Her Highness Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is someone who can’t be pigeon-holed. An Olympian, martial arts master, equestrian expert and more, this Dubai sheikha sheds limits and expectations placed on her with grace.
The daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shows us how to lead with empathy and dedication, whilst she follows in her father’s footsteps, continuing on his adoration and passion for horses.
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Elevating through Martial Arts
Sheikha Maitha’s journey in to the realm of sports begin through martial arts. Beginning her career at the age of 20 in 2000, she went on to win 10th Pan Arab Games just four years later in 2004. She also became the first UAE woman to bring home an international gold mdeal.
Two years later, Sheikha Maitha went on to win a silver medal at the 2006 Asian Games in the women’s over 60kg karate category.
But it was in 2008 that would be a pinnacle for her career, as well as history making for the UAE. Her Highness went on to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Navigating unchartered territories, she became the first woman to represent the UAE in the Olympics. During these Olympic Games, she competed in the the taekwondo 67kg category for women.
Pivoting to Polo
As if mastering one sport to global status isn’t enough, Sheikha Maitha pivoted from her martial arts career to women’s polo in 2011. Combined with her partners of worldly stallions and her horse-riding infused upbringing, the sportswoman has garnered a range of accolades. From the IFZA Silver Cup 2021 to leading the UAE team to championship at the Dubai Polo Challenge 2021, her expertise continue to enter new realms.
Her Entrepreneurial Journey
Simultaneously showcasing her entrepreneurial flair, Sheikha Maitha launched her very own competitive horse stables, Team Z7. With a her of over 150 horses, Team Z7 competes in equestrian competitions across the globe.
Following the success of Team Z7, Sheikha Maitha launched Z7 Show Horses, showcasing the talents of stallions for live performances, film, activations, marketing and more. From virality on TikTok to acting alongside Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Her Highness has incorporated her fondness for horses with her business savvy instincts. Unsurprisingly, her streak of breaking barriers continues. Team Z7 is regarded as one of the most competitive stables in the GCC region.
what’s next?
Armed with the ability to consistently reevaluate the ceiling, Sheikha Maitha continues her upwards trajectory. From being named the Arab Sports Woman of the year at just 27, to climbing onto Forbes “20 Hottest Young Royals”, her talents and capabilities know no bounds.
There’s one thing for certain: her father is always supporting her in everything she does. Born in a decade that didn’t see a lot of women participating in sports, Sheikha Maitha’s father always pioneered a different mentality. “My father was the first person to support women in sports and he led by example,” she said in a previous interview with Gulf News.
And backed by her father’s support and her adamant drive, she continues to push the envelope and overcome obstacles.
Through mastering a sport that simultaneously prioritizes physical endurance and mental clarity, Sheikha Maitha redefines what overcoming constraints looks like. She is more than the prestigious titles and impressive medals she’s garnered.
Sheikha Maitha is who sits as the reason why many young women can recalculate what their limits look like.
