SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Excelling across diverse sectors, Emirati women are turning challenges into opportunities for growth, building resilience, adaptability and confidence along the way.
From film and storytelling to cultural preservation, many say their experiences have strengthened them personally and professionally while opening new paths for success.
Speaking to Aletihad on the occasion of Emirati Women's Day, Emirati women working in the UAE's cultural sector reflected on this year's theme, "We Emerge Stronger and Better", and how it aligns with their professional journeys.
This year, the UAE is marking Emirati Women's Day with month-long celebrations from August 28 to September 28.
Alia AlQemzi, Development Executive at Image Nation Studios, said experiences outside her comfort zone have helped her build resilience, adaptability and confidence.
"To me, the statement reflects how experience develops resilience and growth. Looking back on my personal journey, I've faced situations that pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me to be more adaptable and confident," she said.
AlQemzi believes continued investment in Emirati women has expanded opportunities to pursue meaningful careers across different industries.
"One of the most impactful changes has been the continued investment in Emirati women and the opportunities available for them to build and pursue meaningful careers across different fields."
For Aziza AlTamimi, Documentary Executive at Image Nation Studios, every project and challenge has helped her grow more confident in her abilities and voice.
"I've learned to trust my abilities, speak up, take on more responsibility and not be afraid to try things that are new to me."
She sees growing opportunities in industries such as film and storytelling as an important part of the progress Emirati women have made.
"One of the biggest changes has been the growing opportunities for Emirati women to enter different fields and build careers in industries that may not have traditionally been seen as their path."
For Alya Albloushi, Chief Cultural Guide at Al Shindagha Museum, this year's theme reflects how challenges can become opportunities for personal and professional growth.
"My journey has taught me that every experience shapes us, strengthens our confidence and inspires us to achieve more."
She believes expanding opportunities in education, leadership and diverse careers have been among the biggest drivers of progress for Emirati women, while family support and encouragement have played a central role in her own journey.
"The greatest change is the growing opportunities for Emirati women in education, leadership and diverse career fields. The support of my family and the encouragement I have received throughout my career have been key to achieving my goals."
For Shamma Saeed Jemai, Cultural Guide at Al Shindagha Museum, this year's theme reflects growing through experience while balancing her roles as an Emirati woman, mother and cultural guide.
"As an Emirati woman, a working mother and a Cultural Guide at Al Shindagha Museum, I'm proud to contribute to preserving and sharing our culture while continuing to achieve my personal and professional goals."
She believes growing opportunities for Emirati women, together with strong family support, have helped her balance her career and family responsibilities while continuing to pursue her ambitions.
"Their continuous encouragement and support in every situation have helped me move forward, balance my career and my children, and achieve my goals."