When celebrating Emirati women and their unparalleled contribution to society, it is imperative to look towards the women who have not only laid the groundwork but inspired countless others to follow in their influential footsteps. Vogue Arabia recognizes and honors 14 women who stand as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi photographed by Ziga Mihelcic for Vogue Arabia March 2019
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a visionary when it comes to art. As President of the Sharjah Art Foundation and Chairperson of the Sharjah Biennial, she’s redefined the cultural landscape. With a degree from the University of London and a master’s from the Royal College of Art, she is also an accomplished artist herself. Her avant-garde approach has been exhibited globally, bridging cultures and fostering dialogue around Middle Eastern art. A trailblazer in her own right, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi’s contributions enrich not only the artistic realm but also the legacy of Emirati women on the international stage.
Khulood Al Dhaheri
The swearing-in of judge Khulood Al Dhaheri in 2008 was a historic step towards greater gender equality in the UAE and has left an inedible mark on the road toward inclusivity. With over a decade in the judiciary, the legal icon stands as an inspiration for Emirati women hoping to pursue law as a profession or enter any male-dominated field. Before her appointment as a judge, Al Dhaheri graduated from the College of Sharia and Law at UAE University in 2000 and served as a lawyer and prosecutor in Abu Dhabi for eight years. Beyond her courtroom duties, she uses her voice to advocate for gender equality and legal reforms promoting women’s rights.
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
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
Affectionately known as “Mother of the Nation,” HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has transformed the role of women in the UAE. She established institutions that champion women’s education, healthcare, and social welfare. Her role as the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation has seen her unwavering dedication to women’s well-being. Her initiatives have paved paths for Emirati women to excel in various spheres, including politics and business. In her own words, “Emirati women have proven day after day that nothing is impossible with hard work, diligence, creativity, and hope for a prosperous future.”
Nayla Al Khaja
Photo: Instagram.com/naylaalkhaja
Nayla Al Khaja made history as the first female director in the UAE, pioneering a path for women in film. Titles such as Malal and The Neighbour have not only earned the 45-year-old acclaim across the region but also internationally. With several accolades to her name such as being named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Personalities in Arab Cinema Al Khaja is challenging stereotypes through her storytelling which tackles a diverse range of genres, and also simply by existing as a female Emirati director. Her latest project Three has gone international and stars British actor Jefferson Hall who viewers might recognise from House of the Dragon.
Major Mariam Al Mansouri
Photo: Instagram.com
Known as ‘Lady Liberty’ and ‘Nightmare of the ISIS fighters’ Major Mariam Al Mansouri has carved out a place for herself in a field that is heavily dominated by men. She was one of the first women to graduate from the United Arab Emirates Air Force Academy and the first to become a fighter pilot. Today, her service in the military has become a lot more than a symbol of equality as she was called for duty in 2014 to lead airstrikes against ISIS in Syria in her F-16 Fighting Falcon. Her time with the Air Force has earned her a large social media following with many calling her an inspiration for young women across the region.
Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid al Qasimi
Photo: WAM
Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid al Qasimi is already an inspiration as a politician and a prominent member of the Sharjah royal family but her most prominent achievement is certainly being appointed as the UAE’s first female minister in 2004. Over the years the 61-year-old has held significant portfolios such as tolerance and international cooperation. Sheikha Lubna has not only showcased that Emirati women can be an asset in politics but she has also earned significant acclaim as a leader. In 2017, she was listed among the most powerful women in the world by Forbes.
Lana Nusseibeh
Photo: Linkedin.com
Lana Nusseibeh was appointed UAE ambassador and permanent representative to the UN in 2013 and has since been pivotal in shaping the nation’s international relations. Not only is she the first woman to hold this position she is also the non-resident Ambassador of the UAE to Grenada. Ambassador Nusseibeh currently serves as the President of the UN Women Executive Board highlighting the UAE’s commitment to global cooperation and gender parity. In the past, she has also actively engaged in global issues, advocating for peace and human rights on various occasions.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri
Photo: Instagram.com/mariammalmheiri
With 2023 being declared the year of sustainability by the UAE government and exponentially increasing efforts towards protecting the environment, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri plays a paramount role in the future of the nation. As the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, she is spearheading the drive to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the natural ecosystems of the country. With COP28 just a few months away, Almheiri remains focused on creating a brighter future for both the UAE and the world through global collaboration.
Aisha bin Bishr
Photo: Linkedin.com
As the Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, Dr. Aisha bin Bishr is largely responsible for the city-wide smart transformation of Dubai as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Her efforts have been crucial in using technology to transform human experiences in the city and in moving Dubai towards a future that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally friendly. In addition to her responsibilities at the Smart Dubai Office, she is also the Chairperson of the Dubai Future Council for Digital Transactions, part of the Dubai Future Councils initiative.
Her Excellency Hend Al Otaiba
Photo: Instagram.com/hend_mana
In July 2021, Her Excellency Hend Al Otaiba was named the UAE’s first female ambassador to France. Since then, she has been working diligently on improving relations and fostering dialogue between the two nations while focusing on improving stereotypical perceptions of the UAE and its people. Most importantly, Al Otaiba is focused on lifting women up just as she has risen. “Women empowerment has always been a key issue for me,” she insisted in a previous conversation with Vogue Arabia. She added, “Our region is often misunderstood and that’s why one of the main issues I want to take on here is to highlight the way we are seen as oppressed women, suppressed, and without a say or a role to play in society.”
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri
Photo: Instagram.com/sarahamiri1
HE Sarah Al Amiri is a visionary leader who has propelled the UAE’s space exploration ambitions to new heights. As the Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, Al Amiri has played an instrumental role in the nation’s space endeavors, including the historic Emirates Mars Mission. With a background in computer engineering, her expertise bridges technology and leadership. Al Amiri’s efforts have garnered international recognition, solidifying the UAE’s position in the space community. Her groundbreaking contributions inspire not only women in STEM fields but also future generations aspiring to reach for the stars.
HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Photo: Dubai Media Office
HH Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the beating heart of the creative community in Dubai. She stands as a formidable icon and inspiration for Emirati women as the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and also as the daughter of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “Ensuring the happiness of the people of Dubai through culture and creativity and paving the way for people to create and share their own success stories is a passion I work towards – not a role or a job I do. My greatest wish is to share Dubai’s heritage, culture, and story with the world in the same way residents and visitors share theirs with us,” Her Highness said in a past interview.
HE Excellency Noura Al Kaabi
As one of the most powerful female leaders in the Arab world, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi stands as a symbol of empowerment constantly reaching new heights. While her previous roles as the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and Minister of Culture and Youth have seen the minister enact various policies and propel development her recent appointment as a Minister of State proves just how influential she has been. Not to mention that in 2013, Al Kaabi became the first Emirati to be ranked among the Foreign Policy Magazine‘s Top 100 Global Thinkers.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy
Photo: Wam
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy remains one of the most distinguished civil servants in the UAE and has been serving as the Minister of State for International Cooperation since 2016. Her dedication to fostering international partnerships allowed Al Hashimy to excel in her role as the Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, a position that saw her orchestrate one of the world’s most significant events in the face of a global pandemic. Her contributions exemplify the nation’s commitment to cooperation and innovation and continue to serve as a lasting inspiration.
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