5 Emirati Women Who Paved the Path of Success for the Future Generations

Hana Al Rostamani - Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

In the world of finance, where power dynamics have traditionally skewed male, Hana Al Rostamani stands out as a formidable leader. As the Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), she leads one of the largest and most influential banks in the region, steering it through the complex and often volatile financial landscape.

Hana's journey to the top has been anything but conventional. Her rise represents not just personal success but a broader shift in the perception of women's roles in high-stakes industries. With a background in finance and an MBA from American University in Washington, D.C., Hana’s academic foundation was strong. But it was her vision, coupled with an unyielding commitment to excellence, that propelled her to the highest echelons of banking.

Under her leadership, FAB has not only expanded its financial footprint but has also become a leader in digital banking and sustainability initiatives. Hana's forward-thinking approach has ensured that FAB remains at the cutting edge of financial innovation, with a keen focus on customer-centric solutions and sustainable growth. 

Her leadership style—characterised by inclusivity, strategic foresight, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—has garnered her respect not only in the UAE but also on the global stage.

Aisha Al Mansoori - First Female Captain in a Commercial Airline

Aisha Al Mansoori's name is etched in the annals of UAE history as the first female captain of a commercial airline—a feat that is both groundbreaking and inspirational. In a field where women pilots are rare, Aisha's achievement is a powerful statement about the capabilities of Emirati women and their potential to excel in any domain they choose.

Last year at the WE convention she spoke about her inspiring journey and where it all started from. “Growing up, becoming a pilot was not really an option for Emirati women. But I was lucky that my sister started flying when I was still in high school. I went with her to the air show - and she became my inspiration.” she said. 

Becoming the first female captain in a commercial airline was no small feat. Aisha had to navigate not only the rigorous demands of pilot training but also the societal expectations and stereotypes that often accompany women in male-dominated fields. However, her dedication, skill, and resilience proved to be her greatest assets.

Today, Aisha is not just a captain; she is a mentor and an advocate for women in aviation. She works tirelessly to inspire young Emirati women to pursue careers in the skies, showing them that their dreams are attainable. Aisha's story is a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved when passion is combined with perseverance.

Amna Al Haddad - Olympic Weightlifter

In the realm of sports, Amna Al Haddad is a name synonymous with strength, resilience, and breaking barriers. As an Olympic weightlifter, Amna has not only represented the UAE on the global stage but has also challenged the traditional norms surrounding women in sports, particularly in the Middle East.

Amna's journey began in her early 20s when she decided to embark on a fitness journey to improve her health. What started as a personal quest quickly turned into a passion for weightlifting—a sport that is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical strength. Despite the lack of female role models in the sport, Amna pursued her passion with unwavering determination.

Her dedication paid off when she became the first Emirati female weightlifter to compete in international competitions. Amna's participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics was a historic moment for the UAE, marking the first time a female weightlifter on the Olympic stage represented the nation. Her success has inspired countless women in the UAE and beyond to take up sports and challenge societal norms.

Amna's influence extends beyond the weightlifting arena. She is a vocal advocate for women's health, fitness, and empowerment. Through her platform, she encourages women to embrace their strength, both physically and mentally, and to pursue their dreams without fear of judgment. 

Amira Sajwani - Real Estate Visionary

In the fast-paced world of real estate, Amira Sajwani has emerged as a formidable force, shaping the skyline of the UAE and beyond. As a key player in the real estate industry, Amira's influence is felt not only in the boardrooms of major developments but also in the lives of the people who call her properties home.

Amira’s journey in real estate was influenced by her family’s legacy, but she has carved out her own path, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. With a strong academic background and a keen understanding of market dynamics, Amira has played a pivotal role in the success of major real estate projects across the UAE.

Her approach to real estate is holistic, focusing not just on the physical structures but also on creating communities that foster connection, well-being, and sustainability. Amira is passionate about developing spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to the social fabric of the UAE.

Beyond her professional achievements, Amira is also a strong advocate for women in business. In an interview with Harper Bazaar, she gave a piece of sound advice for young women starting their careers. “Be confident. Not to feel like they are any less because they are a woman. And I see that quite often. They start in roles that they are capable of performing, and they’ve been educated to do but it’s the lack of confidence and self-consciousness that holds them back. So to those women, I’d like to say - stand your ground. Don’t allow people to treat you like you don’t belong there.”

She believes in the power of mentorship and actively supports initiatives that empower young women to enter and excel in the real estate industry. Amira’s vision for the future is one where women play an equal role in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

Amna Al Qubaisi - Motorsport Pioneer

Amna Al Qubaisi is a name that commands respect in the world of motorsport—a field where few women, let alone Emirati women, have ventured. As the first Emirati female racing driver, Amna has broken new ground, challenging the status quo and paving the way for a new generation of female athletes in the UAE.

Amna's love for motorsport began at a young age, influenced by her father's career in the racing industry. Her passion for speed and competition led her to karting, where she quickly made a name for herself as a talented and determined driver. Despite the challenges of entering a male-dominated sport, Amna's skill and perseverance set her apart.

In 2018, she made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to compete in a Formula 4 race, marking the beginning of her professional racing career. Since then, Amna has continued to make strides in motorsport, competing in international events and earning recognition for her talent and dedication.

Amna's achievements have not only brought her personal success but have also inspired countless young women in the UAE to pursue careers in sports, particularly in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. She is a trailblazer, showing that with determination and support, women can excel in any arena.

As we celebrate Emirati Women's Day, the stories of Hana Al Rostamani, Aisha Al Mansoori, Amna Al Haddad, Amira Sajwani, and Amna Al Qubaisi remind us of the incredible strides Emirati women have made in diverse fields. These women are not just leaders in their industries; they are pioneers who have broken barriers and set new standards for what is possible.

Their journeys are a testament to the progress the UAE has made in empowering women and ensuring they have the opportunities to succeed. As we look to the future, these trailblazers serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Emirati women, who will continue to build on their legacy and push the boundaries of what women can achieve.