There is no single definition of what it means to be an inspiration for an Emirati Woman. Across science, sport, food, music, business, diplomacy, and film, different generations of women have or are building careers that reach far beyond the UAE’s borders.
Some have become the first women from the country to enter their fields, with others quietly creating opportunities for those who will follow.
As we travel towards Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate nine remarkable individuals whose stories deserve to be read.
Nora Al Matrooshi
In 2021, Nora Al Matrooshi made history as the first Emirati and Arab woman to be selected as an astronaut.
With an impressive background in mechanical engineering, she was chosen from more than 4,000 candidates for the UAE Astronaut Programme. After completing NASA’s astronaut training in 2024, she is now a fully qualified astronaut and represents one of the UAE’s most ambitious steps into space.
Amna Al Qubaisi
For Amna Al Qubaisi, breaking barriers happens at high speed. She began karting as a teenager before progressing into international single-seater racing and becoming the first Arab woman to win an FIA-sanctioned Formula 4 race.
In 2026, she took another significant step by entering the professional category in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, becoming the first woman to compete in that class.
Mona Al Mansouri
Chef Mona Al Mansouri is putting Emirati flavours firmly on the culinary map. Her approach combines traditional UAE ingredients and memories with contemporary cooking, as her work takes her into international kitchens and collaborations.
Her ambition is bigger than simply creating good food. The goal for Mona is to have Emirati cuisine understood, appreciated, and recognised globally, with no ceiling in sight.
Elham Al Marzooqi
Music has given Elham Al Marzooqi a platform to introduce audiences to Emirati talent they may not have encountered before. A professional cellist and the first Emirati female cellist, she has performed on international stages, including the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York.
She is also part of the Firdaus Orchestra, resulting in another important connection to the UAE’s growing cultural scene.
Amira Sajwani
Amira Sajwani is helping transform the way people interact with property. Currently Managing Director for DAMAC Properties, she also founded PRYPCO, a property technology company focused on making real estate more accessible through digital solutions.
Her career has earned recognition within the region’s technology and business communities, placing her among a growing group of Emirati women working at the intersection of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Fatima Al Awadhi
Some achievements require taking things one step, or one mountain at a time. Emirati mountaineer Fatima Al Awadhi has already completed four of the Seven Summits, and in July 2026, became the first Emirati to summit Kyrgyzstan’s 7,134-metre Lenin Peak.
The ascent also made her the youngest Arab to reach an elevation above 7,000 metres. Her ultimate ambitions include completing the Seven Summits and the Explorer’s Grand Slam, as reaching for the stars quite literally is all part of the plan.
Fatema Al Hebsi
Healthcare may be a very different arena, but Fatema Al Hebsi’s career reflects the same spirit of progress. With extensive experience in healthcare and clinical leadership, she’s held senior nursing roles and contributed to conversations around innovation and the future of healthcare.
Currently the Operational Clinical Director at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, her career highlights the important role Emirati women continue to play in developing one of the UAE’s most essential sectors.
Reem Al Hashimy
Few Emirati women have played such a prominent role in the UAE’s international story as Reem Al Hashimy. A long-standing figure in diplomacy and international cooperation, she became Minister of State in 2008 and was instrumental in the UAE’s successful bid to host Expo 2020 Dubai.
As Expo’s Director General, she helped deliver one of the country’s largest global events whilst continuing her work in international affairs.
Nayla Al Khaja
Nayla Al Khaja has spent much of her career opening doors in an industry where few Emirati women walked before her. Widely recognised as the UAE’s first female filmmaker, she began making films when the local industry was still developing and went on to write, direct and produce internationally recognised work.
Her film Three earned further attention at festivals, including the Red Sea International Film Festival, whilst her latest projects continue to expand her presence in regional cinema.
These women demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of Emirati ambition, and their achievements are not simply a collection of impressive firsts but are part of a much bigger story about women creating their own paths. Inspirational, they are helping define what the next chapters can look like for women in the Middle East.
