SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Behind the UAE’s growing investment story, Emirati women are playing an increasing role in deciding where opportunity goes next. They say the UAE’s support for women’s empowerment along with its investment in education and talent has helped them build careers and take on leadership roles.

Highlighting women’s achievements and the UAE’s longstanding efforts to empower women, this year’s Emirati Women’s Day celebrations are being held from August 28 to September 28, under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better.”

The extended celebrations follow the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

On the occasion, Aletihad spoke to women across investment and finance about turning opportunity into influence and creating pathways for the next generation.

Their message is to embrace opportunity, lead with purpose and use their success to open doors for the next generation.

Meaningful Responsibility, Earning Trust 

For Nadia Rashed – Director, Outreach and Enterprise Development at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), empowerment begins with being trusted to take on meaningful responsibility.

Her career has involved representing Abu Dhabi internationally, building relationships across markets and industries, and connecting global businesses with opportunities in the emirate.

“What has shaped me most is the trust behind those opportunities: the trust to represent Abu Dhabi, engage with leaders and decision-makers globally, and build relationships that can translate into meaningful economic impact.”

For her, that trust has allowed her to build the confidence and credibility needed to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic ambitions.

“That is what empowerment means to me: having the opportunity to take on meaningful responsibility, earning trust through what you deliver, and building the confidence and credibility to contribute, influence and make an impact.”

That experience also shapes the way she supports others, by giving people ownership and the opportunity to take on greater challenges.

She believes women supporting and learning from one another is also as an important part of progress.

“We challenge one another, learn from one another and grow together.”

 For her, progress also comes with a responsibility to make the path wider for those who follow.

“The opportunity now is to build on what previous generations made possible for us, while ensuring that those who follow have the confidence, capability and room to take it even further.”

Leading in Strategic Sectors

Fatima Al Dhaheri, Head of the AGWA Cluster, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said this year’s theme reflects the growing presence of Emirati women in industries central to the UAE’s future.

“We Emerge Stronger and Better reflects the progress we see across the UAE, where Emirati women are increasingly leading in sectors that will define our future.”

Al Dhaheri leads the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance, or AGWA, Cluster, which works to attract investment and innovation in food and water solutions.

“For me, the opportunity to lead work of this significance reflects how far the UAE has come in enabling women to contribute not only to the workforce, but to the country’s long-term economic priorities.”

She sees the expansion of opportunities in strategic and emerging industries as one of the biggest changes for Emirati women.

For Al Dhaheri, supportive leadership, institutions, colleagues and families all contribute to enabling women to pursue ambitious careers.

“Having an environment that invests in talent and gives women the confidence and opportunity to pursue ambitious careers makes a real difference.”

Learning from Challenges 

Hamda AlShamali, the Group Chief People & Intellectual Capital Officer at Mashreq, said that becoming stronger means learning from challenges and using those experiences to grow.

“As Emirati women, we emerge stronger not only because we overcome challenges but because we learn from them and use them to become better versions of ourselves.”

She sees individual progress as part of the UAE’s wider development, with women contributing increasingly through their capabilities and leadership.

“Our individual journeys are part of a much bigger national story where Emirati women continue to grow in confidence, capability, and impact while contributing meaningfully to the future of our country.”

AlShamali believes one of the biggest shifts has been the move beyond women’s participation towards genuine empowerment.

On a personal level, she credits her late father with shaping her approach to leadership and teaching her that advancement carries a responsibility to support others.

Leading Digital Transformation

Dr Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, said women across the nation are leading digital transformation, driving innovation and creating solutions that are helping build a smarter, and more connected economy.

“Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Emirati women and their growing role in shaping the UAE’s future, particularly in the fast-evolving fields of technology and artificial intelligence,” she said.

Faridoon said her own academic journey, including her time at Ajman University, reinforced the transformative power of education in building confidence, curiosity and the courage to pursue new possibilities.

“On this occassion, we celebrate the Emirati women who are not only embracing the opportunities of the digital age, but actively shaping what comes next for the UAE and the region.”