For many women, stepping away from the workforce often leads to a sense of professional invisibility, but a growing initiative in the UAE is helping them bridge that gap. The "Return to Work" program, now under the new Sama platform at Expo City Dubai, provides more than just job placement; it offers a community where participants can confront their doubts and rediscover their value. Whether it is biotechnology engineer Shazia Shahbandri, who needed to reignite her career spark, or academics like Rouba Sleiman, who learned to weave diverse life experiences into a cohesive professional narrative, these women are finding that their time away was far from wasted.

The success of the program lies in its ability to transform how these professionals perceive their own journeys. By offering mentorship and a supportive network, the initiative helps individuals like Dr. Yuki Yamaguchi navigate new markets and recognize the weight of their past achievements. With a significant portion of the first cohort successfully transitioning into full-time roles or entrepreneurship, the program serves as a vital launchpad. As applications for the second cohort remain open, the Sama platform continues to prove that with the right support, returning to the workplace is not about starting over, but rather reclaiming one's ambition and potential.