Maryam Buti AlMheiri, CEO of Emirati staffing firm Meethaq Manpower, reveals what matters in business, especially during times of crises: leadership visibility, policy execution, and a talent ecosystem built to retain as much as attract.
The UAE has demonstrated resilience across both public and private sectors. What underpins this ability to respond to this recent, unprecedented crisis?
I believe communication was really at the heart of how the UAE managed this crisis. It helped keep both the public and private sectors aligned.
What also stood out to me was that the leadership was visibly present and on the ground. That says a lot about how strong the system is from within.
People were also able to stay connected with their loved ones and continue working, largely thanks to digital advancements. I also want to acknowledge the people on the ground who kept supply chains running despite everything.
From our side at Meethaq Manpower, we made a conscious effort to rely only on official government updates and encouraged our employees, partners, and associates to do the same.
This was an unprecedented experience for all of us, but the resources provided by the authorities made a big difference. It showed that we’re equipped to respond rationally in challenging times.
How important is policy consistency and government foresight in reinforcing long-term business confidence?
I’d actually replace policy consistency with consistent policy execution. “Execution is worth millions.” You can have the best ideas on paper, but they only matter when they’re translated into reality. That’s what builds business confidence.
In the UAE, we’re fortunate to have leaders who know our economic position for decades to come. During the recent crisis, we saw how quickly decisions were implemented to ensure continuity across all sectors. That level of responsiveness comes from flexible policymaking and strong partnership between the public and private sectors.
From our perspective as a staffing company at Meethaq Manpower, it’s particularly encouraging to see the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s focus on integrating 65,000 Emiratis into the job market. It signals that the private sector’s voice is being heard and reinforces a shared commitment to building a more inclusive job market for both local and international talent.
As a 100% Emirati company, how does Meethaq Manpower reflect the Principles of the UAE’s leadership?
Here, under one flag, everyone is working toward a common objective: advancing our national economic development in step with the global economy.
Meethaq Manpower is an Emirati staffing company and a sister company of the Emirati Al Ghandi Group. While we started in the UAE, our footprint today extends across KSA, the wider GCC, and international markets.
Our commitment is reflected in the way we support businesses and people. We know what we do and how we do it, and more importantly, we know why we do it. We see ourselves as playing our role in maintaining the gains of this nation.
As a staffing business partner, what makes Meethaq Manpower the perfect missing piece of the puzzle?
We listen. And we are always, and will always be, available when businesses need us most. As a staffing company, businesses come to us for solutions, and our role is to understand and respond to their needs. Our job is to deliver accordingly, or to advise and then deliver.
We serve eight industries, including critical sectors such as IT, Oil & Gas, and Finance and we continue to grow year after year. We have a large talent database, both locally and internationally, supported by modern screening processes. Our employees across business development, outsourcing, vetting, finance, and PRO are good at what they do.
We are here to support our partners, associates, future partners, and our peers in the market.
The term “Meethaq” is not a coincidence. While, in Arabic, it literally means “contract,” its true meaning goes far deeper—it represents a promise built on trust between two or more parties.
Read more: UAE’s non-oil PMI climbs to 52.1 on robust output; optimism reached three-month peak
The UAE is regarded as an umbrella for both national and international talent. How do you see this evolving, and what role does Meethaq Manpower play in supporting that ecosystem?
“We don’t just build projects—we build people who will lead projects.” This deep conviction by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum is part of our email signature at Meethaq Manpower.
At Meethaq Manpower, talent is at the heart of everything we do. In the UAE, government strategies and programs are designed to attract talent and, more importantly, retain it. What makes these strategies effective is their holistic understanding of what talent truly is—individuals with the skills and capability to contribute to the national economy in their chosen fields.
Talent coming into the UAE, as well as Emiratis entering the job market, know that there are clear policies and programs in place to support their skills growth. Transparent laws, well-defined regulations, and consistent practices by the relevant authorities ensure that the job market remains fair, structured, and full of opportunity. Talent feels protected.
At Meethaq Manpower, we are proud to have international talent from diverse backgrounds. They all relocated here because of the quality of life the UAE offers, including reliable infrastructure, efficient transport, digital connectivity, and access to essential services like housing and food security across different economic levels. Even the recent crisis has not, in any way, changed how international talent views the UAE. There is still strong interest in coming here, and competition for opportunities remains high.
We take pride not only in what our employees bring, but also in what we can add to their growth. As a CEO, my role is not just to employ their skills, but to develop them with care and consideration. That’s what creates long-term loyalty.
What message would you share with companies and investors considering entering or expanding within the UAE today?
The UAE is a place to live. If I were a foreign investor, would I have chosen the UAE to open or expand Meethaq Manpower and move here with my loved ones? I wouldn’t think twice; it would definitely be yes.
On 10 April, when H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum urged citizens and residents to raise the UAE flag, we all did. Because we act as one. We all live under one flag, and we serve one economy that benefits us.
Since the foundation of this country, our leadership has taken a very humane approach to business; people do not have to suffer to make money. When people are equipped with the means, they are productive and happy. For this reason, our leadership continues to work tirelessly every day to enable everyone in this country—locals and expats alike—to live comfortably and achieve success with dignity.