BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Across government, science, culture and business, Emirati women are taking on influential leadership roles that continue to shape the UAE's development and global reputation.
On International Women's Day, their achievements highlight how the country has created opportunities for women to lead across sectors, from diplomacy and tourism to technology, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is a leading voice in sustainability and climate action, serving as President and CEO of Frontier25, formerly known as the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA). She is also the chairperson of the Alliances for Global Sustainability platform, which works to accelerate climate solutions and sustainable development through collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society.
Her Highness also holds advisory roles at global institutions including the Atlantic Council, World Economic Forum, Yale University, the Centre for Multilateral Negotiations (CEMUNE), and the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW).
Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi
As Managing Director of the UAE National Orchestra, Sheikha Alia bint Khalid Al Qassimi plays a key role in developing and promoting the country's musical and cultural identity while supporting Emirati talent in the arts sector.
She previously served as an Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Culture and Creative Industries Sector at the Ministry of Culture and Youth, leading the development of the UAE's strategy for cultural and creative industries.
Shaikha Al Nowais
In tourism, Shaikha Al Nowais recently made history by being elected Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). She is both the first woman and the first Emirati to hold this global leadership role.
Prior to this achievement, Al Nowais has contributed to the expansion of the UAE's tourism sector while strengthening the country's presence in global tourism governance.
Sarah Al Amiri
Sarah Al Amiri currently serves as the UAE's Minister of Education, but she is also widely recognised for her pivotal role in the Emirates Mars Mission, which successfully placed the Hope Probe in orbit around the Red Planet in 2021.
The mission marked a major scientific milestone for the Arab world and positioned the UAE among an elite group of nations capable of reaching Mars.
In 2017, she became the country's first Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, a title that changed to Minister of State for Advanced Technology in 2020. She was also then named the Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi made history when she became President of the Federal National Council, the UAE's parliamentary body. She was the first woman in the Arab world to lead a national assembly, marking a major milestone for women's political leadership in the region.
She is also a former Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council.
Fatima Al Tamimi
At Zayed National Museum, Fatima Al Tamimi serves as the Head of the Conservation Unit, working to preserve artefacts and protect the UAE's heritage, contributing to the safeguarding of the nation's historical legacy for future generations.
Farah Al Qaissieh
Founder of Stutter UAE, Farah Al Qaissieh established the platform to raise awareness and support people who stutter, helping foster a more inclusive conversation around speech and communication challenges.
Dr Majida Al Azazi
Dr Majida Al Azazi, Founder and Chief Executive of M Glory Holding Group, is the Emirati businesswoman behind the UAE-made electric car Al Damani DMV300.
She is also the first Emirati in the Middle East to hold a Practical Doctorate in Business Administration in Supply Chain Management and Manufacturing, highlighting her contribution to advanced manufacturing and sustainable mobility.