Arabian Gulf

From Sheikha Al-Marri to Other Trailblazers: Inspiring Models for Women’s Empowerment in the UAE


The United Arab Emirates is considered a leader in women’s empowerment, with Emirati women achieving notable accomplishments across various fields.

Sheikha Al-Marri stands out as an inspiring model of success in this context. HSBC recently announced her appointment as Head of Global Banking Coverage in the UAE, making her the first Emirati to hold this leadership position in the bank’s history in the country.

As the UAE strives to support women and enhance their leadership roles across all sectors, Sheikha Al-Marri’s appointment to this leadership role reflects the success of the country’s empowerment policy, encouraging women to excel in various professional fields. This appointment represents a significant step toward promoting diversity and inclusivity in executive leadership.

Sheikha Al-Marri: An Inspiring Professional Journey

Sheikha Al-Marri boasts over 17 years of experience in financial services, beginning her career in 2007 at NASDAQ Dubai, before joining the Dubai Financial Services Authority, and then HSBC in 2014.

She has demonstrated excellence in her role as Head of Global Banking Coverage in Dubai before taking her current position.

Her Role in Promoting Economic Growth

In her new role, Sheikha Al-Marri will play a key role in supporting HSBC’s growth strategy in the UAE. She will leverage the bank’s competitive strengths in capital markets, advisory, and sustainable finance to help businesses and institutions achieve their international ambitions. She will also focus on strengthening commercial ties between the UAE and Asia, deepening sovereign wealth fund coverage, and supporting the transition to carbon neutrality.

Successful Female Models in the UAE

Sheikha Al-Marri is one of many Emirati women who have achieved notable successes in various fields. Among these inspiring figures:

Maryam Al-Mheiri

She has held the position of Head of International Affairs Office at the Presidential Palace since January 7, 2024. Previously, she served as Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE and Minister of State for Food Security.

Lubna Al-Qasimi

Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimi is one of the three most remarkable female leaders from the UAE, having been the first woman to be appointed minister in the country’s history.

Sheikha Lubna’s academic achievements are distinguished, with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from California State University, Chico, in 1981 and an MBA from the American University of Sharjah in 2002.

Her accomplishments extend beyond academic degrees; she has also received several honorary doctorates, including one in Science from Chico State University and Exeter University, one in Economics from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea, and one in Humanities from the Lebanese American University in Beirut.

Sheikha Lubna is part of the ruling family of Sharjah, with her uncle, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. With her experience and degrees, she has held numerous important positions.

Fatima bint Mubarak Al-Ketbi

It is impossible to list notable Emirati women without mentioning Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al-Ketbi, known as the “Mother of the UAE.” Her name is closely associated with her dedication, particularly in supporting and promoting women.

Regarding her academic background, Sheikha Fatima received an honorary doctorate in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Algiers in 2005, and a Fellowship honorary from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2009, among other distinctions from prestigious international universities.

“Mother of the UAE” has never ceased to support family and women in a tangible way. She richly deserves the title of Woman Leader of the Year in the Arab World in 2014. She also founded several local and regional associations with a significant positive impact on communities.

Noura Mohammed Al-Kaabi

On the list of successful Emirati women, Sheikha Noura Mohammed Al-Kaabi stands out as a significant figure. She is currently Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after previously serving as Minister of Culture and Youth from 2020 to 2023.

During her term, she oversaw the sectors of culture, media, and youth, significantly contributing to the development of many strategies and initiatives that strengthened the cultural and creative industries sector.

Sheikha Noura played a key role in drafting new legislation and policies aimed at improving media, heritage, and creative culture industries in the UAE.

She also played a leading role in promoting and supporting many cultural and humanitarian initiatives, collaborating with global partners and actively participating in international and regional forums.

In 2013, Foreign Policy Magazine Selected Sheikha Noura Mohammed Al-Kaabi as the First Emirati in the “Top 100 Global Thinkers” List

Sheikha Noura Mohammed Al-Kaabi was also included in the 2014 list of “30 Most Influential Arab Women in Government in the Arab World” by Forbes Middle East and won the “Businesswoman of the Year” award the same year.

Sheikha Noura has held numerous prestigious positions in the country, highlighting her significant contributions across various fields.

International Recognition of the UAE’s Efforts in Women’s Empowerment

In the World Economic Forum’s report on the gender gap, the UAE was praised for its significant progress in improving women’s opportunities in education and economic participation, confirming that the UAE has made notable advances in narrowing the gender gap in various areas, including education and employment.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

The UNDP commended the UAE for its efforts in promoting gender equality through the development of national policies supporting women in various fields, including leadership, politics, and business.

Women’s Progress Index (WPI)

The UAE received international praise for its policies that enhance women’s participation in leadership roles. The UAE is considered a model to follow in the region for women’s empowerment in leadership positions.

UAE Gender Balance Council

The council was recognized for its efforts in achieving gender balance in both the public and private sectors. The council works to enhance women’s participation in various fields, earning the UAE international recognition for its leadership role in this area.

United Nations “Women in Leadership” Initiative

The UAE received praise from the initiative for its efforts to increase the representation of women in leadership and policymaking roles, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

United Nations Economic and Social Council

The council also praised the UAE’s involvement in promoting women’s rights and providing equal opportunities for women in political and economic fields.

McKinsey Report

McKinsey reported that the UAE has made significant strides in improving women’s participation in the workforce, which supports economic growth and social development.

The institution highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts to continue enhancing women’s roles in society through the implementation of policies and measures supporting gender equality, contributing to its status as a major supporter of women’s empowerment globally.

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