8 Inspirational Emirati Women To Celebrate

Happy Emirati Women’s Day

Posted on

28 August 2018

Image credit: Instagram @sara_almadani_

The 28th August 2018 marks the UAE’s fourth annual Emirati Women’s Day, which is a day to celebrate the contribution and achievement of the nation’s women. This year the occasion is held under the theme of "Women on the Course of Zayed" and acknowledges women’s role in the country’s development.

From athletes to fashion designers and filmmakers, the UAE is home to talented, empowered and successful women who have helped to shape the country we live in. To honour the women of the UAE on this Emirati Women’s Day, we’ve picked out women to watch and follow for the future. From creative talents to influential figures, these are the women in the UAE who have inspired us in some way –making us proud to call the UAE home.

Here’s to celebrating Emirati women and their many triumphs!

Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi

The UAE-based fashion label Madiyah Al Sharqi was recently seen on High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens, as other A-listers are looking to UAE fashion designer Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi for their latest look. Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi is the daughter of Fujairah’s ruler; her designs are feminine and elegant, as the designer also has a capsule collection with The Modist to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day.

Instagram @madiyahalsharqi

Nayla Al Khaja

Nayla Al Khaja is the UAE’s first female filmmaker and the founder of Dubai-based film club The Scene Club. The filmmaker made history during the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in May 2018 as the first Emirati director and producer to have a film accepted by the festival. Nayla Al Khaja has three notable films; Animal, The Neighbour and Three.

Instagram @naylaalkhaja

Sara Al Madani

Sara Al Madani has been an Emirati entrepreneur since the age of 15 when she started her fashion label Rouge Couture. Her UAE label is now known as Sara Al Madani Fashion Design, as her line often gives a new twist to the abaya and the fashion designer has opened three branches of her boutique in the UAE.

Instagram @sara_almadani_

Zahra Lari

The first Emirati figure skater, Zahra Lari proudly represented in the UAE in the 2018 Winter Olympics and starred in Nike Pro Hijab campaign, as Lari was one of the athletes to help test and design the athletic hijab.

Instagram @zahralari

Maha Al Shamsi

Dubai-based Maha Mubarak Al Shamsi is a car and fashion enthusiast. Maha Al Shamsi will be the first Emirati woman to join the Supercars Club Arabia’s Andelosia rally tour through Europe this year, as the only woman to take part in the vent. Maha Al Shamsi is the owner of a Lamborghini Huracan Performante, a McLaren 675LT and two Bentleys.

Instagram @mahooooii

Hessa Falasi

Hessa Falasi is the founder of HF Boutique and is modern abaya designer. The Hessa Falasi label was established in 2011 and is inspired by the Arabic culture with a modern interpretation. Often shown at the popular Fashion Forward Dubai, Hessa Falasi creates Middle-Eastern chic in her designs and continues to establish new trends.

Instagram @hessafalasi

Taim AlFalasi

Taim AlFalasi is an Emirati influencer with 2.5 million followers on Instagram. The proud Emirati is based in Dubai and showcases travel, lifestyle and food through her social media platforms. The UAE influencer also offers inspiration on fashion and style, and gives us serious wanderlust with her snaps from around the globe.

Instagram @taimalfalasi

Dr Shayma Al Fawwaz

Dr Shayma Al Fawwaz is a qualified genetic scientist, but she’s the founder and CEO of Gossip The Brand which is a Emirati-inspired café and gourmet dessert company. Shayma Al Fawwaz has become a food entrepreneur and often works with local charities.