This participative action research, conducted in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE), examines the experiences of Ras Al Khaimah Women’s College (RKWC) business graduates with relational learning in marketing. It explores how dialogic classrooms and industry-linked projects fostered learning and transformation among Emirati women during college and in their careers.

Through in-depth interviews with 25 graduates (2008–2012) and three industry representatives, focus groups, and student feedback, the study highlights relational learning as a bridge between academia and the professional world. Emergent themes include relational learning as an educational innovation and application, its role in developing 21st-century competencies, and its impact on empowering women.

This innovative research provides valuable insights for educators, employers, administrators, policymakers, and researchers, emphasizing the transformative potential of relational learning in equipping students, particularly women, for career success and societal contributions. It underscores the importance of fostering inclusive, industry-connected higher education.