As Emirati Women's Day draws near, it's the perfect time to highlight and honour the extraordinary achievements of Emirati women, including those who are making a significant impact across diverse fields. Discover the seven pioneering Emirati women who are leading the charge and shaping the future of the UAE.
Sharifa Al Hashemi
Founder of the fashion brand ONORI, Sharifa Al Hashemi has created a label that blends modern Emirati identity with contemporary style and tradition. Through ONORI, Al Hashemi is redefining Emirati fashion by bridging the gap between the past and the present.
Reflecting on the changing role of Emirati women, Al Hashemi says, “We’re now recognised as some of the most educated women globally, seen as strong and capable. This recognition gives me confidence in everything I do, no matter where I am.”
ONORI celebrates Al Hashemi's cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of Emirati fashion. As she puts it, “Being an Emirati woman means a lot to me. My country’s support gives me comfort, reassurance, and strength. I feel connected and proud, knowing my achievements are backed by a nation that believes in me.”
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO Expo City Dubai Authority, plays a key role in shaping the UAE’s foreign relations. She focuses on building partnerships with countries such as India, Pakistan, Sub-Saharan African nations, and Small Island Developing States. Al Hashimy oversees the UAE’s International Affairs Office and was pivotal in securing Dubai’s successful bid for Expo 2020. During that time, she served as Director General.
In addition, she chairs The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and Dubai Cares. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a Master’s from Harvard University. She also has significant diplomatic experience from her roles at the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Maryam Matar
Dr. Maryam Matar is a trailblazer in government and genetic research in the Middle East. She was the first woman to serve as Director General in the Dubai Government, where she was leading the Community Development Authority and shaping social policies under the Dubai Strategic Plan. She also became the first Emirati woman to hold the position of Undersecretary with the Minister of Health.
As the founder of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, Dr. Matar has advanced genetic healthcare in the UAE by championing pre-marital screening and preventive genetic testing. Her impact is global through her work with the WHO Collective Global Network for Rare Diseases, where she supports research and policy development for rare diseases. Dr. Matar’s efforts have solidified her as a significant figure in public health and genetic research both in the Arab world and internationally.
Aisha Bin Bishr
Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, spearheads the city's transformation into a global leader in smart technology and innovation. She previously served as Assistant Director General in the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, contributing to Dubai’s ambitious global goals.
With over 20 years in ICT and government roles, including as Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labor, Dr. Aisha has a PhD from Manchester Business School. She has received numerous accolades, including Leading Woman in Public Sector in 2015. Dr. Aisha actively represents Smart Dubai at international conferences, promoting advancements in smart city technologies.
Alia Al Neyadi
Alia Al Neyadi, acclaimed as the UAE's first ballerina, has made significant strides in the arts, from merging traditional and contemporary dance to inspire future generations of Emirati dancers and more. Her love for ballet began at age three, nurtured by her mother, Svetlana Al Neyadi, a former Ukrainian ballerina and teacher.
Svetlana's move to the UAE and her establishment of the region's first ballet course at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation in 1997 set the stage for Alia’s own artistic journey. Surrounded by ballet from a young age, Alia embraced performance art and is now dedicated to promoting ballet's beauty and expanding its appreciation in the UAE.
Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum
Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum has greatly advanced Emirati showjumping, beginning with a national title at 18 in 2003. Her pivotal moment came in 2006 with a bronze medal at the Asian Games, followed by making history in 2008 as the first Emirati woman to qualify for the Olympics in equestrian sports.
Her commitment is evident from her busy competition schedule, which contributed to the UAE's qualification for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. In 2010, she won silver medals at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, further establishing the UAE's prominence in showjumping. Today, Abu Dhabi's hosting of the Global Champions Tour finale underscores the UAE's growing impact on the sport.
Dr. Amal Al Ghaferi
Dr. Amal Al Ghaferi, an Associate Professor at Khalifa University, is a prominent expert in materials science and nanotechnology in the UAE. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and has previously taught at Masdar Institute and UAE University.
Dr. Al Ghaferi played a key role in setting up advanced microscopy facilities and the UAE's first electron microscopy lab in Abu Dhabi. Her research covers nanotechnology, new materials for water desalination, solar cells, and energy storage, with a focus on 2D materials for batteries and supercapacitors.
