On August 28, the UAE marks another year of celebrating the goals and achievements of Emirati women. According to the founder of Emirati Women’s Day, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation; the “Mother of the Nation”, this year’s theme stands for “Inspiring Reality. Sustainable Future”.
On this occasion, read on for some inspiring words shared by UAE’s most compelling women with Vogue Arabia, and who are on their path to shaping the country’s future, with new perspectives of empowerment and victories in their fields.
HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and her son, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Illustration by Danielle Moore
“Emirati women have proven day after day that nothing is impossible with hard work, diligence, creativity, and hope for a prosperous future. With the completion of the modern state-building system, we will preserve the nation’s gains, capabilities, and achievements facilitated by God’s grace, and the efforts of our wise leadership, patriotism, and our responsibility towards it, has motivated us to continue the pursuit of our nation’s advancement over the next 50 years.”
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, artist
“I love how the UAE prioritizes women and how it respects them in every field. Women in the UAE have equal jobs to men and equal opportunities, also wherever a woman goes she is treated with the utmost respect. I don’t think there is any other country that treats women with as much care as the UAE does.”
Sara Al Tamimi, fashion designer
“What makes me proud to be an Emirati woman is the fact that the possibilities are endless. Being a woman doesn’t restrict me from pursuing my dreams. It makes me proud that Emirati women can choose to follow their dreams, whether it’s designing a collection or preparing for the next space mission like Nora Al Matrooshi.”
Madiyah Al Sharqi, fashion designer
“The women in my family, including my mother and sister, Sheikha Shamseh bint Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi who leads the Fujairah charity exhibition Zero Nine, are a constant inspiration, they’re very dedicated in their own fields and professions. What I admire and love about the UAE are the people who make up this country; where everyone’s diverse cultures, individuality, and talents are celebrated, and come together to pursue success.”
Khadija Al Bastaki, executive director of Dubai Design District
“Over the years, I’ve met many extraordinary Emirati women who have inspired me, but if I have to choose one person it would be HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of Dubai Women Establishment. She has played a tremendous role in empowering women by ensuring that they are well represented in all socio-economic spheres.”
Noora Shawqi
“As a mother and an entrepreneur, it brings immense joy to have a day dedicated to us that shows how the women of the country are constantly valued for our strength and efforts. With two young children, I’m trying to be mindful of the situation so this year I’ll just be celebrating at home with my immediate family.”
