Women were not always allowed to be in positions of power and be at the helm of economic affairs. In the 21st Century, women leaders now influence decisions and contribute to economic growth in no small measure. The UAE is also ranked as a leading country in gender quality in the Middle East. With the International Women’s Day that was concluded recently, we must recognize the influential women that lead in various sectors and the UAE women’s role today. From business to governance, education to technology, entertainment to beauty, these 10 Emirati women are setting the tone for the future of the UAE.
Her Excellency, Lubna Bin Sultan Al Qasimi
Her Excellency is a royal family member and was the first woman to hold a ministerial position in the UAE. She is currently the Minister of State for Tolerance, working towards creating a platform with generally accepted living conditions in UAE.
Fatima Al Jaber
Fatima Al Jaber is the COO of the Al Jaber group, where she oversees over 50,000 staff. She is also the first woman elected to be a part of Abu Dhabi’s Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Forbes has also recognized her as the 94th most powerful woman in the world.
Nayla Al Khaja
She is the first female Emirati filmmaker and director to be recognized globally. Her contributions to the Emirates cinema have earned her several awards both on the national and international scale.
Mariam Al-Mansouri
After graduating in 2007, Mariam Al-Mansouri became one of the first women to join the Emirates air force. She flies the F-16 fighting falcon making her one of the most influential pilots in the UAE.
Reem Al Hashima
Reem Al Hashima led the UAE to win the World Expo 2020. She is the Minister of State for Cooperation and is known for supporting quality education in developing countries.
Nora Al Matrooshi
In 2021, Nora Al Matrooshi became the first female Emirati and Arab astronaut. This feat launched her to be the 66th woman to go to space. She is also a candidate for space exploration missions.
Halima Al-Naqbi
Passionate about the developmental process of the UAE, Halima Al-Naqbi is an Arab pioneering biomedical engineer. Through research and innovation, she is contributing to the growth of the Arab world’s scientific development.
Mozah Al Maktoum
Mozah Al Maktoum has garnered many firsts to her name. She is the first Dubai female royal pilot, the first commercial pilot, and the first female lieutenant pilot of the Dubai Police Airwing. In this way, she inspires many Arabian women to pursue their dreams in aviation.
Sarah Al-Amiri
Sarah Al-Amiri led the ambitious UAE Mars Mission. She is the Science lead at the Mohammed Rashid space centre, the Minister of State for Technology, and the Emirates Scientist Council Chairperson. Sarah Al-Amiri is also the first female Emirati to speak at an international TED event, where she highlighted the first Arab initiative to reach Mars.
Raja Al Mazrouei
With years of experience, Raja Al-Mazrouei is an influential voice in UAE’s fintech industry. She is the Executive vice president of DIFC Fintech hive and oversees the region’s first fintech accelerator.
Through these influential Emirati names, UAE women’s role in accelerating the economy has to be applauded.
