SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

The UAE’s longstanding commitment to empowering women is reflected in the achievements and career journeys of Emirati women who today are leading across diverse sectors through responsibility, continuous learning and a drive for excellence.

As the UAE marks Emirati Women's Day with month-long celebrations from August 28 to September 28, women from fields ranging from law and engineering to wildlife conservation, business and film shared with Aletihad how this year's theme, "Together, We Emerge Stronger and Better", resonates with their professional journeys.

Forging a New Path

In legal leadership, Amna Al Owais, Deputy Director of DIFC Courts, said becoming stronger reflects her experience of helping establish something new for the region at a time when women were still underrepresented.

“There was no template to follow and no established path for an Emirati woman to take on such a challenge.”

Over two decades, she has witnessed a broader shift in the responsibility entrusted to Emirati women.

“The greatest change has been the trust placed in Emirati women to take on significant roles in building and leading our institutions.”

Learning through Every Challenge

Shamma Alalawi, Senior Maintenance Coordinator, at Al Ain Farms Group, said working in maintenance has taught her to respond to problems calmly and become more capable through every challenge.

“Every issue teaches you something new, and each one leaves you better prepared for the next.”

She believes one of the biggest shifts has been challenging assumptions about the careers women can pursue.

"Today, more Emirati women are entering fields that were once seen as male-dominated. They’re choosing engineering, maintenance and other hands-on roles, proving that these careers are just as much for women as they are for anyone else."

Leadership through Responsibility

Meanwhile, in wildlife veterinary care, Shaikha Aldahmani, Unit Head Public Programs at Al Ain Zoo, said more than 16 years of experience have taught her that leadership develops through responsibility, learning and continuous improvement.

“We Emerge Stronger and Better reminds me that every chapter should make us better than the one before it.

"I always ask myself two questions: What can I do better, and what impact can I create next? For me, growth is not about reaching a final destination; it is about continuously becoming better and creating greater value."

She believes Emirati women have moved beyond proving their capabilities and are increasingly shaping decisions themselves.

“The most significant change, in my view, has been the transition of Emirati women from proving what they can do to actively shaping decisions, leading teams, and creating impact.”

Trusted to Lead 

In wildlife conservation, Muna Al Hajeri, Park Director, Dubai Safari Park, said her journey from human resources into wildlife conservation and leadership showed her the value of embracing change.

“I began in Human Resources before pursuing my passion for wildlife and conservation and eventually leading Dubai Safari Park. That transition taught me to embrace challenges, keep learning and not feel limited by where I began. I bring that same mindset to the park today."

Al Hajeri believes Emirati women are increasingly trusted to lead in diverse and unconventional fields.

"This trust has created opportunities to shape decisions and lead in unconventional fields, empowering Emirati women to be more than participants, but to lead the charge towards positive change."

Growth through New Experiences

Drawing on a career spanning different sectors, Hamda Baker, Vice President of Business Development at GMG, said unexpected paths often become the most valuable learning experiences.

"I don’t think becoming stronger means reaching a point where you suddenly have all the answers. For me, it means being more comfortable with not knowing, having the confidence to ask the right questions and continuing to evolve. Sometimes the path you never planned for ends up teaching you the most."

She believes Emirati women have progressed beyond receiving opportunities to actively influencing the economy and organisations.

"One of the most meaningful changes I have witnessed is how normal it has become to see Emirati women leading, making decisions and shaping organisations across sectors. We have moved beyond simply creating opportunities for women; today, women are actively influencing the direction of the UAE’s economy and its future."

Excel across Roles

In film industry, Fatima AlDhaheri, Development Executive at Image Nation Studios, the progress of Emirati women is closely tied to the country’s own development and the generations of women who came before.

"Every Emirati woman who succeeds does more than build her own career. She opens a door that stays open for the next woman, and for the children she is raising behind her. Getting here has meant wearing many hats at once."

AlDhaheri sees a remarkable generational transformation.

"The scale of change is remarkable when you sit with it. Only two generations ago, our grandmothers ran households and rarely saw the world beyond them. Our mothers were the first to pursue higher education and step into the workforce. Now we work across the globe, carrying pride in where we are from, while raising children, running households, and building futures for our children."