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

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.

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