Meet The Most Inspiring Sheikhas Of The UAE
Now that’s what we call girl power
UAE Sheikhas are trailblazers in a number of areas. A force to be reckoned with, each of them has made individual contributions when it comes to shaping society and building the nation.
Pioneers in countless fields including the arts, sports, climate change and more, they set a prime example for women in the region and all over the world.
In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, GRAZIA highlights all the inspiring UAE sheikhas and the mark they’re making on this progressive country we call home.
Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikha Mahra is a well-known princess, philanthropist, businesswoman and online influencer. It is without a doubt, her love of the UAE community extends beyond measure. Always making sure her efforts reaches out to people in need, the Sheikha consistently spreads positivity and spends many afternoons with children of determination. Such as her recent visit to Rashid Centre for People of Determination for its 30th anniversary. Her presence in the field underscored the importance of continued support for such initiatives, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to fostering an environment where every individual can thrive.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi
Sheikha Madiya Bint Hasher Bin Manaa Al Maktoum
Whether it’s the determination she exudes while riding a horse galloping across the UAE desert or her dedication when she conquers Europe’s mountains, one bicycle ride at a time, Sheikha Madiya, is an inspiration to women in the region, as well as across the globe. Always on the path to change the sports scene, the Sheikha has truly left a mark in the evolving landscape of sportsmanship in the UAE. Claiming many titles and achievements in cycling and horse riding, Sheikha Madiya truly inspires Emirati women to break the status quo.
Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikha Fatima has played a significant role in advancing culture, education, and community development in the UAE. As the founder and Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Hazza Foundation, she supports initiatives that encourage creativity, intellectual growth, and cultural enrichment while promoting children’s education and literature. Beyond education, she is also committed to empowering women through sports and wellness. Her work with the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy reflects her vision of creating inclusive opportunities that inspire women to lead healthy, active, and successful lives.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has become one of the UAE’s most influential figures in the world of art and culture. As Chair of the Sharjah Biennial and President of the Sharjah Art Foundation, she has played a key role in strengthening the country’s creative landscape and supporting contemporary artists. A talented artist herself, she earned a master’s degree from the Royal College of Art and a degree from the University of London. Her work has gained international recognition for promoting cultural exchange and encouraging greater appreciation of Middle Eastern art. Through her leadership and artistic vision, Sheikha Hoor continues to elevate the global presence of Emirati culture and inspire future generations of artists.
Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
As the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum has established herself as a leading advocate for the arts and culture. She is committed to strengthening Dubai’s creative economy by supporting major cultural initiatives, including Dubai Design Week and the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. In addition to serving as Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, she is Vice Chairperson of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Chairperson of the Development Committee for the Al Quoz Creative Zone, and a member of the Dubai Council. Through these leadership roles, Sheikha Latifa continues to shape Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for creativity, innovation, and culture.
Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum
Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum is widely recognized for her achievements in equestrian sports and her role in inspiring women across the UAE. Born to Sheikh Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum and Sheikha Hessa bint Rashid Al Maktoum, she made history in 2008 by qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games at the age of 22. As one of the first Emirati women to compete in the Olympics, she helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes. Her outstanding accomplishments in showjumping and equestrian competition continue to reflect her dedication, talent, and pioneering spirit.
Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum
Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum is recognized for her achievements as both a philanthropist and an entrepreneur. In 2020, she launched Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery, combining her expertise as a certified gemologist with a vision inspired by her grandmother’s legacy of resilience, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. Alongside building her luxury jewellery brand, Sheikha Sana actively supports charitable initiatives that focus on improving educational opportunities for women and children. Through her business success and community involvement, she continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the UAE.
Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum
Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum has become a pioneering figure in the UAE’s aviation industry through her remarkable achievements and dedication. She made history as Dubai’s first royal female pilot and the first female first lieutenant pilot in the Dubai Police. She also became the first woman to pilot the innovative AW609 tiltrotor aircraft, setting new standards in the field. In 2019, she founded the Women in Aviation Association (Shehana) to encourage more women to pursue careers in aviation and raise awareness of opportunities within the industry. Expanding her mission beyond aviation, Sheikha Mozah is also working on publishing her first book, celebrating the inspiring stories of female pilots from around the world and throughout history.
Sheikha MEYTHA Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikha Meytha is a trailblazer in the field of sport. A passionate athlete, she qualified for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing by competing in the female 67kg taekwondo division. Her Highness made history by being the first female to present the UAE flag at the games. She shares a strong love of horses with her father Sheikh Mohammed, and together they founded Team Z7, which, under her direction, has grown to be one of the most successful horse stables in the region. She has achieved an array of accolades and awards such as Arab Sports Woman of The Year.
Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahya
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan Al Nahyan is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability and climate action. As the Founder and CEO of Alliances for Global Sustainability, she promotes innovative solutions based on the principles of the circular economy to encourage more sustainable business practices. Inspired by the environmental vision of her great-grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, she is committed to creating long-term positive impact while empowering young people and women to become future sustainability leaders. Her dedication to global environmental progress was further demonstrated when she signed five sustainability agreements during the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow in 2021.
Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
The wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikha Manal is actively working to further empower women in accordance with global norms. She’s also the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the President of Dubai Women Establishment. According to the DWE website, the establishment’s mission is “driving the socio-economic future of Dubai through influencing policies, sharing knowledge and leading initiatives.” It aims to increase the amount of Emirati women joining the workforce. She is adding a plethora of diverse and favourable advantages to the nation’s leadership vision.
It’s safe to say that the UAE Sheikhas are an inspiration to women both in the region and globally.
