Emirati students, professionals share their thoughts

Marking this year’s theme, Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, Emirati Women’s Day highlights the strides women have made across every sector of national life.

From finance and sustainability to science, technology, and security, Emirati women across all sectors and stages of their career are no longer just participating but leading, turning ambition into action and influence into impact. Their journey reflects a powerful blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in community and propelled by vision, as they continue to shape the UAE’s future and extend their influence onto the global stage.

Here, dynamic women – from students to heads of departments – share their views.

Amina Taher, chief marketing officer at Wio Bank

Emirati Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the responsibility we carry to keep moving forward. Over the past decade, Emirati women have not only stepped into new spaces, but they’ve also reshaped them. We’ve moved from participation to influence, from presence to leadership, and what’s most inspiring is how this evolution has been rooted in community: women lifting each other, sharing knowledge, and building legacies together.

Today, we see Emirati women leading in boardrooms, launching startups, and mentoring the next generation – not as exceptions, but as a growing norm. This journey is not just societal, it’s personal. I think of my grandmother, my mother, and my daughter – three generations whose strength, wisdom, and hope have shaped how I see the world. The journey ahead is about deepening that impact, ensuring every woman has the tools and confidence to turn ambition into action, and stories into strength. And at the heart of that journey is financial independence, because when women understand and own their financial power, they unlock the freedom to shape their own futures.

Shorouk Al Redha, chief people officer, Aldar Education

This day is one of reflection. I greatly admire the leadership of our nation — not only for what has been achieved, but for the clear and inspiring trajectory we are on. We have witnessed a transformative leap in the role of women in our society, and that gives me immense pride. My advice to young Emirati women is: do not underestimate the privilege you hold in this country.

As a female in this country, we enjoy a level of equality, respect, right and opportunities that are definitely better than many countries.

Take ownership of the impact you wish to make in our society, and each one of you has significant impact to make.

Zainab Al Ali, director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations at Masdar

Growing up in a nation where opportunities for women were rapidly expanding under the UAE’s visionary leadership, I understood early on that ambition paired with purpose could deliver both personal and national transformation. 

I joined Masdar in 2009 and realised that the energy transformation could not succeed without preparing a generation of young people to lead it. Through Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), a platform designed to turn curiosity into capability and potential into leadership, we’ve empowered more than 41,000 young people through workshops, mentorships, innovation labs and global forums, building a community of changemakers equipped to drive the green economy. 

Someone believed in me when I was just starting out. Now, I carry that forward by believing in others.

Mariam Al Shamsi, sustainability officer at ARAMEX

Emirati women have come a long way in shaping the future of our nation. Today, we see women leading across government, business, science, sustainability, and more. Contributing not only to the growth of the UAE but also inspiring the region with their resilience and ambition. Compared to the generations before us, opportunities have expanded tremendously, and with them, the belief that women can and should play a central role in driving progress. 

Furthermore, one of the most positive drivers of this journey has been the unwavering support of our leadership, who have invested in empowering women through education, workplace equality, and national strategies that place women at the heart of development.

Equally, the encouragement from our communities and families has allowed Emirati women to balance tradition with innovation, bringing their voices to international platforms with confidence. 

In my own journey, working as a sustainability officer at ARAMEX and leading the recycling project has shown me how Emirati women bring compassion, determination, and creativity to building a greener future. This unique blend of values and vision is what continues to push us forward. The coming decades will see more Emirati women not just participating but leading meaningful change on the global stage, and I believe we are already seeing this today. 

Salamah Almazrouei, MBZUAI Robotics master’s student

As an Emirati woman pursuing a master’s degree in robotics, I see how women are stepping into fields that will define the future. Robotics and AI are shaping industries from healthcare to security, with the global AI market expected to exceed $1tn by 2030. For me, choosing this path is also about showing younger Emirati women that they have a place in these sectors. Opportunities have grown significantly.

Today, Emirati women make up 61 per cent of STEM graduates in UAE universities, and many are leading groundbreaking research and projects. The shift is clear: women are now at the forefront of shaping the UAE’s technology landscape.

Zainab Aldhanhani, MBZUAI Computer Vision master’s student and computer engineer

Studying computer vision has shown me how powerful this field is for solving real-world problems. Whether predicting oil spill risks or tackling online misinformation, the applications of AI directly support national priorities. The computer vision market alone is projected to grow at over 25 per cent annually, and being part of that progress is both exciting and urgent.

What has changed most is visibility. Emirati women are now seen presenting at global conferences, winning research awards, and contributing to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Government statistics show that women account for over half of science and engineering graduates, creating a strong pipeline of talent. Personally, representing the UAE in international leadership programmes has shown me how much our contributions are valued. This visibility matters, it encourages more young women to follow the same path.

Amna Alhammadi, MBZUAI Machine Learning master’s student and researcher

Emirati women today are contributing to some of the most critical areas in technology and science. While AI’s technical possibilities are exciting, I’m most inspired by how it intersects with sustainability, finance, and diplomacy. AI is projected to contribute more than $320bn to the Middle East economy by 2030, and I see its potential to help address challenges such as carbon neutrality and biodiversity conservation.

Emirati women today are contributing to some of the most critical areas in technology and science, and I’m proud to be among them.

Today, Emirati women are active leaders in conversations that link AI to global challenges. We now have role models across academia, industry, and policy who prove that these careers are both possible and impactful. For the next generation, I see no limits to what Emirati women can achieve in tech and science.

Read: Emirati Women’s Day honours innovators, heroes, says Miral’s CHRO