Behind every confident leader is a quiet rhythm that keeps them grounded. For Dr. Summia Zaher, CEO of Danat al Emarat Women and Children’s Hospital, that rhythm is found in the spaces between the demands of leadership- in stillness, simplicity, and connection. While her role carries the weight of responsibility, she draws strength from the calm she carves out for herself.
Her idea of a perfect weekend is beautifully simple. “I’m lucky to live next to the beach,” she shares. “I start my mornings with an early cycle to clear my mind, followed by an iced oat milk latte with my husband.” The day unfolds gently — a swim, an afternoon lost in a book, and an evening filled with good food and meaningful conversation with close friends and family. “That balance of solitude and connection helps me recharge,” she says. “Simplicity and peace are what I value most.”
Dr. Summia Zaher’s connection with the natural world is more than a preference, it’s a form of renewal. “There’s something grounding about being one with nature,” she explains. Whether it’s the vast ocean or a quiet forest trail, these moments in nature offer her clarity, presence, and peace, contrast to the noise of daily life.
One experience that left a profound mark on her was her first pilgrimage to Mecca for Umrah. “Standing before the Kaaba, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection that words can’t fully capture,” she reflects. “Seeing people from all backgrounds gathered for the same purpose was incredibly moving.” It was a moment that reaffirmed her faith and deepened her understanding of humility and gratitude.
Music, too, holds powerful memories. “Shams El-Aseel by Umm Kulthoum was the first Arabic song my father shared with me,” she says. “Whenever I hear it, I’m transported back to childhood. It’s a reminder of love, culture, and my father’s presence.” And through all of life’s chapters, one piece of advice continues to guide her: “Never ask permission to fly, the sky belongs to no one, and the wings are yours.” For Dr. Zaher, it’s a call to embrace freedom, trust her instincts, and walk her path with courage, both in leadership and in life.
