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UAE Sheikhas are trailblazers in a number of areas. A force to be reckoned with, each of them has made individual contributions when it comes to shaping society and building the nation.
Pioneers in countless fields including the arts, sports, climate change and more, they set a prime example for women in the region and all over the world.
In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, GRAZIA highlights all the inspiring UAE sheikhas and the mark they’re making on this progressive country we call home.
Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikha Mahra is a well-known princess, philanthropist, businesswoman and online influencer. It is without a doubt, her love of the UAE community extends beyond measure. Always making sure her efforts reaches out to people in need, the Sheikha consistently spreads positivity and spends many afternoons with children of determination. Such as her recent visit to Rashid Centre for People of Determination for its 30th anniversary. Her presence in the field underscored the importance of continued support for such initiatives, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment where every individual can thrive.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
From shaping history as the first Arab woman to be appointed President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) to her role as Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sheikha Bodour wears many hats with vigour and pride. Instated as Chairperson and President of the American University of Sharjah, the Sheikha continues to transform the creation and consumption of knowledge within the country. Beyond the realms of education, Sheikha Bodour is all about changing the narrative. From empowering woman to speak up against workplace discrimination, all the way to challenging global issues, the Sheikha is leaving a legacy for a disruptive change.
Sheikha Madiya Bint Hasher Bin Manaa Al Maktoum
Whether it’s the determination she exudes while riding a horse galloping across the UAE desert or her dedication when she conquers Europe’s mountains, one bicycle ride at a time, Sheikha Madiya, is an inspiration to women in the region, as well as across the globe. Always on the path to change the sports scene, the Sheikha has truly left a mark in the evolving landscape of sportsmanship in the UAE. Claiming many titles and achievements in cycling and horse riding, Sheikha Madiya truly inspires Emirati women to break the status quo.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikha Fatima is a cultural force. With launching the Fatima Bint Hazza Foundation, aiming to promote intellectual, creative and cultural endeavours in the UAE, Sheikha Fatima not only serves as the Chairwoman of the foundation, but ensures each stride to develop children’s literature and education in the region hits major milestones with each initiative. Not only in the field of education, the Sheikha has marked her steps to fostering an inclusive sports culture, one that empowers women and champions a holistic approach to wellbeing at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi
When it comes to art, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a true visionary. She’s reshaped the cultural scene through her roles as chair of the Sharjah Biennial and president of the Sharjah Art Foundation. An established artist herself, she holds a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art and a degree from the University of London. Her innovative style is known all around the world, transcending cultural divides while encouraging discussion on Middle Eastern art. Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a trailblazer in her own right and her achievements enhance not only the creative sphere but also the international legacy of Emirati women.
Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Daughter of Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HH Sheikha Latifa has a seriously long and impressive list of accomplishments. Dedicated to promoting cultural initiatives that foster the growth of Dubai’s creative and cultural industry, such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Dubai Design Week, she’s also the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. The Sheikha also has an extensive list of responsibilities, including Vice Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Chairperson of the Development Committee of the Al Quoz Creative Zone and Member of the Dubai Council. Like we said, impressive.
Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum
Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum is the daughter of Sheikh Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hessa bint Rashid Al Maktoum, sister to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is an inspiration for female athletes. In 2008, when the UAE royal was just 22 years old, she made it to the Olympics in Beijing and was among the first women to represent the United Arab Emirates in the Olympic games – a historic occasion for the nation. To say she has a remarkable career in showjumping and equestrian sports would be an understatement.
Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum
In addition to being a philanthropist, Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum is a successful businesswoman who started her own jewellery line, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery, in 2020. The Sheikha “is a certified gemologist and founded Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery in 2020, remarkably at the age of just 21, in order to continue her grandmother’s legacy of entrepreneurship, inner strength, and female empowerment,” according to the Sheikha’s Jewellery website. She’s also always given back to her community through numerous charitable endeavours, using her privilege to do good by collaborating with organisations that support the education of less fortunate women and children.
Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum
UAE Sheikhas are a prime example of the sky being the limit. HH Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum, who is only 26 years old, has already broken down barriers in the UAE’s aviation business by becoming the first royal female pilot in Dubai and the first female first lieutenant pilot in the Dubai Police force. She was also the first female pilot of the AW609 tiltrotor, a revolutionary aircraft. She established the Women in Aviation Association (Shehana) in 2019 with the goal of providing support and increasing awareness of opportunities within the sector. The Sheikha intends to work on getting her first book published, which will be all about female pilots from around the globe and throughout history.
Sheikha MEYTHA Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikha Meytha is a trailblazer in the field of sport. A passionate athlete, she qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing by competing in the female 67kg taekwondo division. Her Highness made history by being the first female to present the UAE flag at the games. She shares a strong love of horses with her father Sheikh Mohammed, and together they founded Team Z7, which, under her direction, has grown to be one of the most successful horse stables in the region. She has achieved an array of accolades and awards such as Arab Sports Woman of The Year.
Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahya
Sheikha Shamma, the founder and CEO of the Alliances for Global Sustainability, is an advocate for climate change. In order to transition to a more ecologically friendly way of doing business, she’s constructing a system centered on the circular economy concept, continuing on the eco-aware tradition of her late great grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Her goal is to inspire young people and women while concentrating on long-term, impactful projects. Sheikha Shamma also signed five sustainability agreements at the Glasgow climate change summit, COP26, in November 2021.
Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikha Manal is actively working to further empower women in accordance with global norms. She’s also the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the President of Dubai Women Establishment. According to the DWE website, the establishment’s mission is “driving the socio-economic future of Dubai through influencing policies, sharing knowledge and leading initiatives.” It aims to increase the amount of Emirati women joining the workforce. She is adding a plethora of diverse and favourable advantages to the nation’s leadership vision.
It’s safe to say that the UAE Sheikhas are an inspiration to women both in the region and globally.
