Other Women's Jobs // A Day In The Life And Career of Sara Aji

NAME: Sara Aji

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @saraaji

JOB TITLE: Managing Partner, Alma Developments

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: Raised in the UAE

Sara Aji is the Managing Partner and co-founder of Alma Developments, a boutique real estate firm in Dubai redefining what it means to live well. With over 14 years of experience across interior design, construction, manufacturing, and e-commerce, Sara brings a rare blend of creativity and commercial acumen to the property world. Her career began at Al Meera, her family’s interior design and joinery business, where she helped evolve the brand into a regional leader. Since then, she’s launched her own e-commerce platform, Meeramore, and most recently, spearheaded Alma Gardens, her debut residential project focused on functionality, beauty, and liveability.

Armed with a degree in Design Management from the American University of Sharjah, Sara’s mission is simple: build homes that reflect how people actually live. Her work is shaped by a deep respect for craftsmanship, a commitment to sustainability, and a clear understanding of modern homeowners’ evolving needs. Beyond her business ventures, she’s passionate about education and is working on a non-profit initiative to support learning and up-skilling across the region.

Thoughtful, driven, and future-focused, Sara is part of a new generation of female entrepreneurs putting design thinking at the heart of property development.

Let's discover a typical day in Sara Aji's world:

Balancing Business, Self-Care, and Soulful Living - Every day, I rise with purpose. As a woman managing multiple businesses, nurturing a marriage, and striving to remain aligned with my inner self, I’ve learned that structure is my greatest ally and self-awareness is my deepest strength. My daily routine is less about discipline for its own sake and more about designing a life that is in tune with who I am and what I stand for. It is an intentional blend of ambition, mindfulness, connection, and reflection.

7AM: I usually wake up and spend the first hour of the day focused on myself before work begins. I start with a short meditation, followed by some light stretching or yoga to clear my mind and prepare for the day. After that, I spend a few minutes journaling, whether it’s setting goals, noting thoughts, or writing affirmations. It helps me stay focused and connected before the day picks up. I also make time to read 10 to 15 pages from a business book to get my mind in gear. Breakfast depends on how I feel; sometimes I’ll eat eggs and fruit, other times I stick with intermittent fasting.

10AM: I’m in the office with a coffee in hand, checking emails and getting ready for the day’s team meetings. As cofounder of Alma, Al Meera, and MeeraMore, I stay closely involved to keep our vision aligned across all areas. I prefer in-person meetings when possible, there’s a level of energy and collaboration that’s hard to match online. Whether I’m reviewing design proposals, planning sales strategies, or discussing new product ideas, I aim to be fully present and focused. These meetings are more than task check-ins; they’re about sharing ideas, staying in tune, and supporting the team. My role is to lead, but also to listen, coach, and empower the team around me.

12PM: By midday, the pulse of the day has taken shape. If I have external meetings, I usually plan them at around this time. I also revisit my to-do list, summarise the morning’s outcomes, and pause to reset. I dedicate at least 10 minutes to breathwork, a mini ritual of detachment that gives me space to recalibrate. After that short but powerful pause, I follow up with individual team members, moving forward with action items and checking progress. This part of the day is very focused and productive, yet intentionally calm. I believe clarity of mind leads to better execution and better leadership.

2PM: Lunchtime is non-negotiable for me. I’ve never believed in rushing through meals or grabbing quick bites between meetings. Food is nourishment, and I respect the act of eating as a moment of reconnection. Most days, I go to my mom’s for a homemade meal. This ritual is both grounding and fulfilling. It's a sacred pause in my day, filled with warmth, love, and real food. Occasionally, I’ll meet a close friend or my husband for lunch, but even then, it's my time to slow down, recharge, and connect on a human level.

4PM: I return to the office with renewed focus. This part of the day is dedicated to continuing project execution, problem-solving, and planning for the days ahead. The creative energy is different in the afternoon, so I use it for strategic thinking and operational alignment. Music is always playing during this time, it sets the tone and helps my focus. My playlists are mood-dependent: sometimes I drift into deep house or lo-fi beats, other times I love classical music or soulful R&B.

6PM: Evening hours are reserved for one of the most critical aspects of running multiple businesses: finance. As much as I trust my financial team, I know that leadership requires vigilance and proactive oversight. I spend this time reviewing cash flows, projections, budgets, and performance metrics. Financial health is the backbone of sustainable business, and I treat it with the seriousness and regularity it deserves.

8PM: After a full day, it’s time to return to my body. Fitness is an essential part of my well-being. Night workouts work best for me, and I make it a point to schedule at least three gym sessions a week. Some evenings, I’ll attend a Pilates or yoga class, depending on what my body craves. Movement isn’t just for physical strength, it’s about discipline, vitality, and longevity. As a woman balancing many roles, I know that taking care of my body is non-negotiable.

9:30-10PM: By this time my phones are off and digital distractions are shut down. This time is sacred, it belongs to me and my husband. We reflect on our day, talk about things unrelated to work, laugh, plan, dream. It’s our way of staying in sync and nurturing the love that fuels so much of our strength. My nights end quietly, with a novel or a spiritual book. I avoid series or shows that drag on, preferring single films or short stories when we watch something together. As I lay in bed, I close the day the same way I began it, intentionally. I meditate, set an intention for my subconscious to process during sleep, and breathe into gratitude.