THE RETURN | Return to Work Programme for Women in Dubai

THE RETURN | January 2027

Eight weeks. Two chapters. One supported return.

Your return starts before the CV.

Returning to work after a career break?

THE RETURN is an eight-week return-to-work programme for women in Dubai, designed to help you reconnect with your professional identity, recognise your skills and explore your next steps.

Whether you’re considering returning to employment, exploring a new career direction or simply trying to work out where to begin, THE RETURN brings together practical workshops, guided reflections, expert-led sessions and a supportive community of women navigating similar transitions.

Through guided reflections, interactive workshops, meaningful conversations and direct access to experienced professionals, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with yourself, recognise what you bring and begin exploring what comes next. And you’ll do it alongside a small group of women navigating their own returns.

Chapter One - Your First Month Back to You

The first four weeks focus on you: your identity, experiences, strengths and what returning to professional life might look like today.

4–9 January | Online Learning & Guided Reflections

Begin at your own pace with short learning modules and daily reflection exercises, designed to help you explore where you are today and what you want moving forward.

12 January | relauncHER Workshop

An interactive, in-person workshop exploring the emotional and practical experience of returning after a career break. Expect honest conversations, creative exercises and opportunities to recognise skills and capabilities you may have overlooked.

21 January | RETURNready LIVE

An intimate speaker-led event featuring real conversations about identity, change, rebuilding and finding your way forward.

28 January | The RETURN Circle Coffee Morning

A relaxed gathering to reflect on the first month, connect with the women in your cohort and talk about the goals and next steps you’re beginning to explore.

Guided activities and resources will also be shared between sessions to support your progress.

Chapter Two - Your Month With the Experts

Your second month introduces practical workshops and direct access to experienced professionals who can help you prepare for your next professional chapter.

1–5 February | Speak with Presence - Public Speaking & Communication

Explore how you communicate, introduce yourself, express your ideas and speak with greater presence in professional situations.

Exact workshop date to be confirmed.

15–19 February | Personal Branding

Explore your professional identity, recognise the value of your experience and learn how to communicate what you bring beyond a previous job title.

Exact workshop date to be confirmed.

22–26 February | The HR & Recruitment Perspective

Understand how employers and recruiters approach returning candidates, how to discuss career breaks and what to consider when navigating today’s workplace and recruitment processes.

Exact workshop dates to be confirmed.

Each expert session is supported by short preparation activities and practical follow-through exercises, helping you apply what you’ve learned.

The programme includes a scheduled break from 8–12 February to anticipate the Ramadan break. Guided resources and activities will support your journey between the in-person sessions.

A Supported Experience

THE RETURN brings together:

• A small cohort of women navigating their next professional chapter.
• In-person workshops, expert-led sessions and meaningful conversations.
• Guided reflections and practical activities between sessions.
• Access to a private online resource portal.
• Accountability buddies and peer support throughout the programme.
• Opportunities to explore your next steps at a pace that feels manageable.

Your Investment

Join THE RETURN, an 8-week return-to-work programme for women in Dubai. Workshops, expert guidance and peer support. January 2027.

Early Bird: AED 1,595

Available until 12 December 2026.

Standard Price: AED 1,895

Limited to 12 participants.

Your next chapter deserves more than another to-do list. Give yourself eight weeks to explore what comes next.