Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum

Sheikha Latifah is paving the way for women in sport. The UAE royal qualified for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when she was only 22 years old. It was a history-making moment for the country as she became one of the first women to represent the United Arab Emirates at the Olympics. She has gone on to carve an impressive equestrian and showjumping career. In an interview with Emirates Woman as September 2020’s cover star, Sheikha Latifah said, “I always try to create small goals that amount to a larger big-picture goal.”

Image: Supplied, EW September 2020 cover shoot

Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum

Emirates Woman’s April 2021 cover star, Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum is a successful entrepreneur having founded her eponymous jewellery brand, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery in 2020, she is also a philanthropist. Sheikha Sana has been a pioneer in pursuing various philanthropic ventures, consistently giving back to her local community. Understanding that her position in life awards her privilege, she aims to utilise her position to partner with education-related charities, with a focus on women and children. “I was blessed to be born in the UAE, a safe haven to people from various backgrounds, where women are respected and treated equally, but I know that there are many who are not as blessed,” she previously told EW. “I hope to help change this by partnering with charities supporting the education of young children and women’s empowerment.”

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum

Our Emirates Woman November 2020 cover star is a role model for women in the world of aviation. From being a First Lieutenant Pilot at Dubai Police in 2019 to now becoming the first female to pilot the AW609 tiltrotator, this royal has broken several barriers over the years. With an immense love for her nation, she previously told Emirates Woman, “Serving my country by doing what I love doing most is simply the best feeling, and I am deeply grateful for it.” With a go-getter attitude, she has reached soaring heights after being the youngest student at the Oxford Aviation Academy.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation

Time and time again, the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima has reinforced the UAE’s leadership commitment to empower Emirati women and support their progress on a global scale. Preparing the nation for the next 50 years of growth, she is a proud supporter of women’s rights and advancements. Her Highness has headed a plethora of regional organisations including her role as the chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood combined with her humanitarian efforts to help women and children worldwide achieve peace and stability.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

As an ode to the late His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan released a book entitled Through My Eyes: The Life of Sheikh Hamdan as Told by His Daughter. The book touched upon his philanthropic principles and generous acts as he improved the lives of many. Published by Motivate Media Group, Sheikha Latifa during the launch said, “To the UAE and the world, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a diplomat and regal figure who represented his people internationally. I wish people could have known his fatherly side.”

Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

As a keen sportsperson, Sheikha Maitha has led the way for women in the sporting realm. A keen athlete herself, she made it all the way to the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 participating in the taekwondo 67kg female category. Her Highness also became the first woman to present the UAE carrying the national flag. Just like her father, Sheikh Mohammed, she has a keen passion for horses and went on to found Team Z7 which has become one of the most competitive sports horse stables in this region under her leadership. Several horses bred by Team Z7 have gone on to win awards on the international stage.

Image: Image courtesy of Instagram @z7showhorses

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Taking effective steps towards further empowering women in line with international practices, Sheikha Manal is the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment and the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. She is enhancing the country’s leadership vision with an array of wide-ranging positive benefits. Per the Media Office, she said, “Increasing women’s representation on boards of directors contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Gender Balance Council to narrow the gender gap in all fields and increase women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions in both public and private sectors.”

Image: Image supplied by unsplash @khadeeja-yasser

Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan

As an advocate for combating climate change, Sheikha Shamma is the founder and CEO of the Alliances for Global Sustainability. By carrying the eco-conscious legacy of her great grandfather, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan forward, she is building a system focused on the circular economy principle to move towards a more environmentally friendly method of operating. Her mission is to empower women and the youth, and to focus on sustainable initiatives that create change. In November 2021, Sheikha Shamma also signed five sustainability agreements at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.

Image: Image courtesy of Instagram @shamma_ssk

9 empowering UAE sheikhas breaking the mould

There are many women in the UAE inspiring the next generation of changemakers including from the royal family themselves. Today on March 8, 2024 as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we highlight how these ambitious women have taken on leadership roles to bring about change in the country. From equestrian talents to philanthropic efforts, there […]

9 empowering UAE sheikhas breaking the mould

There are many women in the UAE inspiring the next generation of changemakers including from the royal family themselves. Today on March 8, 2024 as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we highlight how these ambitious women have taken on leadership roles to bring about change in the country. From equestrian talents to philanthropic efforts, there […]