On 28 August, Emirati Women’s Day returns under the 2026 theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better” at a moment when more Emirati women are starting businesses, investing and turning ideas into empires of their own.
In Abu Dhabi, Mobdea licences for women-led creative ventures rose by 32 per cent in 2025, while nearly 125,000 active female Emirati investors now participate in the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. Nationwide, 114,050 SMEs are owned or co-owned by Emirati women, alongside more than 48,000 women entrepreneurs working across fashion, jewellery, interiors, hospitality, technology and more.
For Emirati Women’s Day 2026, Soigné Middle East speaks to eight founders, Noora Shawqi, Maitha and Alya Al Suwaidi, Fatma Al Bannai, Nujoud AlEisaei, Ghaliya Ahli, Hind Janahi, Moza Suwaidan and Rafia Helal Bin Drai, about building in the UAE today, what their generation has inherited, and what they hope to leave for the one that follows.
Noora Shawqi, Founder, Noora Shawqi
“As an Emirati woman building a business in the UAE today, I feel incredibly proud to be doing so in a country that has created such a strong culture of opportunity, ambition and support for women. There is a real sense that we are encouraged to think boldly, build with purpose and contribute to the future of the country in our own way.”
“I hope the next generation of Emirati women inherits that same confidence and pride, and continues to build, lead and create with an even greater sense of possibility, while carrying forward the values and spirit that make the UAE so special.”
Maitha and Alya Al Suwaidi, Contemporary Spaces
“We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a country that encourages women to lead, create and shape new industries. For us, that means having the confidence to build a design business rooted in family legacy while giving it a contemporary voice of our own.”
“We hope the next generation of Emirati women inherits that same sense of possibility, pride and responsibility, and continues to build boldly while staying connected to the values, culture and ambition that make the UAE so unique.”
Fatma Al Bannai, Baguette Design
“I think social media and the rise of e-commerce have completely changed what’s possible for entrepreneurs. Previous generations relied much more on physical retail, whereas today we can build brands, reach global audiences and grow beyond geographical boundaries from day one.”
“I hope the next generation of Emirati women inherits that same sense of ambition and confidence, knowing that with the opportunities available today, they can dream big, start young and build businesses with limitless potential.”
Nujoud AlEisaei, All By Kai
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be building a business at a time when ambition is not only accepted, but genuinely encouraged. Previous generations laid the foundation with resilience and determination, and today my generation has the opportunity to build on that legacy by turning ideas into meaningful ventures that contribute to the UAE and reach even beyond.”
“For me, building All By Kai is about telling stories, creating meaningful experiences, and showing that an Emirati brand can have a global voice while remaining deeply rooted in its culture.”
“What I hope the next generation of Emirati women inherits is the confidence to believe in themselves and in their ideas, the courage to take the first step, and the resilience to keep going even when the journey isn’t easy. I hope they grow up knowing that with commitment, purpose and hard work, their ideas can become something meaningful. Above all, I hope they never underestimate what they’re capable of creating.”
Ghaliya Ahli, Gigi Dubai
“I feel incredibly blessed to be part of a generation surrounded by endless support and opportunities to grow, create and think differently. We are encouraged to turn our ideas into something meaningful and grow from one idea into endless possibilities.”
“For the next generation of Emirati women, I hope they inherit the confidence and vision to create opportunities rather than wait for them, and have the vision to see what could exist and the courage to go after it, knowing they are in a country that believes in them, supports their ambitions and gives them the space to dream big.”
Moza Suwaidan, Evada
“We have been fortunate to inherit a legacy of support that spans generations, shaped by a leadership that has long believed in the role of women in building our country. What feels different today is the scale of possibility.”
“The UAE has created an environment where women have greater access to entrepreneurship, global markets, technology and platforms that allow our ambitions to travel further. I hope the next generation inherits this same strong foundation, continues to build on it with confidence, and carries Emirati ideas, businesses and achievements even further onto the global stage.”
Rafia Helal Bin Drai, Mauzan
“Building Mauzan has shown me how much space there is today for Emirati women to create, lead and build businesses that carry our culture forward while speaking to the world. The generation before us laid the foundations with resilience, courage and a deep sense of identity; we are fortunate to build on that legacy with greater access to opportunities and platforms.”
“For the next generation, I hope we leave behind a UAE where ambition has no boundaries, where Emirati women feel empowered to shape their own paths and where our heritage continues to inspire what comes next.”
Hind Janahi, Ailes
“As an Emirati woman building a business today, I feel fortunate to be part of a generation where ambition is not only encouraged, but genuinely supported. We’ve grown up seeing Emirati women lead, create and build across every field, which has made so much feel possible for us.”
“With Ailes, I’ve been able to turn something deeply personal and creative into a business rooted in the UAE. I hope the next generation inherits that same confidence, but with even fewer limitations, knowing they can build on what came before them while creating something entirely their own.”
