New monthly initiative aims to help women strengthen their professional presence through practical workshops, networking and shared experiences.
A new community initiative focused on professional development and networking for women is set to launch in Dubai next month, bringing together founders, executives and professionals for practical workshops centred on leadership presence and confidence.
ARU House of Calibration will host its inaugural event on 5 July at Uptown Social in Jumeirah Lake Towers, introducing what organisers describe as an ongoing platform for women looking to refine how they present themselves in professional environments.
The name ARU is derived from the Kazakh word aru, a term used to describe a woman of beauty, grace and inner strength. The initiative is designed for women already established in their careers who want to further develop their professional presence as they take on greater leadership and public-facing responsibilities.
Unlike traditional networking events, the monthly gatherings will focus on practical skills that participants can apply in their day-to-day professional lives while also creating opportunities to connect with peers facing similar workplace challenges.
The first event will include a workshop exploring how facial expressions and non-verbal communication influence professional interactions, followed by a skincare masterclass aimed at helping participants better understand and care for their skin.
Organisers say the broader goal is to create a community where women can share experiences, exchange ideas and support one another as they navigate leadership roles across different industries.
Explaining the inspiration behind the initiative, Houssem Jemli, Founder of ARU, said:
“ARU comes from a very personal place. It was inspired by watching the women closest to me carry extraordinary levels of responsibility, visibility, and expectation, often without spaces that reflect the reality they are operating in. A key part of that perspective came from my mother, who, even while still in a position of responsibility, experienced a shift in her presence and authority over time. It made me reflect on how easily women can feel the weight of constant pressure when they are not supported, and how little the industry offers to help them maintain their presence while they are still in it.”
The launch reflects a growing number of community-led initiatives in Dubai that combine professional development with networking, recognising the increasing number of women taking on leadership positions across business and entrepreneurship.
ARU House of Calibration plans to hold monthly events, with future sessions expected to continue focusing on communication, personal presence and career development while encouraging meaningful connections among women across the UAE.
The inaugural event takes place from 10am to 12pm on 5 July, with tickets priced at AED 120.
