08-03-2025
Women's Day 2025: 4 times UAE women made country proud
People all over the world celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 to honour the women in their lives. From the workplace to familial ties, women are doing it all, leading generations and sparking change across various fields.
The theme for 2025 is 'accelerate action', which emphasises the need to take swift steps to achieve equality, and remove systemic barriers that women face. Here are four times UAE women have paved the way for others in their different fields, from engineers to athletes to photographers.
What started as a way to gain acceptance from her family and community culminated in a historic achievement for this young Emirati. Marwa Al Mamari, the UAE's first aerospace engineer, joined the field "without realising" she was the first Emirati to pursue it.
With a penchant for academic excellence, she initially expected to become a doctor, but later wanted to explore a new field, and "step out of her comfort zone."
While her family was initially uncertain about her decision, they gave their blessing, and the young engineer also had the support of the country's leadership.
"You don't have to live the same dream forever; you can start a new one, work toward it, and achieve it,' she stressed. As a mother, she stressed there is no single recipe for balancing family and career; it is simply a matter of trying again and again.
After completing her studies, Marwa assumed a pivotal role at the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as a specialist in accident prevention and safety recommendations within the accident investigation sector.
Marwa was recognised at the Emirati Women Achievers 2024 organised by startAD, a global accelerator based at NYU Abu Dhabi that guides startups in launching, developing, and scaling their businesses.
Emirates' Equestrian
Fatima Al Ameri, a 32-year-old Emirati, embodies the spirit of resilience as she takes control of her horse's reins.
The athlete who faced bullying for her riding style almost gave up during her early training, but her passion overpowered her desire to leave, and she went on to be named "Emirates' Equestrian," capturing the hearts of many.
Fatima went viral for her horseback salute to President Sheikh Mohamed during the UAE's 53rd National Day celebrations. She describes the ruler as her "father and master."
Horse riding is not the only sport she embraces; camel racing is another field where she continues to break barriers. Fatima made history as the first Emirati woman to participate in an international event at Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Festival in Taif.
She uses her voice to encourage young girls to participate in equestrian sports, and emphasises the importance of proper training.
All-women esports team
From young girls interested in gaming, these Emiratis went on to become competitive athletes who represented UAE on their global debut at World Esports Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2024.
The country's first all-female esports team felt a "sense of responsibility" to do well for the country and pave the way for women in the field. Among the members of the UAE female team were Moza Khalid (25), Fatima Al Ansari (24), and Mariam Al Shamisi (34).
The young athletes have the support of the women in their lives, like their mothers, friends, and sisters. The global debut was a "surreal feeling" where all the hard work paid off, the esports team members said.
These women inspire young girls to work at it, no matter what their dream is, and "develop, grow, and achieve greatness.'
First female nuclear safety inspector
This 22-year-old initially did not fully understand the field of nuclear engineering; however, her passion for science and the country fuelled her determination to succeed.
Meera Al Mheiri made history as the first Emirati woman to take on the role of nuclear safety inspector at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Her first site visit was "quite dramatic; I even fainted," the young scientist said. Having graduated as one of the top students from the nascent nuclear programme, she was determined to adapt her lifestyle to adapt to the intense physical demands of working on construction sites, especially in harsh conditions.
Meera continues to volunteer and learn constantly, balancing her work with her hobbies. With her hunger for knowledge, she recognised the importance of observing the experts around her and learning as quickly as possible.
'I wasn't as intimidated as much as I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility,' she said.
