Women Of Influence 2025: Dubai Future Foundation's Alia Al Mur

As the Chief Transformation and Partnerships Officer at Dubai Future Foundation, Alia Al Mur leads the strategic vision and execution of high-impact public-private partnerships at the government entity that prides itself on its work in positioning the UAE emirate as a global innovation hub.

According to Al Mur, there have been two key moments that she believes have have a profound impact on the trajectory of her career: the first was her decision to join the public sector, and the second was transitioning from the field of marketing—in which she had worked for over 16 years—to partnerships.

While the move to government aligned her career with purpose-driven work focused on the future of cities, innovation, and societal advancement, Al Mur describes her transition to partnerships as having enabled her to drive impact at scale. “Partnerships aren’t just about connecting entities; they are about building bridges that can reshape industries, cities, and opportunities for generations to come,” she explains. “This transition has been one of the most rewarding evolutions in my career, allowing me to contribute more directly to shaping Dubai’s future.”

Here, Al Mur points out that being a woman has, in fact, given her an advantage in this space—particularly in how she approaches building and sustaining partnerships. “Women, by nature, are often strong connectors—they intuitively understand how to bridge gaps, align diverse stakeholders, and ensure that opportunities find the right pathways to flourish,” she notes. “This quality has had a positive influence on the business ecosystem, encouraging more inclusive and collaborative approaches to leadership and decision-making.”

Lessons Learned: Q&A With Alia Al Mur

Looking back on your journey, if there is one piece of advice you’d give yourself before you embarked on your career, what would that be? Additionally, if you could go back in time and tell yourself something that you should avoid or simply not do, what would that be?

“[If] I could give my younger self advice, it would be: things don’t happen to you—they happen for you. Take on challenges without expecting perfection, and know that failure is part of the journey. Stay true to yourself and your values, no matter where you go. I’d also remind myself not to shy away from discomfort or mistakes. Don’t let pride stop you from asking for help—seeking support is not a weakness, it’s strength.”

Pictured in the lead image is Alia Al Mur, Chief Transformation and Partnerships Officer at Dubai Future Foundation. Image courtesy Dubai Future Foundation.

Alia Al Mur was one of Inc. Arabia's Women of Influence 2025, a showcase of 30 women rewriting the rules of business in the MENA region. For the full list, please click here.