Vijaya’s journey began as a practicing lawyer in India, which sparked her passion for people development. With over 35 years of experience across diverse sectors, including GE, AT&T, Olivetti, and Ranbaxy, Vijaya spent the last two decades specializing in healthcare across India and the UAE.
Based in the UAE for 14 years, Vijaya managed 3 hospitals and medical centers with a workforce of over 3,000. Currently, she serves as Chief Human Resources Officer at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, focusing on transforming workplace culture, developing leaders, and aligning HR with business goals to drive meaningful impact.
Vijaya is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of HR leaders, emphasizing the three pillars of great HR: People, Policy, and Processes. My topics of interest would be Leadership Development for the Future, Employee Engagement and Well-being, Talent Acquisition and Retention in a Competitive Market, Career Development and Lifelong Learning, Workplace Culture and Employee Experience, and Ethical HR Practices and Compliance.
What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?
In a competitive market, talent is the ultimate differentiator, especially in healthcare (Hospitals), where a highly competent clinical workforce directly impacts patient outcomes and experience. At our hospital, HR has led the way in talent landscaping through strategic networking, personalized candidate experiences, and authentic employer branding to attract the very best.
In 2024 alone, we successfully onboarded over 100 professionals, offering them a seamless and distinctive entry into one of the UAE’s premium private hospitals. A structured onboarding and orientation program ensured their transition was smooth, purposeful, and aligned with our culture of excellence.
What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?
1) Emiratisation & Culture Intelligence – Local leadership, inclusive cultures
2) AI & Digital HR – Predictive analytics, AI onboarding
3) Hybrid Work & Flexibility – Flexible schedules, remote-first models
4) Well-Being – Mental health programs, holistic employee care
5) Skills & Learning – On-line learning, skill check
6) Automation & Cloud Platforms Efficient, integrated HR systems
7) Ethical HR & Compliance – Fair Artificial Intelligence use, legal adaptability