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With Emirati Women’s Day on the horizon, there’s no better moment to honour the remarkable women who have helped shape the UAE into the nation it is today. For decades, Emirati women have been at the forefront of progress – driving change, breaking barriers, and redefining what’s possible.
From visionary entrepreneurs to courageous leaders, they continue to pave the way for generations to come, carving out legacies that are as powerful as they are inspiring.
This year, GRAZIA shines a spotlight on 10 extraordinary women whose impact is not only felt today, but will echo well into the future.
Amina Taher
Entrepreneur, marketing executive, board member—there’s little that Amina Taher hasn’t mastered. After her tenure as Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Sponsorships at Etihad Airways, she has gone on to take on influential roles as CMO of Wio Bank and board member for both Bloom Holding and The Marketing Society.
When GRAZIA spoke to Amina on last year’s Emirati Women’s Day, she shared her belief that “every day is Emirati Women’s Day” – a sentiment she continues to embody. Through her leadership, she not only breaks new ground in business but also opens doors for the next generation of Emirati women to rise and thrive.
Her Highness Sheikha Dr. Dalal Al Maktoum
When Sheikha Dr. Dalal Al Maktoum first sat down with GRAZIA in 2023, she shared a heartfelt message to all Emirati women – one rooted in admiration and inspiration. A true multi-hyphenate, she has built a thriving creative community around her love of fashion while also balancing her role as a Psychiatry Resident at the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Both a digital fashion and lifestyle sensation and a dedicated medical professional, Sheikha Dr. Dalal embodies the belief that you can pursue every dream with equal passion. As she herself has said, she draws strength from the women of the UAE—yet her own story has already become a source of inspiration in return.
Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum
The embodiment of the limitless potential within Emirati women, Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum, is one of the most impressive women in the Emirates. She is not only the first royal woman to fly as a police pilot, and the first in the royal family to qualify and fly as a commercial pilot for Emirates. The aviation trailblazer has taken to new height the possibilities for women. She has a role model and a beacon for women within the aviation field.
Zahra Lahri
As the UAE’s first female professional figure skater – and the first in the world to compete wearing a hijab – Zahra Lari has redefined what’s possible on the ice. By challenging outdated rules that once penalised athletes for competing in hijab, she has not only secured her own right to perform but also paved the way for future generations to take to the rink without compromise.
Rightly celebrated as the ‘Ice Princess of the UAE,’ Zahra has since founded and now leads Emirates Skating as CEO, creating pathways for young talent to flourish in the sport she loves. Her journey is one of resilience, advocacy, and vision—an inspiration to athletes across the Middle East to pursue their passions unapologetically, and to see themselves represented both on the ice and beyond.
Amna & Hamda Al Qubaisi
This remarkable sister duo is carving out space for women in the world of motorsport. Amna, the elder, made history as the UAE’s first female racing driver and the first Arab woman to compete in Formula 4. Together, both sisters have raced with MP Motorsport in the F1 Academy, earning podium finishes, including memorable victories on home soil in Abu Dhabi. Beyond the track, their impact runs deeper. As trailblazers in a male-dominated sport, they’ve become role models for a new generation of aspiring racers, proving with every lap that no dream is out of reach.
Captain Mariam Al Mansoori
One of the first women to join the UAE Air Force, Captain Mariam Al Mansoori, went on to become the nation’s first female fighter pilot—a trailblazer who has redefined what courage looks like. Flying the formidable F-16 Fighting Falcon, she led UAE airstrike missions against ISIS over Syria, shattering gender stereotypes in the process.
From a childhood dream of becoming a pilot to making history in the skies, Mariam Al Mansoori’s journey is a testament to resilience, bravery, and vision. Today, she stands as a role model for women across the Arab world, proving that no barrier is insurmountable when you dare to dream.
Captain Sahar Rasti
Sahar Rasti holds the title of the UAE’s first female captain and tugboat master—but her story doesn’t end there. A scuba diver, marine consultant, and CEO of SJR, she has charted her own extraordinary course in a field long dominated by men. Defying the odds after a traumatic event that once left her fearful of the water, Sahar transformed that fear into fuel. Today, she stands as a pioneering force in the maritime world, creating pathways for young women who share her passion for the sea and proving that no wave is too high to overcome.
Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri
Pushing the boundaries of science and technology, Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri led the UAE’s historic mission to Mars, a milestone that placed the nation among the leaders in space exploration. Today, she serves as Chairwoman of the UAE Council of Scientists and as Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, driving forward the country’s vision of innovation.
Through her work and mentorship, she has opened doors for young women to pursue careers in science and technology, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and opportunities to thrive. An inspiration to countless young girls across the Arab world, Her Excellency stands as proof that with determination and vision, the sky is never the limit.
Hana Al Rostamani
Since 2021, Hana Al Rostamani has served as CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank – the largest bank in the UAE – making history as the institution’s first female leader. With over 25 years of experience in banking and finance across the region, she has firmly established herself as one of the most powerful businesswomen in the Middle East. Beyond her role at FAB, Hana sits on the boards of several financial entities and has earned multiple accolades that recognise her exceptional career and influence. As one of the few female CEOs in global finance, she stands as a trailblazer – proving that with vision, perseverance, and determination, no barrier is too great, and no goal is out of reach.
