Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Emirati women are making significant strides in fields where they were once unrepresented, reflecting the UAE’s sustained investment in women’s empowerment.
Today, their representation is increasingly visible across specialised fields, from cybersecurity and cultural heritage to adventure travel and beyond, helping shape the nation’s future.
This year, the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebrations under the theme “Together, We Rise Stronger and Better”, from August 28 to September 28, celebrating women’s achivements across diverse sectors.
Speaking to Aletihad, Emirati women from a range of professions shared their journeys and how they have carved out spaces for themselves in specialised fields.
Riding Solo Across Borders
Fatima Alloghani, the first Emirati woman to ride solo across countries on a motorcycle, said the past two years had tested her through entrepreneurship, academic study, recovery from an accident and returning to the road.
"My dream had always been to ride all the way to the borders of Russia and China. Yet changing realities, evolving travel restrictions, uncertainties along the route, and the realities of travelling and camping alone across remote regions made me realise that courage isn’t always about pushing forward. Sometimes courage is changing the route without changing the dream," Alloghani said.
For her, one of the most important changes for Emirati women has been the confidence placed in them to take responsibility and lead.
"The greatest transformation for Emirati women has been trust. The UAE didn’t simply create opportunities for women; it believed in our ability to lead."
Alloghani urged younger Emirati women to recognise fear without allowing it to dictate their choices.
“Don’t let fear make your decisions. Fear will always exist; whether you’re starting your first job, launching a business, pursuing research, travelling alone, or leading an organisation. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is refusing to let fear define your future."
Cultural Heritage
For Noora Alzaabi, Documentation Photographer at Louvre Abu Dhabi, this year’s theme reflects the growing presence of Emirati women not only in leadership, but also in highly specialised fields.
Her own path led her into the niche field of technical and scientific imaging of cultural heritage, where she has continued to develop her expertise.
“It has given me the opportunity to pursue something I genuinely love, continue my education, develop my expertise, and contribute through a field that is still relatively uncommon in the Gulf."
Alzaabi traces much of the progress Emirati women enjoy today to the foundations laid by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while personally crediting her parents and workplace for giving her the trust and support to pursue her ambitions.
“Having that trust and encouragement behind me has given me the freedom and confidence to pursue the path I chose.”
Cybersecurity
With more than 14 years in cybersecurity, Fatema Almansoori, Senior Manager - SOC Monitoring, CPX, said her career has taught her that strength is also about helping others progress.
"My journey in cybersecurity has taught me resilience, and in a field where women remain underrepresented, I learned that strength is not about standing alone; it is about growing, supporting others and bringing them forward with you."
She sees Emirati women as partners in building the country rather than observers of its development.
"The greatest force behind the progress of Emirati women has always been the vision of our leadership. From the beginning of the Union, women were not observers of the UAE’s development, but partners in building it."
Meanwhile, Noora Al Mansoori, Specialist – Procurement, CPX, said becoming stronger means learning to adapt while continuing to develop professionally.
"To me, the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better” means resilience, adaptability, and unity, which will enable me to grow through challenges. As a procurement specialist, I have learned the importance of embracing change, developing my skills while maintaining my personal values."
She believes expanded opportunities in education, leadership and professional development have helped women contribute more directly to the country’s growth.
“The UAE’s commitment to empowering women has created an environment where women can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth while pursuing their ambitions.”
