Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
For four Emirati women working at a world-renowned coffee chain, their role goes beyond brewing coffee and serving customers - it's about proudly showcasing their national identity. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to represent and share their culture and their empowering journey.
Aysha Mohammed wears the abaya with pride and goes the extra mile to incorporate Emirati heritage into everyday moments during her shift at Alshaya Group's Starbucks.
"I often write lines of Emirati poetry on coffee cups - small verses that reflect our dialect, our warmth, and our heritage," Mohammed told Aletihad.
Mohammed is thriving in her job and hopes to become a source of encouragement for others. "My managers believed in me, guided me. Growth is always possible when someone believes in you," she said.
Shaikhah Mohamed Saeed, who rose from barista to shift supervisor, is living proof of what women are capable of when given the space to grow.
"Emirati women today are redefining ambition; we do not wait for perfect opportunities - we create them, shape them, and rise through them with pride," she said.
For Tarfa Sultan, balancing work at Starbucks with her studies in emergency medical services has been both challenging and empowering.
"Empowerment, for me, is the ability to embrace every part of my journey with confidence and purpose. It is about proving - to myself first - that I can balance a demanding academic path with a fast-paced job, all while staying grounded in my values as an Emirati woman. Every shift, every exam, every challenge is a reminder of my resilience."
Sultan described her experience at the coffee shop as transformative.
"Professionally, I have developed skills that support my future in emergency care - from staying calm under pressure to teamwork and communication. Personally, I've grown more confident, emotionally aware, and socially connected. Small gestures, like preparing a favourite drink or offering a kind word, can have a big impact - a lesson I carry with me everywhere."
She encourages young Emirati women to "keep going" wherever they are on their journey.
"Whether you are juggling work and study, or exploring a new path, your journey matters. Strength comes from balance and showing up with heart and determination. Do not be afraid to challenge expectations," Sultan said.
Emirati Women's Day is a day to celebrate identity, she said. "At Starbucks, I celebrate by speaking my language, sharing my culture, and proving that Emirati women belong in every space - not just as participants, but as leaders."
Layla Hilal Abdalla Hilal Almeqbaali said being part of a global brand like Starbucks allowed her "to showcase the creativity, strength, and ambition of Emirati women".
"Every interaction is a chance to reflect our culture, our warmth, and our commitment to excellence," she said.
