Powerful Emirati women, Sheikha Fatima and Lana Nusseibeh, leading the political sphere of the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making strides in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, with several influential women leading the way in politics.

In 2006, Amal Al Qubaisi made history as the first female member of the Federal National Council (FNC), a role she would later elevate to Speaker, becoming the first woman to chair a parliamentary institution in the Arab world. This milestone marked a significant step towards gender equality in political representation.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE’s first woman to assume a ministerial post in 2004, has led four major ministries and was appointed President of Zayed University in 2014. Her tenure symbolises women’s empowerment in the nation and serves as a testament to the progress made in gender equality.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the mother of the nation, has been a key figure in advancing women’s representation and participation in politics for over four decades. Her efforts have led to significant milestones such as increasing women’s parliamentary seats to 50% and launching programs supporting women parliamentarians.

Other notable political figures include Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, who actively promotes cultural initiatives and women's empowerment, and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation. Both women hold key Cabinet positions, reflecting the UAE’s achievement of 50% gender parity in the Federal National Council and about 30% female representation in the Cabinet.

Lana Nusseibeh, appointed as Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2013, has served in key roles such as President of the UN Women Executive Board and co-facilitator of critical UN initiatives. Her deep involvement in international policymaking, revitalization of the UN, and digital development has helped cement the UAE’s presence within multilateral institutions.

Shamma Al Mazrui, now Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Champion, made headlines when she became the youngest minister in the world at the age of 22. Her appointment marked a shift in the UAE’s vision for youth inclusion in policymaking and national development.

Huda Al Hashimi serves as a board member of the Dubai Women Establishment, which was established in 2006 by Sheikha Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She has been instrumental in developing the UAE government’s agenda and maintaining its high reputation on the world stage, ensuring the UAE is on track to achieve its ever-ambitious vision, as well as the National Agenda.

Mariam Almheiri has overseen critical strategies to safeguard the UAE's future in a changing climate, with her leadership spanning from advancing food technology to representing the UAE at global food security forums.

The UAE currently has nine ambassadors who are women, and these trailblazers like Najla Al Midfa and Naeema Ahli play influential roles in advancing women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in the UAE.

On August 28, the UAE will celebrate Emirati Women's Day, marking 50 years since the establishment of the General Women's Union. This organisation plays a large role in reviewing public policies, legislation, and other draft laws relating to women, furthering the cause of gender equality in the UAE.

These women's leadership has fostered gender equality in political representation, helped enact policies supporting women, and propelled the UAE onto the global stage as a leader in women's empowerment in the Arab world.

In the realm of opinion, it's undeniable that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has demonstrated a commendable approach towards fostering gender equality and women's empowerment.
The food industry in the UAE has not been untouched by female influence, with figures like Mariam Almheiri overseeing critical strategies to ensure food security.
Education in the UAE has benefited significantly from the efforts of leader Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who has served as President of Zayed University.
The lifestyle of the UAE has witnessed transformative changes, with women like Noura Al Kaabi promoting cultural initiatives and women's empowerment.
The sports sector in the UAE has witnessed the rise of prominent female figures like Lana Nusseibeh, who has served as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
In the realm of news and politics, the UAE has made strides under the leadership of Amal Al Qubaisi, the first female member of the Federal National Council (FNC) and the first woman to chair a parliamentary institution in the Arab world.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the mother of the nation, has been a driving force in politics for over four decades, advocating for women’s representation and participation.
The health sector of the UAE has seen progress under the leadership of women like Huda Al Hashimi, who has been instrumental in developing the UAE government’s agenda.
The cultural landscape of the UAE has been enriched by the efforts of these influential women, each contributing to the country's vibrant cultural tapestry in their own unique way.
The history of the UAE has been reshaped by these women leaders, who have paved the way for future generations of female politicians.
Businesses in the UAE have seen the benefits of women's leadership, with 50% gender parity in the Federal National Council and about 30% female representation in the Cabinet.
The technology sector of the UAE has seen advancements due to the innovative approaches of these women leaders, who have embraced digital development and revitalization of multilateral institutions.
Fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, shopping, and career-development sectors have all witnessed the impact of women's empowerment in the UAE.
The sports-betting and sports-analysis industries in the UAE have not been excluded from this empowerment narrative, with women like Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy holding key positions.

Powerful Emirati women, Sheikha Fatima and Lana Nusseibeh, leading the political sphere of the UAE