The fifth edition
On August 28, the United Arab Emirates will celebrate their fifth annual Emirati Women’s Day. Over the years, the government has taken several steps to increase women’s roles and representation within the state.
In honour of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, here are 10 local women who inspire us everyday.
Alia Al Mansoori – Student
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At just 16, Alia Al Mansoori, an aspiring astronaut, has been appointed as a Scientific Research Fellow at New York University Abu Dhabi. Last year, she won the Genes in Space competition with a proposal to study how exposure to space affects the health of live organisms at a cellular level. After that, her experiment was blasted into space and Al Mansouri got to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the occasion.
Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi – Fashion designer
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The daughter of the Ruler of Fujairah has been putting in the work, representing the UAE in the fashion industry. The Dubai-based designer, who studied at prestigious French fashion college Esmod, is famed for her uber-feminine silhouettes and juxtaposition of textures. Ever since launching her eponymous label in 2012, the designer has had several A-list celebrities don her creations. From Lorde wearing a Madiyah dress during her Grammy performance to Khloe Kardashian championing her at Diana Ross’ 75th birthday – we expect the list of star clientele only set to expand.
Sara Al Madani – Entrepreneur
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Sara Al Madani has multiple ventures on the go. When she was just 15, the entrepreneur launched eponymous fashion house, which was known as formerly Rouge Couture. Not only that, but she also owns a tech company, a creative consultancy and a restaurant. Following her success as a young entrepreneur and business woman, Sara was selected to inspire women in the UAE to be more active and self-confident in order to achieve business success.
Sheikha Lubna bint Al Qasimi – Politician
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HE Sheikha Lubna bint Al Qasimi is an Emirati politician and member of the ruling family of Sharjah. She made history in 2000 by becoming the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the United Arab Emirates. Over her years, she has held several positions such as: Minister of State for Tolerance, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Minister of Economic and Planning. In March 2014, she was appointed President of Zayed University and has previously made Forbes’ list of most powerful women in the world.
Zahra Lari – Figure Skater
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One of our June issue cover stars, Zahra Lari is one of the most discussed female athletes of today. Not only was she the world’s first figure skater to compete in a hijab, but she is also UAE’s first figure skater to participate in the winter qualifications last year. She lead the UAE to become the first Arab state to join the International Skating Union and she has also inspired around 100 Emirati women to lace up their skates and hit the ice.
Fatima Al Jaber – Business Woman
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Fatima Obaid Al Jaber is the Chief Operating Officer of the United Arab Emirates-based Al Jaber Group. Prior to her appointment as COO, she held a career in the Abu Dhabi Municipality Public Works Department. Moreover, she became the first Emirati woman to be elected to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce board of directors in December 2009
Mariam al-Mansouri – Fighter pilot
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Mariam al-Mansouri, is the first female fighter pilot of the United Arab Emirates. She was one of the first women to join the United Arab Emirates Air Force academy after women were allowed to join, graduating in 2007. She flies an F-16 Fighting Falcon and led UAE mission airstrikes against ISIS over Syria.
HE Noura Al Kaabi – Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development
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Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi is an Emirati business woman who is the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development for the United Arab Emirates. She has held the position since October 2017. Previously she was the Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs from February 2016 to October 2017. Moreover, Al Kaabi was previously appointed as a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) from Abu Dhabi.
Dr Shayma Al Fawwaz – Founder of GOSSIP
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A true testament to the modern Emirati woman, Dr. Shayma Fawwaz, Founder & CEO of GOSSIP The Brand is the highly accomplished visionary behind the multi-concept platform that continues to break new grounds across the UAE and GCC. Launched in 2013, GOSSIP delivers an extensive array of experiences from food such as the GOSSIP Café and Desserts, to events and beauty including the GLO by GOSSIP that offers 360 make-up, hair styling and nail services at the location of your choice.
Amina Taher – Business Woman
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Amina Taher was appointed as Etihad Aviation Group’s Vice President Corporate Affairs in May 2017. She is responsible for setting the group’s global communications strategy, managing and safeguarding its brand, providing counsel and overseeing the group’s engagement with a number of its key stakeholders.
Happy Emirati Women’s Day!
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