Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE continues to make progress across sectors, Emirati women are leaving their mark and playing an active role in the nation’s development as key contributors to its success.
In conversations with Aletihad on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, Emirati women from a range of sectors shared their thoughts on this year’s theme “Together, We Rise Stronger and Better”, and how it resonates with their professional journeys.
This year, the UAE is marking Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebrations from August 28 to September 28, highlighting the achievements and contributions of women to the nation’s development journey.
Learning from Experience
Farah Albeshr, Head of Division Student Experience at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said learning from experience and using that growth to create opportunities for others is her yard stick to measuring progress.
Her own journey, which included studying abroad before returning to Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in a leadership role, has helped shape that perspective.
“Emerging ‘stronger and better’ does not mean that everything along the way has been perfect.”
She believes one of the biggest changes has been the level of trust placed in Emirati women, who are increasingly expected to shape institutions and decisions.
“Women in the UAE are not simply invited to participate; they are trusted to lead, to make decisions, to shape institutions and to help set the direction of the country.”
Anticipating Challenges Early
Wedima Alkaabi, Senior Officer, Safety, at Al Ain Farms Group, becoming stronger has come through taking on responsibility and learning to anticipate problems before they happen.
“Personally, I’ve grown stronger by taking on more responsibility and learning to trust myself.”
She sees Emirati women increasingly moving into technical and operational careers that were once considered less traditional.
“We’re no longer limited to one type of career. More and more, Emirati women are working in safety, engineering, legal, science, operations and many other areas that are vital to the future of our country.”
Focus on Science
Reyam Rashed Al Saedi, Sensory Scientist at Al Ain Farms Group, research has taught her that progress often comes through testing, adjusting and trying again.
“You test, learn, adjust and try again. That’s a big part of innovation.”
Al Saedi believes the UAE’s growing focus on science, research and innovation is creating new career opportunities for Emirati women.
"One of the most encouraging changes has been the growing focus on science, research and innovation in the UAE, which has opened more opportunities for Emirati women to pursue careers where they can help shape the future of this country."
Continuously Evolving
Sana Ibrahim Alhammadi, Digital Marketing Manager at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said her career has been shaped by the rapid evolution of marketing and technology, alongside the UAE’s growth as a global cultural and innovation hub.
“My professional journey has taught me the importance of continuously evolving,” she said. “I have always believed in staying curious, learning new skills and being willing to challenge traditional ways of doing things.”
Since joining Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2019, Alhammadi has used technology, data and storytelling to better understand audiences and strengthen engagement.
“I am particularly proud of championing a more integrated and data-driven approach to understanding audiences,” she said, adding that digital platforms can extend cultural engagement “far beyond the museum’s physical walls.”
Specialised Careers
Alanoud Ali Alkaabi, Veterinary Technician at Al Ain Zoo, said that some of the most challenging situations can become the greatest opportunities for learning and growth.
"What matters is that you learn, adapt and come back with more knowledge and confidence than before. I think that applies to us as women as well. Every challenge can shape us, but we decide how we emerge from it," Alkaabi said.
She has also witnessed more Emirati women entering specialised careers and taking on responsibility across a range of fields.
“Today, Emirati women are not only participating; they are leading, making decisions and building expertise in fields that may once have been considered unusual choices for women.”
