As we celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, we take this day to support and appreciate all the women that are in our lives and highlight the strides women have made in shaping the world.
Women in the UAE have come a long way and in recent years have had a very influential presence in shaping the UAE. From helping other women succeed to helping secure major events like Expo 2020 Dubai, here are 6 inspiring women from the UAE.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has been making exceptional strides in the UAE for years. Known as the ‘Mother of the Nation’, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima has been a supporter of women’s rights in the UAE and has spent years helping women from around the world.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima is the Founder and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi
In 2013, the UAE got the rights to host the World Expo in 2020. As the managing director of the Dubai World Expo 2020 bid, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi has a monumental role in helping the UAE win.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi is also the Minister of State for International Cooperation, within the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and is Chairperson of Dubai Cares, an organisation with the aim to provide individuals with quality education.
Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi
Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi is the Minister of the State of Tolerance in the UAE. In 2004, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna became the first woman to have a ministerial position in the UAE cabinet.
Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna is the President of Zayed University and is a board member of several organisations, and in 2017 was included on Forbes 25 most powerful female leaders in the world, ranking 12th.
Sarah Al Amiri
Sarah Al Amiri is the Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, United Arab Emirates Council of Scientists and Deputy Project Manager of the Emirates Mars Mission. Known as the Science Lead on Hope Probe, Sarah Al Amiri made history as the Hope Probe entered the Mars Orbit and will provide the first complete picture of the Martian atmosphere.
Nayla Al Khaja
Nayla Al Khaja was the first female film director and producer in the UAE, and is the CEO of her own film company called Nayla Al Khaja Films and is also the founder of the first Dubai film club, The Scene Club. Nayla Al Khaja has also written and directed multiple short films and documentaries and has definitely left her mark on the film industry.
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the President of Dubai Women Establishment.
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed is known for helping women in reaching success in various fields, and in 2003 founded the Dubai Ladies Club, a private members club which is used for informal business meetings and corporate meetings.