Emirati Women’s Day, first celebrated in 2015, is the brainchild of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, known to many as the Mother of the Nation and beloved wife of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Her Highness’s vision was to highlight the profound impact of women on our society, choosing August 28 to coincide with the anniversary of the UAE’s General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975—a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s rights. Emirati Women’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a heartfelt tribute to the incredible journeys of Emirati women, reflecting the deep respect and love we hold for their unwavering strength and transformative contributions.
AISHA AL MANSOORI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI COMMERCIAL PILOT
Aisha Al Mansoori has made history as the UAE’s first female commercial pilot. From her early days as a cadet pilot at Etihad Airways to commanding flights as captain, Aisha’s journey has been remarkable. With a legacy that includes piloting the A380 superjumbo, she has shattered ceilings and inspired countless others. Her groundbreaking achievement not only reflects her personal commitment but also sets a new standard for Emirati women in aviation, demonstrating that there truly is no limit to what one can achieve.
AMNA AL QUBAISI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI RACING DRIVER
Amna Al Qubaisi has proven that speed is not just a man’s game. As the first female Emirati racing driver, she’s zoomed past expectations and straight into the history books. Competing in a male-dominated sport, Amna has repeatedly proven that she’s not just keeping up with the boys—she’s leading the pack, inspiring a new generation of girls to follow her lead on the track.
DR. HOURIYA KAZIM – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI SURGEON
Dr. Houriya Kazim, the first female surgeon in the UAE, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field ofmedicine. A pioneer in breast cancer treatment, she’s not only saved lives but also inspired countless women to pursue careers in healthcare.
KHULOOD AL DHAHERI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI JUDGE
In October 2008, Khulood Al Dhaheri made history as the UAE’s first female judge, a groundbreaking achievement thatmarked a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to gender equality in the judiciary. Her appointment was a landmark moment, reflecting the UAE’s dedication to integrating women into high-profile public roles.
MARIAM AL MANSOURI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI FIGHTER PILOT
Mariam Al Mansouri soared into history as the UAE’s first female fighter pilot, piloting an F-16 fighter jet with unmatched skill and precision. Her journey was one of breaking norms and stereotypes in a field traditionally reserved for men. Mariam’s leadership in the skies reflects her strength and commitment to her nation, making her a true symbol of courage and empowerment.
NAYLA AL BALOUSHI – FIRST EMIRATI FEMALE TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST
Scaling new heights, Nayla Al Baloushi became the first Emirati woman to conquer Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world. Her journey to the summit is a story of perseverance and courage, battling extreme conditions to achieve what many only dream of. Nayla’s ascent is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a powerful message that no summit is too high for Emirati women.
NORA AL MATROOSHI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI AND ARAB ASTRONAUT
When Nora Al Matrooshi was named the first female Emirati astronaut, she didn’t just reach for the stars—she became one. Matrooshi’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to science and exploration, propelling her to become a part of the UAE’s ambitious space program. As she prepares for her journey beyond Earth, Noor symbolizes the limitless potential of Emirati women.
SAFIYA AL SAYEGH – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI OLYMPIC CYCLIST
Pedaling her way into the annals of history, Safiya Al Sayegh became the first Emirati female Olympic cyclist. Competing at the highest level, she has shown that Emirati women can excel in any sport, no matter the challenges. Despite being just 22 years old and juggling the demands of a full-time undergraduate degree, her tenacity and talent earned her a coveted spot in the 158km Women Elite Road Race at the Paris Olympic Games—another first for an Emirati woman.
SARA AL SENAANI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI TO WIN A MEDAL AT THE PARALYMPICS
Sara Al Senaani has made a remarkable impact in the world of para-athletics as the first female Paralympic athlete from the UAE to win a medal at the Summer Paralympics. Competing in the shot put F33 event at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, Sara clinched the bronze medal, making history for her country. Her achievements continued at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, where she secured another bronze medal. Known for her incredible strength and determination, Sara not only set a new personal best but also became a symbol of inspiration for athletes with disabilities in the UAE and beyond.
SHEIKHA LUBNA BINT KHALID AL QASIMI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI CABINET MINISTER.
Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi is a trailblazer who has set a powerful precedent for women in leadership. As the first Emirati woman to assume a ministerial role in 2004, Sheikha Lubna catapulted the UAE onto the global stage of female empowerment. Over her distinguished career, she has led four key ministries, including the Minister of Economy, Minister of Foreign Trade, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, and Minister of State for Tolerance. Her tenure in these roles demonstrated her exceptional drive and commitment to national and international excellence. In 2017, Sheikha Lubna earned a spot on Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List, ranking 36th overall and topping the list of Arab women.
ZAHRA LARI – FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI FIGURE SKATER
Zahra Lari has glided into the history books as the UAE’s first female figure skater and the first to compete internationally wearing a hijab. She has redefined the boundaries of the sport. Her journey began with a historic debut at the 2012 European Cup in Italy, where her hijab led to a point deduction but sparked a movement for rule changes. Zahra’s determination to skate while staying true to her beliefs has made her a symbol of perseverance and inspiration.
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