The Emirati woman—bold, visionary, and unstoppable.

An Emirati woman embodies strength, resilience, and an?unyielding spirit of progress.?Rooted in rich heritage and guided by the vision of a prosperous future, SHE stands as a pillar of leadership, innovation, and compassion.?

Emirati women have?gracefully shattered barriers, excelling in fields as diverse as education, government, business, and technology, all while preserving the cultural values that define their unique identity.?Today, they are not only contributors but key architects of the UAE's remarkable growth, shaping the nation's path with their wisdom, ambition, and unwavering dedication to societal development.

Emirati Women's Day is more than just a celebration of individual achievements;?it is a national tribute to the collective power of women who have forged the way for future generations. This day serves as a reminder of the UAE's commitment to gender equality and the role women play in the country's ongoing success story.?

On this Emirati Women’s Day, we spotlight Emirati women leaders whose remarkable contributions and leadership are creating lasting impacts across a range of industries. These exceptional women continue to drive innovation, progress, and empowerment, embodying the UAE's vision of a bright and inclusive future.?They have been a part of our events inspiring our HR communities and serving the nation by putting people first.

The list of inspirational Emirati women we've shared is by no means an exhaustive list and features some of the outstanding individuals who have been part of our HR series. We are constantly striving to bring together the best minds in the region to foster knowledge exchange and impactful dialogue.

Her Highness Shaikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan

CEO, Alliances for Global Sustainability & Founder, Circle of Hope

HH Shaikha Shamma Al Nahyan is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and social impact. As CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability, she leads initiatives that drive sustainable practices across various sectors. Her philanthropic work through Circle of Hope focuses on empowering future generations, women, and the environment, ensuring a lasting positive impact on both the UAE and the world.

Her Highness Dr. Alia Al Qassimi

Senior Advisor, Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai

HH Dr. Alia Al Qassimi has devoted her career to community empowerment, advocating for social inclusion and development. As a senior advisor at CDA, her efforts have focused on creating policies and initiatives that support the welfare of vulnerable communities, ensuring that Dubai remains a beacon of social progress and cohesion.

Her Excellency Farida Abdulla Al Ali

Assistant Undersecretary for National Human Resources Development, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)

HE Farida Abdulla Al Ali has been a driving force behind initiatives to strengthen the Emiratisation strategy in the UAE, ensuring that Emirati talent is at the forefront of the nation’s development. Her leadership at MOHRE has helped create dynamic opportunities for UAE nationals in both the public and private sectors

Her Excellency Dr. Mariam Al Matar

Founder and Chairperson, UAE Genetic Diseases Association

HE Dr. Mariam Al Matar is a renowned geneticist and public health advocate who has led numerous efforts to raise awareness about genetic diseases in the UAE. Through her work at the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, she has spearheaded campaigns that promote early diagnosis, prevention, and research, significantly improving public health outcomes across the country.

Her Excellency Marwa Al Mansoori

Chief Information Security Officer, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

HE Marwa Al Mansoori is a cybersecurity expert and a leader in information security, working to safeguard critical infrastructure in the UAE’s energy sector. Her pioneering efforts have strengthened cybersecurity strategies, ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s energy systems remain resilient and secure against evolving threats.

Dr. Nadia Al Bastaki

Chief Human Resources, Organisational Development and Asset Management Officer, Etihad Airways

As the first Emirati woman to specialize in aviation medicine, Dr. Nadia Al Bastaki is a trailblazer in the UAE’s healthcare and aviation industries. Her expertise and leadership in medical services at Etihad Airways have not only enhanced passenger safety but have also set new standards for corporate social responsibility and healthcare innovation in the airline industry.

Iman Al Qasim

Executive Vice President Human Capital at Emirates Global Aluminium.

Ms. Al Qasim is a Human Resources leader and change agent with particular expertise in organisational transformation. She has over 20 years of experience in industries including Finance, Energy, Automotive, and Retail and in both Government and multinational?organisations.

Eman Abdulrazzaq

Chief Human Resources Officer, Emirates NBD

Eman Abdulrazzaq is an accomplished leader in human resources, playing a key role in shaping the workforce of one of the UAE’s largest banks, Emirates NBD. Her innovative approach to talent management, employee engagement, and organizational culture has strengthened the bank’s position as an employer of choice, driving its growth and sustainability.

Here’s an elegant addition for Huda Al Abbar and Ayesha Al Hammadi to the list of exceptional Emirati women:

Huda Al Abbar

HR Director, Department of Finance, Government of Dubai

With a distinguished career in human resources and strategic planning, Huda Al Abbar has continuously championed innovative approaches to employee engagement, performance management, and organizational design. As the HR Director at the Department of Finance, Dubai, she has been instrumental in developing forward-thinking HR strategies that align with Dubai’s vision for growth. A graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Program and Dubai Future Expert Program, Huda’s leadership is defined by a deep commitment to creating dynamic, employee-centered workplaces that thrive on excellence.

Ayesha Al Hammadi

Group Executive Vice President, Human Capital, ADNOC

Ayesha Al Hammadi is a visionary leader at the helm of ADNOC’s Human Capital division, where she has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic HR initiatives. Her expertise in talent management, organizational transformation, and leadership development has helped ADNOC become a benchmark for excellence in the energy sector. Ayesha’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment, combined with her forward-looking vision, ensures ADNOC’s workforce remains agile and future ready. Her leadership is a testament to the power of transformative HR practices in shaping the success of a global energy leader.

Sarah Al Bakeri

Former Vice President of Human Resources, Tabreed

With a strong background in HR, Sarah Al Bakeri has been instrumental in cultivating a performance-driven culture at Tabreed. Her strategic approach to human resources and talent development has positioned the company as a leader in the UAE’s energy sector, fostering a high level of employee engagement and innovation.

Dr. Amira Kamali

HR Consultant, Dubai Government Human Resource Department

Dr. Amira Amanalla Kamali, a distinguished HR Consultant at the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, is a remarkable example of Emirati leadership in the realm of human capital development. With a career dedicated to optimizing workforce strategies and empowering individuals, Dr. Kamali has been a key player in transforming HR practices across the UAE. Her expertise lies in fostering talent, enhancing employee engagement, and implementing innovative solutions to align human resources with national development goals.

Mona Fekri

Chief Human Capital Officer at Ducab

Mona is a trailblazing leader in the field of human resources with a deep commitment to empowering people and shaping organizational success. With over two decades of experience, Mona has played a pivotal role in transforming HR practices at Ducab, driving innovation in talent management, employee engagement, and leadership development. Her strategic vision and passion for creating inclusive, performance-driven workplaces have made her a key figure in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Under her leadership, Ducab has emerged as a leader in human capital development, embodying the spirit of Emirati women who are breaking barriers and inspiring change.

Aysha Sulaiman

Executive Director of Human Resources, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

A dynamic HR leader, Aysha Sulaiman has been key in aligning RAKEZ’s human capital strategy with its business goals. Her work in talent management, employee development, and HR strategy has helped RAKEZ become one of the UAE’s most successful economic zones, attracting investors and fostering growth.

Fatima Alloghani?

Founder, Born to Emiratise

As the visionary behind Born to Emiratise, Fatima Alloghani is passionate about empowering Emirati talent and helping nationals find their place in the job market. Through her initiative, she bridges the gap between Emiratis and employment opportunities, working closely with both job seekers and employers to create a more inclusive workforce.

These remarkable women continue to shape the future of the UAE with their vision, expertise, and dedication. On this Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate their extraordinary achievements and the powerful example they set for the next generation of Emirati women leaders.