CEO AND FOUNDER OF RONA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, SHARES HER INSPIRING STORY OF SELF-DISCOVERY, STRONG MENTALITY, UNORTHODOX WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND BEING MARRIED TO DUBAI.
Could you share with us how you first started in real estate? What inspired you to pursue that career path?
When I began my life in Dubai with my then-husband, I started my career by running a beauty center. It was successful, but life soon took a different course. We decided to move into a villa, start a family, and begin anew. While searching for our own home, we rented a villa and paid a 5% commission - about $1,000 - to the brokers. At that moment, I knew nothing about real estate, but I thought: what an incredible job - meeting people, showing them beautiful homes, and earning $1,000 per deal. My husband was completely against the idea, but I insisted: ᳓At least let me explore it.᳓ I sold my beauty center and began by buying and selling properties for myself - thanks to bank loans, I entered the market at the right time - and not long after, life rewarded my passion: I landed my first job with Emaar Developers. Which was a dream come true.
How did you make them change their minds?
I didn′t. At first, I bought my properties in secret - only my mother supported me, telling me to take risks while I was young. When I succeeded, I proved everyone wrong. My ex-husband wanted to leave for Canada over the next few years, but I felt married to Dubai - the one place where I′ve always felt safe as a woman.
What is your advice for women who want to build successful careers in real estate?
First, you need to understand the culture of the country and the culture of this business - and determine if they align with your personality. Then you must decide what suits you better: working for developers or as an independent real estate broker. You will have to do a lot of research about every developer in the country, their locations, and how they differ from the market perspective. This business is stressful, yes, but if you understand how to navigate the real estate landscape, it becomes very engaging and creative.
Also, it′s important to have good role models. I have always believed in the vision of Sheikh Zayed - the founding father of the UAE. In his books, he wrote that women need to work, be independent, and know how to stand up for themselves. If tomorrow something happens in her marriage or family, she must be able to take care of herself tomorrow so that nobody can take advantage of her. He is the first man I look up to. The second is Mohammad Alabbar, the chairman of Emaar Properties. I am incredibly inspired by his success story - from nothing to where he aimed to be. Mohamed Alabbar provided me with a vision of real estate as a place of freedom - where I could build a career without being confined to a 9-to-6 routine.
A work-life balance? Is it achievable for women?
Honestly, not really. That′s why I stopped separating my work from my personal life - I made real estate my lifestyle. I surrounded myself with those who share my mindset, whether in business, art, or wellness, so we grow together. Sports are my therapy - I need the gym, padel, or dance to escape daily stresses. And I′ve learned to be selective: in a city full of invitations, I only choose those that truly add value and meaning.
IT′S YOU FIRST - THEN EVERYTHING ELSE
Rona, how do you handle burnout?
For me, the remedy is travel - especially to Moscow, my sanctuary. The moment I step out of the airport, the city′s familiar scent transports me back to my childhood. I re-energise by walking its streets, enjoying comfort food, and catching up with my closest friends. I′ve realised that missing Moscow is my signal that burnout is approaching.
Prevention is always easier than recovery. When you feel tired or moody, listen to your body - pause, travel, do what makes you happy. Health comes first. Without it, nothing else matters ′healthy&wealthy.′
What is your advice for women who want to build successful careers in male-dominated environments?
It is vital to stay connected to your feminine energy while being consistent, resilient, and mentally strong. This combination enables you to handle challenges with ease and clarity, without being burdened by negativity. In any competitive field, there will be individuals who will try to undermine you. For instance, I′ve often heard remarks such as, ᳓She is number one in sales because she′s attractive - it′s easier for her to persuade men.᳓ Instead of letting these comments undermine me, I choose to embrace them with confidence: ᳓Yes, I am a woman - and that is my strength.᳓
