This year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme, Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, emphasizes the significant achievements of women in various fields within the UAE.
Emirati women are making strides in sectors such as finance, sustainability, science, technology, and security, evolving from mere participants to influential leaders. Their journey embodies a blend of tradition and modernity, grounded in community support and driven by a vision for the future. They are actively shaping not only the UAE’s development but also their presence on global platforms.
Here are insights from various accomplished Emirati women ranging from students to executives.
Amina Taher, Chief Marketing Officer at Wio Bank
Emirati Women’s Day serves as a testament to our accomplishments and the obligations we have to continue progressing. The last decade has seen Emirati women not only inhabit new roles but transform them. We are transitioning from mere participation to impactful leadership, and this evolution is rooted in community support—women uplifting one another through shared knowledge and legacy-building.
We now see Emirati women in executive positions, launching businesses, and mentoring future leaders. This movement is deeply personal for me, as I reflect on the influences of my grandmother, mother, and daughter—three generations that have inspired my outlook. The path ahead is focused on amplifying that impact, ensuring every woman has the resources and confidence needed to turn dreams into reality. Central to this journey is financial independence, as understanding and harnessing financial power grants women the ability to sculpt their futures.
Shorouk Al Redha, Chief People Officer, Aldar Education
This day invites reflection. I deeply respect our nation’s leadership for both their accomplishments and the inspiring direction we are headed. We have witnessed significant progress in the societal role of women, which fills me with pride. My message to young Emirati women is to recognize the privilege you have in this country.
As women in the UAE, we enjoy a level of equality, respect, rights, and opportunities that surpass many nations. Seize the ownership of the contributions you aim to make in our society; each of you has the potential to create meaningful impact.
Zainab Al Ali, Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations at Masdar
Growing up in a country where opportunities for women are proliferating under visionary leadership made me realize early that ambition combined with purpose can lead to both personal and national transformation.
Since joining Masdar in 2009, I’ve learned that the energy transition needs a generation of young leaders. Through the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) initiative, designed to harness curiosity into capability and potential into leadership, we’ve empowered over 41,000 young individuals with workshops, mentorships, innovation labs, and global forums, thus fostering a network of changemakers capable of steering the green economy.
I was once supported by someone when I was starting out. Now, I aim to extend that same belief to others.
Mariam Al Shamsi, Sustainability Officer at ARAMEX
Emirati women have significantly influenced the future of our nation. Today, they are prominent across government, business, science, sustainability, and more, not only contributing to the UAE’s progress but also inspiring the region with their tenacity and aspirations. In contrast to previous generations, current opportunities have greatly expanded, promoting the belief that women should occupy central roles in driving advancement.
The steadfast backing from our leadership, who emphasize women’s empowerment through education and equal workplace opportunities, has been instrumental in this journey. Additionally, support from our families and communities has enabled Emirati women to balance tradition with innovation, confidently taking their voices to global platforms.
In my role as a sustainability officer at ARAMEX leading a recycling initiative, I’ve witnessed how Emirati women infuse compassion, determination, and creativity into efforts towards a greener future. These qualities will continue to propel us forward, and I anticipate seeing more Emirati women leading significant change on the world stage.
Salamah Almazrouei, MBZUAI Robotics Master’s Student
As an Emirati woman studying robotics, I appreciate how women are entering fields defining our future. Robotics and AI are revolutionizing industries like healthcare and security, with the global AI market predicted to surpass $1 trillion by 2030. By choosing this path, I aim to demonstrate to younger Emirati women that they belong in these growing sectors.
Currently, Emirati women represent 61% of STEM graduates in UAE universities, many of whom are at the forefront of transformative research and projects. The shift is evident: women are now pivotal in shaping the UAE’s technological future.
Zainab Aldhanhani, MBZUAI Computer Vision Master’s Student and Computer Engineer
Studying computer vision has illuminated its powerful role in addressing real-world issues, from predicting oil spill risks to combating online misinformation. The growing computer vision market, projected to expand over 25% each year, provides an exciting opportunity, and my involvement in this field feels both urgent and fulfilling.
What’s most notable is the increasing visibility of Emirati women; they are presenting at international conferences, earning research accolades, and contributing to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Government data shows that women comprise more than half of science and engineering graduates, fostering a robust talent pipeline. Participating in international leadership programs further highlighted the value of our contributions and encourages more young women to embark on similar journeys.
Amna Alhammadi, MBZUAI Machine Learning Master’s Student and Researcher
Today, Emirati women are engaged in substantial roles within technology and science. While the technical capabilities of AI are thrilling, I find inspiration in its connections to sustainability, finance, and diplomacy. AI is anticipated to add over $320 billion to the Middle Eastern economy by 2030, and I see its potential in addressing challenges such as achieving carbon neutrality and conserving biodiversity.
Emirati women are actively leading discussions linking AI with global challenges, and I am proud to be among them. We now have role models in academia, industry, and policy that demonstrate the feasibility and impact of these careers. I envision endless possibilities for Emirati women in tech and science for generations to come.