Jusoor Post celebrates Emirati Women’s Day

Under the slogan of “We Collaborate for Tomorrow,” the Arab United Emirates celebrated its eighth Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, which was introduced by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. Sheikha Fatima, who is the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is known as the “Mother of the Nation”, had established this day to celebrate Emirati women's significant contributions to the nation's development and progress.

Jusoor Post celebrates the day by highlighting examples of Emirati women who have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and played pivotal roles in the development and progress of the UAE.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi: First Emirati female minister

Sheikha Lubna made history as the UAE's first female minister in 2004, holding key positions, including Minister of Economy, Minister of Foreign Trade, and Minister of International Cooperation and Development. She also served as the president of Zayed University. Her global influence is evident by her ranking as the 36th Most Powerful Woman on Forbes' list in 2017 and as the top Arab woman on the same list. Sheikha Lubna's achievements continue to inspire, earning her international accolades and recognition for her exceptional leadership.

Dr. Maryam Matar: Pioneering gene expert 

Dr. Maryam Matar is a trailblazer in healthcare, genetics, and molecular biology. She was recognized as the “Pioneering Arab Woman in Healthcare Innovation 2019” by the 21st Pioneer Leadership Award in Healthcare, Kuwait. Matar founded the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, which played a crucial role in the enactment of five legislations for genetic screening in the UAE. She has also mentored numerous community workers and volunteers.

Matar's pioneering work in gene mapping has significantly elevated the UAE's global status in genetic research. She advises leading research and academic institutions and serves on the panel of the Global Commission to End the Diagnostic Odyssey for Children with Rare Diseases. Within the UAE government, Matar made history as the first woman director general in the Dubai Government and the first Emirati woman undersecretary in the Dubai Government's Ministry of Health. Her passion lies in inspiring young leaders, particularly women, to achieve their fullest potential, and her contributions continue to shape the nation's progress and inspire future generations.

Amna Al Haddad: Stereotype breaker

Amna Al Haddad is a pioneering Emirati athlete and weightlifter. She is known for breaking stereotypes and barriers in the world of sports, particularly in weightlifting, which was traditionally considered a male-dominated sport, and she made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to compete in weightlifting at the international level.

Haddad is the first female athlete from the UAE to compete in the Reebok CrossFit Games in 2012, where she achieved the 77th place out of 170 women from Asia, marking a historic moment for women in UAE sports. 

A visitor poses with a waxwork of weightlifter Amna Al Haddad at Madame Tussauds wax museum in Dubai/ AFP

As an athlete who wears hijab, Nike chose Haddad in 2017 to be the ambassador of its pro-hijab sportswear and gave her a starring role in its “Inner Strength” series featuring inspiring athletes.

Haddad's dedication, hard work, and achievements have inspired many women in the United Arab Emirates and beyond to pursue their athletic dreams regardless of societal expectations.