‘Speak your mind, stand up tall and keep pushing for the successes of our country’

and she grew up in the UK. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to university and study, while this wasn’t an option for her. She was a stay-at-home mum, whereas I am a working mum and a business-owner, so times have changed in just a few decades.

What are your hopes for the next generation of Emirati women?

I hope we see the number of women in the workplace growing, and I hope more Emirati women become independent in the way they live their lives and the choices they make. I see more Emirati women making their own life choices that are in line with religion, and culture. The growth in women choosing to have an education and a career has really changed over a few generations – and it will continue to do so.

Do you think there are still misconceptions about women in the UAE? What are the most common?

Yes, especially in the workplace and with opportunities. It is thought that women can’t do as much as men. I think women can actually do more, as we are great multitaskers. Because we have been made to feel like we have something to prove, this only makes us push ourselves further and achieve more. There is still a stigma of men versus women in the Middle East, but women are on the rise and we will break this stigma.

Haif Zamzam Group strategy manager, Adnoc How do you think the role of women has changed in the UAE in your lifetime?

The UAE has been pushing the standard for what it means to empower women ever since I can remember. Our Constitution guarantees equal rights for both men and women. The one thing that has changed throughout my life is that we have become more visible due to the different news and media outlets that are highlighting our successes.

How do you think your experience has been different from your mother’s?

Each generation has their own opportunities and challenges, as with anywhere in the world. The challenges of the past included limited education opportunities in the country, so my mother’s family actually went to Kuwait to pursue their primary and secondary education. She came back to study psychology at the UAE University and started her 22-year career with the Ministry of Labour, where she focused on special projects such as Abu Dhabi’s centre for children with special needs.

There was a two-year career pause when she accompanied my father to pursue his MBA in California, but she made sure to take advantage of those two years and she enrolled in language classes while raising two young children, with a third on the way. When it came to our schooling, there were a number of really strong opportunities. Both my mother and I were blessed with extremely supportive families that weighed both their daughters and sons equally. My mother pushed me to continue my education by telling me that my degrees will always be a shield I hold up to the challenges of the world, while my father expected us all to pursue our education at least through to a master’s degree.

What are your hopes for the next generation of Emirati women?

To not hold back – in your education and with your career. Speak your mind, stand up tall and keep pushing for the successes of our country. The daughters of Zayed are a force to be reckoned with, and one that will not stop striving for excellence. Once you succeed, you should celebrate your success by sharing your story to encourage younger women to come forward as well.

Who are the women you look up to?

There is no shortage of people to look up to as a woman in the UAE. Looking at milestones such as Shaika Lubna’s appointment as the first female minister back in 2004, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi’s historic appointment as speaker of the UAE Federal National Council in 2015 and having nine female ministers in the UAE Cabinet makes me feel proud and that I, as an Emirati woman, could do anything.

What are the biggest that challenges you face as a woman in the UAE?

Women in the UAE are becoming more and more educated and are sitting at the table and making decisions alongside our brothers. Every challenge I have faced throughout my career I have taken on as an opportunity because I know I will find the support within our nation’s leadership, Adnoc’s management and within my family. The biggest challenge is keeping up with opportunities that come your way and continuously encouraging women to enter the workforce. Today, I am running the Group Strategy Department at Adnoc and have had no challenges due to me being a woman. We are so focused on delivering the most value we can to our country that we constantly challenge each other’s thinking to ensure we are not leaving any opportunity unconsidered.

Hessa Falasi Founder of HF Boutique, modern abaya designer How do you think your experience has been different from your mother’s?

Years ago, my mother didn’t enjoy the same freedom and opportunities I am able to experience. She was brought up in a conservative era, and more so in a close-minded society where her voice played little importance. I learnt to drive, to build my own company, to travel to places I’ve never been to. I raise my kids without considering others’ opinions. I stand up for what is right and I am not afraid to fall.

What do you think is the most important lesson you can teach your daughter?

To be patient. She should not be impulsive; she must develop the right attitude to succeed, be it in her personal life or her career goals. Everything will fall into the right place at the right time if she learns how to wait.

Who are the women that you look up to?

If there’s one person I look up to and want to emulate, it’s my grandmother. She is the epitome of a woman who is strong, successful and full of wisdom. During her time, women were expected to act and behave according to the norms, but she traversed a different path. She knew what she wanted and developed her skills. She became a celebrated businesswoman, who also raised her children and grandchildren to become the best version of themselves.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a woman in the UAE?

Even though men and women are given equal rights here in the UAE, some still don’t take women seriously. Women’s voices are not heard enough. There is still the stigma that men are superior than women. For that, we have to think differently, we have to break the glass ceiling and sit at the table. We have to empower ourselves and speak for ourselves, and not be afraid to take risks.

Do you think there are still misconceptions about women in the UAE?

What are the most common? In general, Emirati women are considered lazy, not educated and dependent on their husbands financially. This should not be the case. We have to pursue our dreams with open hands, we must stand up independently, regardless of our gender. We have to unleash our inner strength as women and as leaders, only then can we be treated equally and with respect.

Fatma Lootah Celebrated artist How do you think the role of women in the UAE has changed in your lifetime?

Women of the desert were and have always lived with the light of the land in their heart and the wisdom of their grandparents in their minds. The strength of the wind has made them strong and decisive.

What do you think is the most important lesson you can teach daughters?

I have three daughters who I have taught how to love, because if you love, you will never harm someone, starting with yourself.

What are your hopes for the next generation of Emirati women?

I hope they are able to let go of their egos. The ego can keep you from growing, and instead force you to stay where you are. I hope they can learn from their grandparents how to find wisdom reflected in the desert sand.

What are the biggest that challenges you face as a woman in the UAE? Being myself.

Turn to page 28 to find out how fashion brand The Modist is marking Emirati Women’s Day