Dubai-it: Juliet McCann Reflects on 19 Years of Transformative Leadership and Opportunity in the City of the Future
Juliet McCann, a British expat, arrived in Dubai in 2007, bringing with her a fervent drive for decisive action. Nearly two decades later, she reflects on her journey of leading teams and launching significant projects, encapsulating her experience with the term “Dubai-it.” This phrase was recently popularized by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, as part of an initiative to instill Dubai’s work philosophy in future generations.
The Essence of ‘Dubai-it’
Sheikh Mohammed described “Dubai-it” as a verb that signifies achieving extraordinary results with excellence in record time. This concept resonates deeply with those who have witnessed Dubai’s remarkable transformation from a desert landscape to a global city. McCann, who has spent nearly 19 years in the emirate, stated, “Honestly, I had been doing Dubai-it all along. I don’t think I could have survived in any other city except Dubai.” She emphasized the city’s energetic environment, where the prevailing attitude is one of possibility and action.
A Career Built on Reputation
Before moving to Dubai, McCann worked in the UK and spent some time in Spain selling real estate. In 2007, she sought to align herself with reputable companies and found The First Group, a relatively new developer in Dubai at that time. “My reputation is everything for me, so I would only ever join a company that had a good reputation,” she noted. This decision proved fruitful, as she spent the next 15 years with the company, starting in tele-sales with a small team and eventually rising to management.
McCann built a diverse team of over 150 tele-sales representatives from various nationalities, which she described as an enriching experience. “I had lived in London, which I thought was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. But honestly, it was nothing compared to what I experienced in Dubai,” she remarked. Her work included significant projects like the Ciel Tower, the world’s tallest hotel, where her role expanded from sales to team leadership.
Empowering the Dreamers and Doers
McCann’s leadership style focused on understanding what motivated her team members and how to help them succeed. Many of her colleagues had personal responsibilities that fueled their ambition. “Some of them were seeing their siblings through school or looking after their parents, and they had real passion – they had the will, they wanted to succeed,” she explained. She expressed pride in witnessing her team members grow and advance within the company, with many eventually starting their own businesses.
As the first female Vice President at her company, McCann now works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist in luxury real estate, positioning herself as a strong advocate for Dubai. “I love Dubai because it has truly created a lot of opportunities and changed so many lives,” she stated.
Over the years: McCann decided to mark her 50th birthday with a skydive in Dubai. Bottom right: Recognition for her work at her previous employer, by the CEO, Rob Burns.
Resilience Amidst Global Challenges
Upon her arrival in the UAE, McCann faced the onset of a significant economic downturn. Despite this, her team persevered in telesales, demonstrating the resilience emblematic of the “Dubai-it” mindset. She recalled how the company adapted its strategies while remaining focused on reaching potential customers. “When other people were running for the hills, we pivoted and we still closed sales. We survived the global downturn and came out even stronger,” she stated.
This resilience was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent regional conflicts. McCann noted the UAE’s robust defense capabilities and the pride felt by residents in the country’s leadership during challenging times. “As a British expat in Dubai, we were fiercely batting for Dubai, especially because of what some of the international press was saying,” she remarked. She emphasized the forward-thinking nature of the UAE’s leadership, which has consistently demonstrated a preparedness for various challenges.
A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on her nearly two-decade journey in Dubai, McCann remains optimistic about her future in the city. She believes that Dubai is a place where ambition knows no bounds. “This is where the future is. If you want to make something out of your life, I’m the first person who’ll tell you – get on a flight and come to Dubai,” she concluded.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-10 17:39:00 • By the Editorial Desk
