Across the UAE, women are playing an increasingly visible role in leadership, culture, sport and innovation, helping to drive progress across the country.
International Women’s Day on March 8th offers a moment to recognise the achievements of women whose work continues to shape the communities and future generations.
This feature highlights six remarkable women whose journeys reflect both personal determination and the UAE’s long-standing commitment to empowering women.
HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi is a long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment, education and family development across the UAE.
Her Highness was the third wife of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and inaugural president of the United Arab Emirates, and is referred to as ”The Mother of the Nation”.
Awarded by five different organisations from the United Nations for her significant efforts in women’s rights, Her Highness’s work has helped expand opportunities for Emirati women in education, leadership and public life.
Reem Al Hashimy
Reem Al Hashimy is an Emirati politician and currently the Minister of State for International Cooperation in the United Arab Emirates. She plays a key role in the UAE government and shapes the country’s international partnerships and development initiatives.
Al Hashimy served as the Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai and helped deliver and achieve one of the region’s most significant global events. This was the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Representing the UAE on the international stage, Al Hashimy continues to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties worldwide.
Salma Al Baloushi
Salma Al Baloushi is the first Emirati female to rise to the rank of first officer at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways.
Achieving this rank at the age of just 24, Al Baloushi is part of the growing movement of women entering the aviation sector in the region and inspires the next generation of Emirati pilots pursuing careers in aviation.
Not just a pilot but also a mother, Al Baloushi is an inspiration to those who juggle work with home life and want to be the best they can be in their fields.
Amna Al Qubaisi
Amna Al Qubaisi is an Emirati racing driver who currently competes in the Ligier European Series. She followed her father’s footsteps, Khaled Al Qubaisi, a prominent endurance racer.
She was one of the first Emirati women to compete internationally in motorsport, and competed at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans in June 2025.
In 2018, Al Qubaisi became the first Middle Eastern woman to take part in a motorsport test program for Formula E. With these achievements, she inspires young women to pursue careers in motorsport.
Elham Al Marzooqi
Elham Al Marzooqi was the UAE’s first professional female Emirati cellist and regularly performs at international and cultural events, most notably at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Al Marzooqi is recognised for championing classical music within the UAE’s growing cultural scene, and is involved in initiatives that promote the arts.
Balancing her musical career as a cellist with her role as Senior Legal Counsel at Abu Dhabi’s Ethara, it’s proven that you can excel on more than one path.
Marwa Alhashmi
Marwa Alhashmi is an endurance horse rider, as well as a part-time model, presenter and actress. Competing in races was a childhood dream she achieved, and her endurance racing career sees her compete against 200 other riders in long-distance horse races.
Alshami’s other paths have led her to become a prominent model, actress and social media influencer, and she has been part of successful campaigns.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak played a key role as her inspiration growing up, and now is in a position where she can also champion Emirati women in these industries.
These women’s stories continue to inspire a new generation in the UAE, proving that with opportunity, support and vision, women are helping define the future across every field.
Read more Abu Dhabi news and travel updates here.
