerance is about courage, understanding, forgiveness, and unity,” she explains. “It’s not just about coexisting but genuinely acknowledging the humanity in everyone.” Her work resonates strongly in a country like the UAE, known for its rich cultural diversity and progressive policies promoting inclusion and well-being.
The Journey to a PhD: Overcoming Challenges
Dr. Maya’s journey toward becoming the UAE’s first emotional intelligence PhD scholar was shaped by personal struggles. She openly shares that she battled severe depression and anxiety for five years, which forced her to reassess her life and purpose. These challenges became the foundation for her research on emotional intelligence and leadership.
“Depression made me understand the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and mental well-being,” she reflects. “It pushed me to explore how emotions affect our leadership and daily life.”
Her PhD at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University focuses on adult learning, well-being, and futuristic skills, emphasizing how emotional intelligence can transform leadership and workplace efficiency. For Dr. Maya, the pursuit of a PhD was not just an academic milestone but a personal journey of healing, self-discovery, and purpose.
Strategies for Mental Well-being
Dr. Maya’s experience with depression also shaped her advocacy for mental health awareness. She emphasizes that seeking help, acknowledging emotional struggles, and understanding the interplay between mind and brain are crucial for overcoming mental health challenges.
She recommends combining therapy, supportive friendships, and self-awareness practices to regain balance and develop resilience. “Patience is the toughest skill you will ever learn. It takes time, but it transforms you,” she says. Her personal story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar struggles, showing that adversity can lead to growth, purpose, and new opportunities.
Training and Motivation: Spreading Positivity
Dr. Maya is deeply committed to training individuals on soft skills, emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership. With over 900 hours of training delivered to schools, government entities, and social media platforms, she has become a sought-after motivational speaker and consultant in the UAE.
Her training emphasizes happiness, positivity, and tolerance, teaching individuals not just to lead others but to lead themselves. Dr. Maya believes that leadership starts with self-awareness, understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, and cultivating emotional intelligence to guide others effectively.
“Leadership is not just about guiding people. It’s about leading yourself with care, humility, and empathy,” she explains. Her workshops equip professionals to embrace change, improve productivity, and create healthier work environments.
Inspiration and Advocacy
Dr. Maya draws inspiration from her faith, family, and country. She believes that leadership is about serving others and sharing one’s blessings. She admires individuals who embody kindness, dedication, and resilience, whether it is a worker maintaining the city streets or someone struggling to provide for their family.
Her advocacy extends to raising awareness about mental health and emotional intelligence in the UAE. Through conferences, workshops, and her online platforms, she motivates people to prioritize well-being, build resilience, and embrace tolerance and positivity in daily life.
Looking Forward: Leadership in the Age of AI
Dr. Maya’s vision is forward-looking, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence and changing workforce dynamics. She emphasizes that emotional intelligence and well-being will be key skills for adapting to new professional environments.
“AI may replace certain tasks, but the human ability to understand emotions, lead with empathy, and cultivate positivity cannot be replicated by machines,” she explains. Through her training and leadership programs, she helps professionals embrace change, redefine their roles, and succeed in the evolving workplace.
Final Thoughts and Life Philosophy
Dr. Maya Al Hawary’s story is one of resilience, vision, and dedication. Her life and career illustrate the transformative power of emotional intelligence, tolerance, and self-leadership. She encourages individuals to believe in themselves, pursue their passions, and practice humility and kindness in all endeavors.
Her personal motto, “Kill them with kindness,” reflects her philosophy of spreading positivity and compassion, both in leadership and in life. Dr. Maya continues to inspire generations in the UAE, proving that emotional intelligence, perseverance, and a commitment to well-being are the keys to a fulfilling and impactful life.
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