As the UAE proudly marks its 52nd National Day, we shine a spotlight on 15 remarkable Emirati talents who have not only captured the nation’s spirit but also left an indelible mark on the global stage. From trailblazing artists to innovative entrepreneurs, these individuals exemplify the vibrant creativity that defines the cultural landscape of the UAE.
AMNA AL QUBAISI
Amna Al Qubaisi, has etched her name in history as the first female Emirati racing driver. With an impressive track record, she is the first female from the UAE to compete in a Formula 4 championship, paving the way for aspiring female racers in the region.
HAMDA TARYAM
At just 22 years old, Hamda Taryam, one of the first Emirati drag racers, realized her aspirations by founding the Hamda Foundation. Leveraging her network from her motorsports career, spotlighted in the Netflix series The Fastest, Taryam collaborated with sponsors to fund the construction of wells, a school, and a hospital for orphans in Masaka, Uganda, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the racetrack.
KAZAYA AL ZAABI
Digital content creator Kazaya Al Zaabi is passionate about all things fashion and beauty. Creating inspiring content on the subjects, she aspires to start her own brand one day.
KHALED AL JABERI
Khaled Al Jaberi is an accomplished Emirati cartoonist who brings Emirati traditions to life through amusing yet thought-provoking doodles. Jaberi is the creative genius behind the book Oil, which presents scientific information in a simple and visual way.
KHAWLA DARWISH
Khawla Darwish, an Emirati artist, channels her creative energy into a meaningful cause—raising awareness about heart-related illnesses. Drawing inspiration from the loss of her father and brother to cardiac problems, she intricately incorporates anatomical hearts into her art, transforming personal grief into a powerful message. Recognized for her unique talent, Darwish was selected to showcase her impactful work at the La Biennale di Venezia in 2009, marking the UAE’s inaugural exhibition at the prestigious event. With a profound goal to save lives through her art, Darwish aspires to be a globally acclaimed artist, emphasizing the fulfilling impact of her mission beyond artistic recognition.
MANAAL AL HAMMADI
Fashion designer Manaal Al Hammadi is dedicated to revolutionizing modest wear by seamlessly integrating comfort and movement into her abaya designs. Luxe fabrics, a neutral color palette, and statement-making designs are the hallmarks of her work.
MARWA AL HASHMI
Marwa Al Hashimi embarked on her journey in horse riding at the age of 14, initially exploring show jumping before resorting to endurance riding and racing. With her father’s support, she pursued and excelled in endurance horse racing, showcasing her determination to challenge stereotypes and prove that women can thrive in the exhilarating equestrian discipline.
MOHAMMED ALAHBABI
Emirati influencer Mohammed Alahbabi has made a significant impact in the digital realm, captivating audiences with his unique perspective and engaging content. Known for his insightful posts and dynamic social media presence, Alahbabi’s influence extends beyond entertainment, resonating with a diverse audience and contributing to the vibrant social media landscape in the UAE. Through his authentic storytelling, he continues to inspire and connect with followers, establishing himself as a critical figure in the influencer sphere.
MTHAYEL AL ALI
Mthayel Al Ali, a prominent Emirati digital content creator, and entrepreneur, has left an indelible mark on the modest fashion landscape of the UAE. Al Ali is a passionate advocate for impactful change. With a diverse portfolio, including Takhayyal (a content creation agency), Ara (a conversational podcast and YouTube channel), and Ce (a socially minded fine jewelry brand), Mthayel centers each venture around women empowerment and advocacy.
NORA ALMATROOSHI
Nora Al Matrooshi made history as the first female Emirati and Arab astronaut. Her achievements symbolize the UAE’s commitment to breaking barriers and achieving new milestones in space exploration, inspiring future generations to, quite literally, reach for the stars.
SALMA ALBALOUSHI
Salma Al Baloushi, the trailblazing first Emirati female first officer at Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, achieved this milestone at the remarkable age of 24. Recognized for her groundbreaking accomplishment, she secured a place in “The 100 Greatest Women in Aviation,” a testament to her significant contribution to the aviation sector.
SARA TAMIMI
Emirati designer Sara Tamimi is committed to changing the fashion landscape for the better. Her Abu Dhabi-based eponymous brand draws inspiration from vintage fashion, crafting timeless pieces that defy fleeting trends. Beyond aesthetics, Tamimi’s commitment to timelessness aligns with sustainability goals, challenging the destructive cycle of fast fashion by creating versatile pieces meant to endure the test of time.
SULTAN AL NEYADI
Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi made history as the first-ever Arab to embark on a six-month mission aboard the International Space Station as a part of Expedition 69. Al Neyadi also achieved the milestone of being the first Arab astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, showcasing his groundbreaking contributions to space exploration.
ZEINAB AL HASHEMI
Emirati visual artist Zeinab Al Hashemi, known for her conceptual art and site-specific installations, combines experimental media with innovative materials. She seamlessly weaves Emirati heritage into her work, using mixed media that includes elements from popular culture and traditional materials. Beyond the art scene, Hashemi aims to engage a wider audience with her visually captivating exploration of UAE’s cultural traditions.
ZAHRA LARI
Zahra Lari, a pioneering figure in the world of figure skating, has broken stereotypes and paved the way for aspiring athletes. As the first Emirati figure skater to compete internationally, her determination and resilience embody the spirit of the UAE, inspiring individuals to pursue their dreams against all odds.
ALSO READ: 52 YEARS OF BRILLIANCE: CELEBRATING UAE’S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DAY.
