Being a female manager in Saudi Arabia
We conducted a short interview with Reem Seraj, British-Saudi Business Support and Vision 2030 manager in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tell us a bit about you
My name is Reem Seraj, I am half English and half Saudi. My mother is a retired nurse, and my father is a retired professor of anaesthesia. I was born in England and came to Saudi Arabia when I was five years old, and where I have spent the majority of my life. I am married and I have three children. At the time, when I joined the university, there weren’t many options for Saudi women.
My options were to either study nursing or physical therapy. I wanted to follow in my mother's footsteps but there were only two females in the entire college, so after the first year they closed the college and I started studying physical therapy. After two and a half years, I realised the course wasn’t for me, so I went to my father – who was the academician professor in the university and said, “This is not for me," and he was very supportive. I then joined the Institute of Public Administration and took a two-year course in a year and a half, and started working by the age of 20.
Did you always want to become a manager? If so, why?
Four jobs ago, I was a headmistress of a school and I really enjoyed being the front-face with parents and being the person that could solve their problems and look after their children. That was what opened my mind on how to deal with people and manage people. In my last two jobs, I became very frustrated with managers above who weren’t leading. In my opinion, I believed that I could have done a better job with dealing with staff, people and their challenges. That was when I first had the “light bulb” moment of, instead of waiting for other people to lead, I started to behave in the way I was expecting them to behave so I started to lead. I started to read different books and I took a course with Steven Covey about “Trust and Inspire” and it changed how I deal with people and how I see managers and their roles as leaders.
What’s the best thing about being a Business Support and Vision 2030 Realisation Manager?
I really like working at AtkinsRéalis . We have a really good work environment because it's so multicultural and there are different nationalities and people and it’s rare to find other females in this sort of a role outside the company. It’s an opportunity to pave the way for other women behind me and demonstrate behaviour to other managers of how we can treat people and how we can grow the people within the company. The company is literally building so many of the Vision projects, I am so proud to be part of that journey and helping young Saudis join the business, grow in their field, and learn from our experts, all the while building the future of our country.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
To be honest, I don’t face many challenges at AtkinsRéalis , but in the past, I didn’t have the confidence and I was riddled with fear and imposter-syndrome that I didn’t belong, and that my opinion wasn’t valid. If I would speak up, I was often told, “stay in your lane” but since taking the course I have shed all my fears and relish the challenges, because most of these insecurities were in my head as a result of how people treated me as a woman in jobs that were typically boys clubs.
What advice would you give to other females who want to become managers in Saudi Arabia?
Trust yourself, believe in yourself, your voice is important, your opinion is valid, and speak up. Even if your opinion is wrong, you can still learn from that. Be vulnerable, connect with people, and always be teachable.
Are you a female looking for a new opportunity? Browse our range of jobs in the Middle East and be a part of our talented team.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
The importance of job satisfaction can’t be understated. When we work in a great place, we do our job with a smile. At AtkinsRéalis, we’re committed to being the best place in the Middle East for impa
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Civil engineering jobs in the Middle East are among the most in demand and exciting opportunities in the industry. Backed by ambitious sustainability goals and mega-projects like NEOM, the growth

Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
Mechanical engineering jobs in Canada are in higher demand than ever. With technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainability in the industry, job openings for skilled mechanical

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/25/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Justin. As Associate Director of Project and Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis, I work on complex projects in the highways and infrastructure sectors whilst also leading a team of peo
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/12/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but this dynamic is steadily changing. Women are breaking barriers and excelling in STEM careers

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Meet Benisa, a resilient and dedicated professional at AtkinsRéalis. Her career journey showcases growth and the impact of an inclusive work culture. Overcom

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we’re incredibly proud to be part of the UK’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transformation required is massive, touching every corner of our economy—fr

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
The UK’s energy landscape is undergoing a major transformation as the country moves toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, th

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s most transformative project, is a city designed for the future. A key component of the nation's Vision 2030 initiative, the eco-friendly mega-city is home to the most forward-t

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/04/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Ahmad, the regional leader of AtkinsRéalis' Power New Build team here in the Northwest of England. Why did I join AtkinsRéalis? I wanted to be part of a world-class engineering services p

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/01/2025
Summary
Hong Kong is a global, financial and commercial hub. The thriving city is lined with innovative, world-class infrastructure that has been designed and built by astute architects and engineer

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/01/2025
Summary
Quantity surveyor jobs are some of the most exciting and prosperous career paths. The value of quantity surveyors is plain to see in the region. There are plenty of opportunities for career progressio
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Finance
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for an Assistant Project Accountant, in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-clas
Reference
R-128103
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-127589
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Senior HSQE Manager, in Riyadh, KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class enginee
Reference
R-127901
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are currently looking for Project Director in Riyadh, KSA with a demonstrated experience in the management of large-scale to manage multiple assets (Design + Construction).You will be req
Reference
R-128083
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis:Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bett
Reference
R-127358
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a SCP/Landscape Architect (Rail & Transport), in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is
Reference
R-124107
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for an Interior Design Architect - Transportation, in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis i
Reference
R-124101
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for an Interior Design Architect, in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class e
Reference
R-124099
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Chillers), in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world
Reference
R-124068
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Materials Architect - Transportation, in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a wor
Reference
R-124064
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Finance
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for an Assistant Project Accountant, in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-clas
Reference
R-128103
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-127589
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Senior HSQE Manager, in Riyadh, KSA.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class enginee
Reference
R-127901
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project management
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRealis are currently looking for Project Director in Riyadh, KSA with a demonstrated experience in the management of large-scale to manage multiple assets (Design + Construction).You will be req
Reference
R-128083
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis:Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bett
Reference
R-127358
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a SCP/Landscape Architect (Rail & Transport), in Dubai, UAE.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is
Reference
R-124107
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more