As the country moves through an uncharted territory, it’s being held together by people working across every layer of society, visible and behind the scenes. Among them are women leading with calm, precision, and real responsibility, from public service and diplomacy to operational decision-making and crisis response. With International Women’s Day approaching, we’re spotlighting the UAE women whose work is helping keep daily life steady, communities supported, and the nation moving forward.
H.E. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy
Serving as Minister of State for International Cooperation since 2016, H.E. Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy represents the UAE on the global stage, facilitating the conversation between the UAE and other foreign nations. She has previously made UAE history by facilitating the bid for UAE to host the Expo 2020. And just yesterday, her name and voice reached millions as the UAE held their first press briefing since the war began. She has continuously shaped UAE diplomacy since beginning her career, and as things progress internationally, we are only set to see her again.
H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh
H.E. Lana Zaki Nusseibeh is the UAE’s Minister of State and a distinguished Emirati diplomat. She previously served as Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and was the UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations from September 2013 to April 2024, becoming the first woman to hold the role.
H.E. Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi
Currently working at the UAE Media Council as the CEO of the Media Strategy and Policy Sector, H.E. Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi helps develop the UAE’s media strategies and policies.
H.E. Mona Ghanem Al Marri
Holding many hats within the UAE’s media landscape, Al Marri serves as a Member of the Board of the UAE Media Council and is the Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council.
Fatima AlSuwaidi
Currently the Head of Cultural Heritage Legislation and Policy at the UAE Ministry of Culture, Fatima AlSuwaidi, has helped shape national policies that keep the country running smoothly.
H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi
Serving as Minister of State since 2023, H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi mainly focuses on cultural efforts, bringing together communities by focusing on collective dialogue brought on by the arts.
H.E. Sana bint Mohamed Suhail
As the UAE’s Minister of Family, H.E. Sana bint Mohamed Suhail works to build family empowerment and development, as well as protection of vulnerable groups, including children, people of determination, senior citizens, orphans, and victims of abuse.
Colonel Samira Abdullah Al Ali
Recently breaking ground as one of Dubai Police’s first female brigadiers in 69 years, Col Samira Abdullah Al Ali comes with over 31 years of service, leading and training other men and women in uniform.
H.E. Dr Mouza Al Shehhi
As the Executive Director of the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC, Dr Mouza Al Shehhi is one of the many responsible for leading the charge in the UAE’s gender equality and women’s empowerment. Coming with previous experience as a former Lieutenant Colonel in the UAE Armed Forces, she recently led the development of a military training program that strengthened women’s roles in the UAE military.
Major Mariam Al Mansouri
UAE’s first female fighter pilot and one of the first women to join the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF).
Captain Salima Obaid
Taking care of Dubai’s airports, Captain Salima Obaid is the Security Supervisor at Dubai Police and brings with her over 25 years of aviation security experience. Currently, she leads the female security team at Terminal 1.
Muna Al Osaimi
Working at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) as the CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector, Muna Al Osaimi specialises in urban development and strategic planning.
Shaikha Yousef Al Suwaidi
As Director of Government Communication Dep, UAE Red Crescent, Shaikha Yousef Al Suwaidi oversees communication between the UAE Red Crescent and other government entities, especially during disasters and national emergencies.
H.E. Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri
The Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, H.E. Dr Omniyat Al Hajeri, specialises in public health, previously working at several Abu Dhabi hospitals.
Dr Lubna Ali Al Shaali
The Director of Health Policies and Legislation Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Dr Lubna Ali Al Shaali works on health policies that shape the UAE landscape.
Hessa Aljawi
As the Senior Public Safety Specialist at Dubai Municipality, Hessa Aljawi works to make sure that essential goods are being stocked and meet the UAE’s health and safety standards.
Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali
An engineer at Dubai Civil Defence, Salma Humaid Saeed Al Ali has been one of the key figures in upgrading Dubai’s fire safety standards with her contributions to fire safety.
Nancy Ozbek
The current General Manager of Times Square Center, Nancy Ozbek is one of the few women leaders in the retail space, fostering a family-friendly community environment at the Times Square Center.
Dr Ayesha Almemari
An emergency medicine and critical care consultant, Dr Ayesha Almemari works in bringing emergency medicine, critical care medicine and humanitarian medicine services. She is also a member of the Emergency Medicine Council of the Arab Board, Secretary of the Arab Board EM Council Executive Committee, and the chair of the Emergency Medicine Council at the Emirati Board.
Dr Mariam Taresh Al Mansouri
An emergency medicine specialist, Dr Mariam Taresh Al Mansouri works at the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, promptly helping those in need during emergency cases.
Alia Al Theeb
The current Director of Public Relations at Dubai Health, Alia Al Theeb has also previously worked as the Head of Strategic Communications at the Dubai Media Office, bringing a long, illustrious career as a journalist with her.
Dr Saliha Afridi
The Founder and Chairwoman of Lighthouse Arabia, Dr Saliha Afridi is a Clinical Psychologist working on issues related to wellness and stress management.
Dr Muttahera (Tara) Wyne
As the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Lighthouse Arabia, Dr Muttahera (Tara) Wyne is also a Clinical Psychologist, mainly focusing on emotional trauma. She has previously worked in the UK, specialising in cases related to asylum seekers and refugees suffering from psychological trauma and adjustment issues. Since the war began, Dr Wyne, along with Dr Afridi put their focus on harbouring their community, helping those to mitigate the anxiety of the situation while also providing online counselling.
