Emirati Women’s Day was introduced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, also known as the Mother of the Nation.
Emirati Women’s Day is said to be dedicated to gender equality and women empowerment in the UAE. It holds significance throughout the UAE as an opportunity to recognise the many achievements made by the nation’s women.
Likewise, it also reminds the world of the remarkable steps the Emirates has taken concerning women’s rights and equality.
Team Yalla showcases just four women (There are simple thousands more of course) that we think you should know and who have made their mark on UAE society.
On track
Racing prodigy Hamda Al Qubaisi got involved with racing after seeing her dad [Khaled Al Qubaisi] racing when. He was racing in GT and after that, a few years later, her sister [Amna Al Qubaisi] was chosen for the Daman Speed Academy. “It was never really my thing at first. I never really thought I would be a part of motorsports but then after watching my sister for a year, I really liked her determination, how she was so passionate about the sport and I really wanted the same so I followed in her footsteps and got into the academy in 2015,” she says.
‘I just enjoy speed and enjoy being out there, the overtakes and racing, just the whole idea of it excites me.’ Read more here.
A new chapter
Emirati author Maitha Al-Khayat found while on the hunt for books to read to her children that it was nigh on impossible to find a picture book telling the story of the lives and culture of Emiratis and combining the experience of being a mother, which led her to penning her first book, I Love My Dad’s Long Beard.
The self-proclaimed bookworm says her love of books began as little girl with her father telling bedtime stories before discovering a real affection for novels with illustrations thanks to extra time being spent in the library to improve her English. Read Maitha’s story here.
Hotsteps
Breaking down barriers and records, Areej Al Hammadi pursed the footballing dream in the UAE. “We used to get just two sandals and mark the goals and then a ball; if you didn’t have a ball, we’d bring a little juice carton or bottle and play with that,” says the UAE international footballer reminiscing about her first forays into the beautiful game.
As she battled her brothers and cousins out in their garden in the city of Sharjah, re-enacting dramatic moments of play from the ‘94 and ‘98 FIFA World Cups, the midfielder dreamed of representing her country. The only difference was that unlike her male siblings, there was no pathway for girls to international footballing honours back then. Continue the story here.
The Turtle
Behind the doors of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi is an army of women working together hand-in-hand for a better environment, a more sustainable Abu Dhabi. Many of the women, and men, who carry out this much needed work view it as a calling.
One such woman is Hind Al Ameri, Assistant Scientist – Marine Species, Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity at EAD. Affectionately known as The Turtle and while apt, the origins of the nickname surprisingly has no connection to the great work that she, along with the EAD team, does to protect turtles in a fight for survival. Read more here about how this Emirati woman is helping to make a difference to the Abu Dhabi environment.
