Member of the UAE’s Federal National Council, Meera Al Suwaidi stands as an inspiration for Emirati women, glittering in Chaumet’s new colorful variations of the daring Joséphine collection.
Joséphine Duo Eternel necklace and ring in white gold with sapphire and diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette Impériale solitaire ring in platinum, with diamonds, Chaumet; jacket, Isabel Marant at Net-A-Porter. Photo: Alexander Ermakov
For Meera Al Suwaidi, an empowered woman “embraces her femininity while pursuing her ambitions, contributes positively to her surroundings such as family, community, or work, and is in a constant journey of graceful growth.” As the Emirati leader glitters in Chaumet, she appears as an emblem of this inspirational woman. As the head of value creation at Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor managing a US $276 billion portfolio, Al Suwaidi is already an icon. Then, there is her position as an appointed member representing the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the Federal National Council. Like the Joséphine Aigrette collection that adorns her – and just like the empress that inspired it – Al Suwaidi is keen on casting her light upon others. “I hope my second term as a member of the UAE Federal National Council allows me to represent the people of the UAE in international settings in the best possible manner and allows me to bring forward change that can positively impact the everyday lives of Emiratis,” she says.
Joséphine Aigrette Impériale earrings and ring in white gold with diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette watch in white gold with diamonds with a black satin strap, Chaumet; dress, Solace London at Ounass. Photo: Alexander Ermakov
Joséphine Aigrette earrings, pendant, bracelet, and ring in rose gold with diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette Watch in rose gold with diamonds with a red alligator strap, Chaumet; coat, Serrb. Photo: Alexander Ermakov
Precious jewelry plays an important role in the life that she has built. “Each piece holds a sentimental value and story. When I wear a piece, it’s important for me to find beauty in it, but it’s also equally important to have a story or feeling to reminisce over,” she shares. Chaumet emerges as a favorite – she describes it in three words, “Parisian, regal, elegant.” On her wrist, a twinkling Joséphine Aigrette watch in rose gold with diamonds and a red alligator strap perfectly encapsulates these traits.
Joséphine Duo Eternel earrings in white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette ring and pendant in white gold with diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette watch in white gold with diamonds and black satin strap, Chaumet; dress, Solace London at Ounass. Photo: Alexander Ermakov
Joséphine Aigrette necklace in white gold with diamonds, Chaumet; abaya, By Amal at Ounass. Photo: Alexander Ermakov
Unsurprisingly, among her favorite pieces from the collection are the Joséphine rings. “They are extremely feminine and versatile,” she says. Al Suwaidi is also someone who has worn many hats, or perhaps it would be more fitting to say tiaras, since they serve as an inspiration behind the collection. In addition to her roles in the Federal National Council and the Mubadala Investment Company, she also oversees the development of Hub71, a global tech ecosystem in the heart of Abu Dhabi, while holding several other roles with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Al Maryah Community Bank, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the Cop28 Parliamentary Conference.
Joséphine Aigrette ring in rose gold with diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette diamond ring in white gold, with Akoya pearl and diamonds, Joséphine Aigrette Watch in white gold with diamonds and a blue alligator strap, Chaumet; dress, Chats by C.Dam. Photo: Alexander Ermakov
“I hope that through my achievements, no matter how big or small, I can allow women to believe in their potential and support one another because we need a more inclusive and empowered world,” she says. “I hope I can be a role model to my daughters and young Emirati girls in a way that fosters their curiosity and encourages their self-confidence and resilience to know that they can achieve greatness.”
Style: Sarah Ruxton
Makeup and hair: Kasia Domanska
Nails: Mai at Ginza Beauty Dubai
Production: Danica Zivkovic
