As the UAE celebrates it 43nd National Day, Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, fresh off her win at the Ralph Lauren International Ladies Tournament, flies the flag high for Emirati women
Lifting the trophy is a proud moment for the women of the UAE team. They’ve just won a phenomenal match at the second Ralph Lauren International Ladies Polo Tournament, consisting of the world’s highest-ranking female polo players. Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one of them.
“The only thing better than winning is sharing the win with people you admire,” Sheikha Maitha tells EW, visibly proud of her teammates. As the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, she’s always been destined for greatness. But possibly the most interesting thing about the young Sheikha is that she’s carved herself independent fame in the sporting world, which has come from talent and determination rather than royal status.
The 34-year-old seems to have a natural talent for sports, mastering anything she turns her hand to. She has competed at a high level in martial arts, representing the UAE in taekwondo at the Beijing Olympics and winning a silver medal in karate at the Asian Games. “What I learned from sports in general is patience and respect,” says Sheikha Maitha, going on to explain that she had to be very disciplined to compete in martial arts.
Clockwise: Ascia, Adam and Ahmad Farraj; Hala Gergawi (second from right) and friends; Dana Malhas, Mahmoud Sidani, Dana Hourani
Though she was 19 when she first, as she puts it, “tried to play [polo] one summer”, it wasn’t until 2011 that Sheikha Maitha got into it on a serious level. Despite this, she finds herself pitted against the world’s best. Speaking of the Ralph Lauren International Ladies Polo Tournament, which launched last year, she says: “It gave polo girls a voice. It changed perceptions and shattered stereotypes. It created a platform to showcase the best and have them as an example of what women are capable of.”
Sheikha Maitha’s numerous achievements have seen her praised as an icon for Emirati women. “I am flattered but it is a huge responsibility,” she says when asked how it feels to have people look up to her. “I always hope I can be a positive influence.” And although it’s clear that that she takes this duty seriously, she says that growing up, her main motivation was always to make her parents proud.
Clockwise: Kholoud Atta and Hala Harithy; Mrs Galadari, Amal Qassimi, Balsam Al Khalil, Her Highness Princess Azemah Bolkiah, Reem Samra, Sarah Belhasa, Ingie Chalhoub, Hikmat Kaitoob and Nabila Badro; Wife of Lebanese Consul Maya Nmeir, Daad Ghsoub, Carla Tannous and friends
This National Day represents another year that Sheikha Maitha can look back on favourably, for the successes she has gained for her country as well as for herself. At the 2008 opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, she was the flag bearer for the UAE. Since that day, she explains that National Day has carried significantly more meaning. Talking of that moment fondly, Sheikha Maitha’s love for this country shines through. “That sense of duty and national pride…” she beams. “It never leaves you.”
Main image: Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum [left] shares a laugh with her fellow players
