ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
In 2025, Emirati women continued to set new targets throughout international leadership, environmental governance, science and innovation, security and sports – strengthening the UAE's growing role on the global stage and reflecting years of national contribution in women's empowerment.
One of the year's most significant milestones came in November, when Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais was confirmed as Secretary-General of UN Tourism, becoming the first woman and first Emirati to lead the organisation since its establishment.
Her appointment marked a historic moment for Emirati representation within the United Nations system and positioned national expertise at the frontline of shaping global tourism policy during a period of fast transformation within the sector.
Global leadership was further highlighted in October, with Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak being re-elected President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for a second term. Her reappointment reflected international confidence in Emirati leadership within environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainability, all fields that have become a key focus in global policy agendas. Under her authority, the organisation continued to progress collaborative approaches to address climate and conservation challenges.
Apart from diplomacy and environmental governance, Emirati women also made key developments in security and law enforcement. In September, Major Aliya Al Kaabi became the first Emirati woman elected to INTERPOL's Asia Committee, marking a major step across regional and international policing efforts. Her election highlighted the growing role of Emirati women within global security institutions and the UAE's contribution to international efforts.
Scientific research and innovation also stood out among the year's achievements. In December, robotics researcher Aysha AlShehhi received international recognition for her contributions to advancing scientific research, earning a prestigious award that highlighted the intersection of creativity, technology and scientific research. Her achievement reflected the UAE's growing focus on women's participation in STEM fields and its broader objective to position the country as a hub for innovation and future technologies.
In the world of sport, Emirati women continued to make history both locally and internationally. In November, sharpshooter Salma Haitham Rashid Al Marri was recognised as the first Emirati woman to win a gold medal in shooting, a key moment that underscored the rise of women's participation in competitive sports across the UAE. Her recognition came as part of broader efforts to support and celebrate women athletes at national and international stages.
Earlier in the year, Alia Abdulsalam also made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship. Her participation marked a turning point for Emirati women in international motorsport and highlighted the range of opportunities for women across diverse and usually male-dominated sports.
All these achievements reflect a year marked by continuous progress by Emirati women across a wide range of fields, from global governance and environmental leadership to science, security and sport.
All together, they reaffirm the UAE's long-term vision of empowering women as primary contributors to national development and international engagement, a vision that continues to translate into measurable milestones on the world stage.