Today, the UAE celebrates the fifth annual Emirati Women’s Day. In 2015, August 28 had been chosen by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, to mark the general women’s union.
While there are many to note, Vogue.me reached out to some of the nation’s most talented designers to find out how they would celebrate this day and their message to other Emirati women.
Madiyah Al Sharqi
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
I’ve always looked up to my mother. I admire the big heart she has for family and how she’s supported and encouraged us to pursue what we’re passionate about. After all, she was my main source of inspiration to make a career out of fashion. I’ve also always looked up to my older sisters, particularly Shamseh, it’s really admirable how she continues to champion Emirati women through Platform 09, which just continues to grow every year.
For me, being a woman means being compassionate towards everyone, being fearless in pursuing your goals and proudly upholding it in hopes of being an inspiration to others.
How has your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
The UAE has always inspired a forward-thinking and innovative mindset and I’m proud to be part of a country that recognizes the important role women play in our community, not just by honoring us on this special occasion, but by continuously empowering us to be a part of the progression and success of the country through our talents and capabilities.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
There are so many complexities to creating a garment or manipulating fabrics – I believe pursuing formal education and training with a mentor are important steps towards taking up a design career.
Finish this sentence – An Emirati woman Is…
fearless, intelligent & empowered.
What is your message to other Emirati women?
Don’t be afraid to follow your passion and always work hard at it.
Budoor, Noor and Sarah Al Khaja of Serrb
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you and how will you celebrate it?
We believe that every day is women’s day but sometimes we get caught up in life and take things for granted. So this day is a chance to stop, celebrate and appreciate the people that we are and the people we’ve become. During this Emirati Women’s Day, we will be spending it together with our families.
How has your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
We have always believed that we’ve been given equal chances in education and in the workplace in the UAE. The past 10 years reinforced this belief by seeing more women reach senior positions in the public and private sectors.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
Every woman out there who has been true to what she believes and have pursued her ambitions and dreams.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your
creative footsteps?
Never be afraid to voice out your thoughts and opinions. There is always someone who is interested and if you find the courage to believe in yourself then nothing can stop you.
What is your message to other Emirati women?
Know yourselves and challenge it. The world is filled with opportunities so find your interest and seize the chance.
Noora Shawqi
Noora Shawqi. Supplied
What does being a “woman” mean to you?
Women inherit strength and courage like no other and to me, being a “woman” means you are strong, capable and worthy to do whatever you set your heart and mind to.
How has your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
My perspective about how much women can achieve had changed over the years. I was not very aware of it 10 years ago, but through experiences and watching the women around me grow and achieve the unimaginable, I was amazed. As for myself, I did not expect to be where I am today. I am constantly inspired by the women around me who talk about what they have done and what they’re going to do. Surrounding myself with these women motivates me to be where I am today.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
My mother. I learned countless life lessons from her and I strive to raise my children, the future generation, with her handprint on it. She’s an amazing life teacher and supporter, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My mom-in-law as well who followed her passion and created her own business as an event planner. Her passion and love for her business inspires me and taught me how passion is key to growth.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
We have a day dedicated specifically to the Emirati women which shows how much our country believes in our capabilities and supports us in growing. So, to the young Emirati girls out there, do not be afraid to follow your dreams. We are truly lucky to be a part of a country that provides us with so many different opportunities and we should make use of them as it will only make us and our country stronger.
Finish this sentence – An Emirati woman is…
the teacher of future generations, future achievers and accomplishers.
Yasmin Al Mulla
Yasmin Al Mulla. Supplied
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you and how will you celebrate it?
A dear day by all means. We are so blessed, and fortunate to live in this beautiful country; where women take their chances in all aspects, where women voices are being heard, and where women being treated as gems. Growing up in the UAE is a privilege, beautiful, and inspiring thing, as the rapid developments urge us to work hard to keep up and develop ourselves, and goals too! We are very driven in representing our country in a very optimistic way. We are being celebrated every single day by just living in the UAE– Everyday is nothing but a celebration to us.
What does being a “woman” mean to you?
Being a woman means that you are strong, capable, worthy, and valuable in all forms.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
Every single Emirati woman who appreciates her education, treasure her dreams and believe in her goals.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
Education comes first, passion comes next; it is the tool to achieve your dreams. Trust your instincts and the voice inside you. Believe in yourself to pursue your ambitions— Let’s work together to represent our country perfectly.
Finish this sentence – An Emirati woman is…
fortunate, qualified, and confident— with limitless dream’s boundaries.
Hessa Falasi
Hessa Falasi
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you and how will you celebrate it?
Emirati Women’s Day for me is a celebration of success — the pivotal role of women in general towards the development of the UAE. I am proud to celebrate this day along with the accomplished women in the UAE and truly honored for the opportunity this nation has provided to us as women.
I want to celebrate this special occasion with the successful women closest to me. My mother and my grandmother are my sources of inspiration. Both of them supported me and push me hard to be who and where I am now. Long before women are recognized in the UAE, they have set a different path, away from the traditional way of woman’s life. They are prime movers and have built their own businesses.
What does being a woman mean to you?
When I was a child I questioned myself why I wasn’t born a man. Things could have been much easier if I were but as I grew up and become matured I realized that being a woman is indeed amazing. There are so many things that only “us” can do. We can dress up, we can wear heels, the list is infinite but the most important thing is the essence of womanhood. We are given the opportunity to be a mother. To show what unconditional love is, what caring is all about and I am proud to be one.
How has your experience as a woman changed in the last 10 years?
A lot of things have changed but even decades ago men and women are already given equal opportunity in the UAE. I have witnessed this in my family, my mother and grandmother were able to put up their own businesses contrary to the stereotype kind. The only difference now is the vast opportunities created for women here. The government is very supportive to give us the crucial role to lead and be recognized in our chosen fields.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
I don’t have names to mention but I admire all the successful women in the UAE who break the barriers and are able to create balanced and meaningful lives. It is not easy to perform all roles at once especially if you have a household to manage as well. But to think that they can maximize their time and create the perfect ratio is truly admirable.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
Follow your dreams whatever it maybe and don’t ever give up. Being in a creative industry requires an insurmountable amount of patience, dedication and lots of imagination. Work hard to achieve your dreams and make your passion serves as your fuel to reach your goals. Being successful doesn’t come in one day, hone your skills and wait for the right time to come, once it happens seize it with all your might.
Finish the sentence: An Emirati woman is…
An Emirati woman is strong and compassionate. She has lots of love to give to her loved ones and to the community. She is not afraid to take a different route and bold enough to achieve her dreams.
What is your message to other Emirati women?
Being a woman, in general, is a privilege, an honor to celebrate. Being a mother, a celebrated businesswoman or anything in between is a remarkable achievement. It’s time for us as women to aim high and dream big. Let go of our intrinsic emotional nature and build our full potentials.
Afra, Ahad, and Alia Bin Haidar of Illustrella
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you and how will you celebrate it?
The best way to celebrate is by highlighting the achievement of our Emirati women who have proven to the world that they can become the best leaders. Women of our country are excelling in National Councils and as ministers, head of departments, doctors, teachers, architects, fashion designers and the list goes on.
How was your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
It has progressed dramatically. We opened up to the international world and have become a very educated society in terms of new sectors in the market. Experience has increased in 10 years and we learn faster, we network easier, and we progress rapidly.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
We look up to every successful Emirati woman who has achieved whatever she has set her mind to in her own field.
What advice for you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
Since we are dedicated to doing what we love, to us it is a very simple formula. We dream big and wake up every day to make that dream come true. In order for us to do so, we think carefully, plan wisely, listen peacefully, search widely and finally implement strongly. Always remember, “People with great passion can make the impossible happen”.
What is your message to other Emirati women?
Don’t look at small beginnings, but dream of big endings.
Mai Al Budoor of I Am Mai
What does Emirati Women’s Day mean to you and how will you celebrate it?
It shines light on how far we have come as Emirati women in such a short time, in terms of adding more in every field. It is inspiring to see the young Emirati women leading the cultural wave in every way, while still being true to their roots and values.
I do not feel that one day is sufficient enough to support the Emirati movement. It has alreadybecome a part of my lifestyle to support women around me and recognizing the inspirational women making it happen.
What does being a woman mean to you?
I feel I understood what it meant to be a woman when I became a mother. It showed me that a woman is the whole community and she’s the most valuable part of it and I learned to appreciate the women around me even more.
How was your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
To me, it happened drastically and rapidly. My aspirations unfolded and were realized quite quickly and I am very grateful for that.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
To be utterly and completely true to yourself, taste and identity. It will shine through. Also, to do things on your own time, with a well-studied plan.
What is your message to other Emirati women?
Be you. You are the most valuable part of the society.
Shatha Essa Al Mulla of Shatha Essa
Shatha Essa Al Mulla. Supplied
What does being a woman mean to you?
A woman has to be everything in my opinion, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a sister, a friend and an entrepreneur.
How was your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
I love how appreciated I feel here in the UAE. Whatever I do and in whichever field I work in, I feel that my work leaves an impression.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to
The amazing Asma Seddiq Al Mutawa, founder of the first Emirati Book Club. She is someone I look up to and wish to walk in her footsteps one day.
What advice for you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
Choose a field that you love, choose something that you would go to, to disconnect from the world. To me, my brand is my spa retreat. Whenever I am in the office, I feel that I am in total serenity. That is what I love most about the field that I have chosen to pursue.
What is your message to other Emirati women?
Keep doing what you are doing because we are excelling as a country, as a community, as a tribe, as a family and as a self individual because of the continuous hard work we put out there with love.
Rafia Helal Bin Drai of Mauzan
Rafia Helal Bin Drai. Supplied
How will you celebrate Emirati Women’s Day?
This day means a lot to me and I like to celebrate it reminding myself of the great effort every woman put in the community and the impact of this effort in having a powerful generations and fruitful projects that leads to greater UAE.
What does being a “woman” mean to you?
“Women, Icons of Tolerance” as HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak announced, as they represent the meaning of tolerance through their giving, patience, and ability to find a balance between the role of raising up generations and their role in leaving an imprint in work environments.
How has your experience as a “woman” changed in the last 10 years?
During the last 10 years, I had many expansions for Mauzan which required an extra effort from my side to make sure that every single detail meets the guidelines and the goals that I always plan to achieve. Moreover, since life has changed and the lifestyle of women as well, I had to plan and put strategies so Mauzan meets the trend and expectation of Emirati Woman.
Who are some of the Emirati women that you look up to?
HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, the inspiration for Emirati women. Her excellency who praised the wise leadership for providing great support and empowering every Emirati woman.
What advice do you have for young Emirati girls looking to follow in your creative footsteps?
To have a limitless ambition towards their dreams and to achieve more gains and accomplishments as the Emirati women is a major driving force in the community.
Read Next: All the Ways to Celebrate Emirati Women’s Day in the UAE
