Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Healthcare is built on science, but human connection matters just as much, and Emirati women are bringing both expertise and compassion to the sector, helping shape the future of healthcare in the UAE.
In conversations with Aletihad on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day, Emirati women from the healthcare sector shared their thoughts on this year’s theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, and how it reflects on their professional journeys.
This year, the UAE is marking Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebrations from August 28 to September 28.
Channelling Trust, Unity and Purpose
For Shamsa Al Mheiri, Director of Emirati Women’s Chapter and Special Projects at PureHealth, the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better” is rooted in collective progress rather than individual achievement.
"'We Emerge Stronger and Better' for me is about channelling trust, unity and purpose for collective growth. It is all about understanding our strengths, pursuing our ambitions and translating them into meaningful community impact."
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in quality, excellence and talent development, she said empowering women means giving them the trust and responsibility to turn their ambitions into wider impact.
Her own journey has involved balancing education and career development with raising five children. She later established PureHealth’s Emirati Women Chapter, which she said has inspired more than 200 women to pursue their goals.
Adding Greater Value
For Dr Najwa Al Bustani, Staff Physician in the Neurology Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Neurological Institute and Program Director of the Neurology Residency, Emirati women are increasingly shaping healthcare beyond their roles as doctors.
“Emirati women are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of healthcare in the UAE, not only as physicians and clinicians, but also as leaders, educators, mentors, and role models.”
She said her own career has allowed her to witness the opportunities opening for women to lead and excel in medicine. “This progress reflects a national vision and leadership that recognise the potential of Emirati women and the value they bring to our healthcare system.”
An Opportunity and a Responsibility
Dr Nadya Al Matrooshi, Staff Physician in the Cardiovascular Medicine Department at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, sees being an Emirati doctor as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
“To me, being an Emirati physician means having the privilege and responsibility of contributing directly to the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Across the UAE, she said, Emirati women are contributing to patient care, medical excellence and innovation as the healthcare sector continues to develop.
Responding to Challenges with Confidence
For Khadija Abdulla Almarzooqi, Recruitment Executive, Response Plus Medical Services, this year’s theme carries a personal message about responding to challenges with confidence. “Every difficult chapter can make us stronger, wiser, and better prepared for what comes next.”
She said the growing access Emirati women have to education, careers and leadership has been among the most significant changes. This is while family support has played an important role in her own journey. “The greatest support has always come from my family.”
Resilience, Adaptability and Purpose
For Dr Aysha Ali Ahmed Abdulla Almahri, Regional CEO, Burjeel Holdings, Al Ain, emerging stronger has meant growing from frontline nursing into executive leadership. “My journey from frontline nursing to executive leadership has taught me resilience, adaptability and purpose.”
Those challenges, she said, ultimately strengthened the purpose behind her work.
“Each challenge has strengthened my commitment to improving healthcare and serving patients with greater impact.”
UAE’s Investment in Women’s Education
Dr Tahani Abdo Ahmed Alqadiri, Associate Vice President, Burjeel Training Academy, said the theme is closely connected to continuous learning.
“This theme reflects the power of continuous learning.”
Her move from nursing into healthcare administration and professional development taught her that personal growth can also be used to support others.
“For me, emerging stronger means staying open to learning and using that growth to support others.”
Alqadiri credits the UAE’s investment in women with creating greater professional opportunities. “The UAE’s investment in women’s education, development, and leadership has had a lasting impact.”
Lifelong Growth Journey
For Dr Huda Alghfeli, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology, Burjeel Medical City, growth has been shaped by years of training, specialisation and perseverance. “As a physician, I see growth as a lifelong process.”
Each stage of that journey, including its challenges, helped strengthen her professionally. “Each stage brought challenges, but also helped me become more focused, capable, and committed to my purpose.”
She believes the growing encouragement for Emirati women to pursue advanced education and specialist careers has been a key driver of progress. “One of the most important changes has been the encouragement for Emirati women to pursue advanced education, specialisation, and leadership roles.”
