Celebrating Emirati achievers and role models

As the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day 2025 under the theme Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, the Emirati Women Achievers campaign by startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi adds a powerful dimension.

Since 2022, it has recognised more than 100 women whose work in entrepreneurship, government, science, energy, health, and security reflects the nation’s spirit of progress.

Together, the day and the campaign shine a light on unity across generations, celebrating trailblazers while empowering the next wave of leaders to shape the UAE’s future.

Here, five awardees speak about what it means to them.

Tala Al Ramahi, director at Office of Development Affairs,
Presidential Court

I represent the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, an innovative philanthropy based in the UAE, dedicated to advancing human potential and opportunity. In this role, I work in service of the foundation’s mission to drive sustainable progress in global health and inclusive development, for the benefit of communities worldwide.  I work with an incredible team to drive the foundation’s efforts to strengthen health systems, combat preventable diseases, and unlock opportunity for those who need it most.

As I have progressed in my career, my greatest joy and fulfilment have come from serving the UAE’s pioneering role in global development and from standing alongside communities around the world to help them thrive. This recognition is deeply humbling — not as a personal achievement alone, but as a reflection of the values instilled in me by my country and the generations of Emirati women who have paved the way. It reaffirms my commitment to giving back to the UAE, honouring its vision, and carrying forward its legacy of compassion, innovation, and leadership on the global stage.

Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, this year’s theme is a powerful reminder of the collective journey we have taken as Emirati women, hand in hand with our nation’s leadership, over the past five decades. It speaks to the spirit of partnership, unity, and shared purpose that has shaped the UAE’s remarkable progress.

We stand today on the shoulders of trailblazers who defied limitations and redefined possibilities, and we carry that responsibility forward — to empower the next generation, to lead with courage and empathy, and to ensure that our contributions continue to uplift our nation and resonate far beyond our borders.

Nawal Al Hanaee, director of Future Energy department, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

As director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, my work focuses on accelerating the country’s transition to clean energy and shaping policies that support innovation and sustainability.

Being named as an Emirati Woman Achiever, through startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi, is a profound honour, which reflects our nation’s commitment to empowering women and inspires me to continue breaking barriers for the next generation.

This year’s theme, Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, is a powerful reminder that progress is a collective journey. It honors the legacy of our founding mothers and fathers while reinforcing our shared responsibility to build a brighter, more inclusive future.

Dr Muna Alayyan, executive director, Saqr Hospital

As a hospital director and breast surgeon, my current focus lies in leading healthcare innovation and enhancing early cancer detection programmes across the UAE.

Being recognised as an Emirati Women Achiever by startAD at NYUAD is both an honour and a responsibility. It represents the legacy of strong Emirati Women and fuels my commitment to serve the community.

This year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme beautifully reflects our nation’s progress through unity, vision, and the vital role of women in shaping the future.

Maryam Sadiq, acting head of the Security Inspection Devices Department, Dubai Police

I am privileged to be the first Emirati female military engineer to be internationally certified in the maintenance and operation of airport security inspection systems. This is a field critical to both national and global aviation security. As part of the elite force within the General Department of Airport Security Dubai Police, I lead efforts to safeguard passengers, aircraft, and cargo using cutting edge technologies, while integrating AI and machine learning to elevate threat detection and inspection efficiency.

In parallel with my engineering role, I proudly serve as the first Emirati female military engineer to hold leadership positions in the UAE, Arab, and Asian Boxing Federations. I also represent the UAE as the official voting delegate in global boxing congresses roles historically dominated by men.

Breaking through these barriers was not only a personal triumph, but a national statement: Emirati women are equipped, empowered, and ready to lead with strength and purpose across every field, on every stage.

To be selected by startAD at NYUAD as an Emirati Woman Achiever is not merely a personal milestone; it is a tribute to every woman who dared to rise, and to a nation that believed in her potential. It symbolises the UAE’s unshakable commitment to empowering women to lead, innovate, and shape the future across all domains.

It is also a heartfelt message to every Emirati girl: Yes, I was the first to break through in this field, but you are the future. You are the force that will carry this legacy forward, expand its reach, and redefine what’s possible for the generations to come.

This year’s theme is a powerful reminder that our nation’s strength lies in unity between generations, between genders, and between vision and determination.

Together, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future hand in hand, just as Emirati women have always done, writing stories of leadership, breaking barriers, and building the future alongside their nation, every step of the way.

Marwa Al Mamari, specialist – Accident Prevention and Safety Recommendations, General Civil Aviation Authority

As an aerospace engineer and academic, my current focus lies in advancing aviation safety through artificial intelligence and inspiring the next generation through education.

I was also named as an Emirati Woman Achiever by startAD at NYUAD, which was both humbling and empowering as it reflects the vision of our leadership and the limitless potential of Emirati women.

This year’s theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’, is a powerful reminder that our collective progress is rooted in unity, resilience, and shared ambition