At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, Mira Wu shared her extraordinary journey from working at McDonald’s to building a diversified business empire in the UAE, with sustainability at its core.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024—At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024, held at Madinat Jumeirah, Mira Wu, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Legend Holding Group, shared her remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. As an influential entrepreneur, Wu has built a thriving business empire in the UAE and emerged as a beacon for sustainable development. She demonstrated how Dubai’s unique ecosystem fosters innovation and entrepreneurial success.

Having arrived in Dubai in 2002 with limited resources and English as her second language, Wu began her career working at McDonald’s, earning AED830 per month. Her journey exemplifies perseverance as she transitioned to the travel and tourism sector, where she multiplied her income fivefold.

Dubai’s welcoming environment for people of all nationalities allowed her and her husband to establish their first business in 2008, shipping cars from the UAE to China.

Over the years, Wu diversified her ventures, opening a Chinese restaurant, managing export operations for Chinese food, and entering the auto market in 2018. Today, with Legend Holding Group, her multifaceted portfolio includes trading, chemical manufacturing, travel and tourism, electric vehicle (EV) distribution, and even a cutting-edge media company that leverages new technologies.

Wu credits Dubai’s leadership for creating a fertile ground for her success. “For 16 years, Dubai has been the best in the GCC for supporting businesses. Its ecosystem promotes innovation and sustainability while aligning with clean energy strategies,” she said.

Under her stewardship, Legend Holding Group now employs over 500 people, with operations spanning EV infrastructure, car rentals, green energy solutions, and motorbike assembly for food delivery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wu demonstrated resilience by optimising land utilisation in Al Quoz, achieving a fleet utilisation rate of 92%. Her company’s introduction of EVs into executive fleets and installation of charging infrastructure reflects her strategic focus on sustainability. “Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. The choices we make today can create a lasting impact towards a greener tomorrow,” she emphasised.

Wu’s vision extends beyond business; she actively works to strengthen the bridge between the UAE and China, encouraging investment and collaboration. Looking to the future, she aims to expand globally, create industry-wide impact, and focus on sustainable solutions for future generations.

She also urged the automotive sector to make EVs more affordable and accessible, stressing that the biggest threat to the planet is assuming someone else will solve the problem. “Everyone can make an impact,” Wu concluded, leaving the audience inspired to pursue a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Dubai, with its innovation-driven ecosystem and support for new businesses, remains a cornerstone of Wu’s success, enabling her to lead with purpose and drive transformative change for a sustainable future.

 

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About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 6,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.