Impact Hub for
Emirati Women Achievers

In 2022, and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, startAD created a groundbreaking program identifying and spotlighting visionary Emirati Women steering innovation and entrepreneurship in the nation.

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Join forces with the newly launched Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers; fostering long-term support for Emirati Women in business and innovation and aligned with the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women.

For the first time ever, the stories of 51 Emirati Women Innovators are being spotlighted.

Visionaries & Foundation builders

2022

Aamna

Aamna AlShehhi

Assistant Professor
Khalifa University for Science and Technology

Alia Al Ali

Associate, Global Investor Access, Global Banking & Markets + President, HSBC Youth Council
HSBC

Aysha Almahri

Deputy CEO – Burjeel Medical City
Burjeel Holdings

Aysha Almemari

Policy Development Support, Senior Specialist
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

Azza Alqubaisi

Ceo & Artist
The Arabian workshop

Dr. Jawaher AlYammahi

Postdoctoral Associate
NYUAD

Dr. Maryam Alyammahi

Assistant Professor
UAE University

H.E. Dr. Huda Almatroushi

Chairman
UAE MPF (Modern Pentathlon Federation)

Fatima AlShaygi

Vice President, Conventional Assets (UAE and GCC) Chairwoman of TAQA Women’s Council Chair of the Board of Directors of Noor Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA)

Hala Majeed

Manager – Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation and Security Solutions
Lockheed Martin

H.E. Hessa Al Malek

Minister Advisor for Maritime Affairs
Ministry Of Energy and Infrastructure
Jawaher Alhebs

Jawaher AlHebsi

Diplomat
Jewels Autism Health Coaching

Dr. Manal Taryam

CEO
Noor Dubai Foundation

Engineer Marwa Al Mamari

Accident Prevention and Safety Recommendations Specialist
GCAA

Engineer Maryam Sadiq

Engineer
Dubai Police

Dr. May Laith Al Taee

Vice Chancellor
Emirates College For Advanced Education

Mizna Almansoori

Founder
GuideWay

Dr. Muna Alayyan

Hospital Director & Consultant Breast Surgeon
Emirates Health Services

Muna Alhammadi

Founder and CEO
Mineral Energy Natural Products

Dr. Muna Alkindi

Acting Head – Arabic Language Program Section- CEC
MBZUH

H.E Nawal Alhanaee

Director of Future Energy Department
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

H.E. Noor Altamimi

CEO
Shelex Holding

Noura Al Meraikhi

Chairman
Nexba Healthcare Supplies

Roudhah AlMazrouei

Graduate
NYUAD

Ruqayya Alblooshi

Executive Director of International Relations
Prime Minister’s Office

Salama Al Teneiji

President
Children’s Advisory Council

Samia Saeed Alameri

Internal Communication & CSR Head
Department of Culture and Tourism

Dr. Sara Alkhoori

Researcher
Khalifa University

Shaikha Al Azeezi

Founder & Architect
Madr Design Studio

Suhaila Ghubash

Vice President
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

Tahany Taher

Founder
HAYAWIIA

Tala Al Ramahi

Director at Office of Development Affairs
Presidential Court
Dr. Amna

Dr. Amna Al Ali

Chairwoman Ajman Businesswomen Council
Mariam Al Awadhi

Mariam Al Awadhi

Director of HSE & Head of Sustainability Dubai Police HQ
MANAR ALHINAI

Manar Alhinai

Co-founder of Sekka and Khaleeji Art Museum
Sharifah Alhinai

Sharifah Alhinai

Co-Founder Of Sekka And The Khaleeji Art Museum
Hoda

Hoda Al Khzaimi

Director of Center of Cyber Security NYU Abu Dhabi
Nayla Al Khaja

Nayla Al Khaja

Director & Founder Al-Khaja’s Films
Fatima Alkaabi

Fatima Alkaabi

Youngest Emirati Inventor Recent graduate
Dr Sheikha

Dr. Shaikah Al-Taneiji

Associate Professor, Head Of The Department Of Foundations Of Education UAEU. Federal National Council Member, 2019-2023
Arwa Al Nuaimi

Arwa Al Nuaimi

Founding Partner Bani & Al Culture
Ghaya Mohammed Alshamsi

Ghaya Mohammed Alshamsi

Student advocate NYU Abu Dhabi
Alia Al Mur

Alia Al Mur

Chief of Transformation and Partnerships Dubai Future Foundation
Sara Al Kaabi

Sara Al Kaabi

Co-founder Peer-minded
Tala Badri

Tala Badri

Founder and Executive Director Centre for Musical Arts
Abeer Al Mehairbi

Abeer Al Mehairbi

Founder Tally & Co
Raja Al Mazrouei

Raja Al Mazrouei

CEO Etihad Credit Insurance
Khawla Hammad

Khawla Hammad

Founder & CEO Takalam
Fatema Al Mulla

Fatema Al Mulla

Director of Partnerships Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Jowaher Al Suwaidi

Jowaher Al Suwaidi

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Taqa Group
Hajer Al Ketbi

Hajer Al Ketbi

Director Government Communications, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
Nooran Albannay

Nooran Al Bannai

Founder Coffee Architecture
Fatma

Fatmah Alhantoubi

Head of Environmental Protection and Reserve
Hawra Dawood

Hawra Dawood

Marketing Manager, TECOM and Founder Member, Ferjan Dubai
Aldhabi Al Mheiri

Aldhabi Al Mheiri

Publisher and Entrepreneur Rainbow Chimney
Honorable Mention

Salwa Al-Zahmi

CEO and founder of the tech start-up SPL Co. Ltd; Head of the Emirates ICT Innovation Center’s Software Modernization Quality Project; and a Scientist and Inventor who has created practical solutions in technology

“My passion and desire to impress are keys to my success”

Latifa Bin-Haider

Founder of Baytuki, a platform for real estate investment; Co-Founder of Mental Health AE

“Remember that there are no limits to your capabilities”

WHERE IS THE FINANCE SECTOR HEADING IN 2023?

Dr. Maryam Sulaiman

Consultant, Founder and CEO of Kaizen Training and Event Management, and 2071MALL Smart Ecommerce

“When better is possible, good is not enough”

Marwa Al-Mansoori

Founding Partner of the United Women’s Network; a member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce; and an advocate for women’s economic empowerment

“Women are the catalysts for long-term development”

WHERE IS THE FINANCE SECTOR HEADING IN 2023?

Farah Al-Qaissieh

Founder of the support group Stutter UAE, who transformed her own struggle with stuttering into a full support platform with global reach, winning the Abu Dhabi Award 2018

“What comes from the heart, goes to the heart”

Sara Al-Shorouqi

Founder of RFLCT Creative Arts Center; keen on eradicating artistic illiteracy; and one of the first Emiratis to occupy senior positions in marketing, communications, aerospace, defense, and healthcare

“The arts create beauty and unite societies”

Sherina

Sherina Al-Sowaidi

Entrepreneur and Owner of Ritual Café & Studio chain, who formulated a new concept for restaurants and cafés that nourish both the body and soul

“To turn your dreams into reality, you must believe in your ability to achieve them”

Hamda Al-Ansari

Organizational life-skills entrepreneur, who is working on making people’s daily lives easier through innovative solutions and creative ideas

“One woman can make a change. She can be you”

Noora Al-Awadi

Manal Alaryani

Director of Little Helpers Nursery, which spreads knowledge through nurseries, education, and centers for people of determination

“Just continue what you’re doing and the whole world will follow”

Maha Daqqaq

Maha Daqqaq

Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of event-management company, Meem Events; organized events with key public health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak

“I am an Emirati woman. For me, nothing is impossible. My country is my strength.”

Noora Belselah

Noora Belselah

Project Manager at GAL Aircraft Sustainment; Founder of Trend Over Spend (TOS); and the first female photographer from the Gulf to cover international Fashion Weeks

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm”

Fatma Al-Mansoori

Founder of Designs by FEA, a modern prayer mat concept

“My country is an example to the world, and I will be a role model for its women”

Najla Al-Mutawwa

Entrepreneur and Founder of Hakaya Online literary platform; Owner of the first digital encyclopedia; and supports promising creators

“With genuine passion, daughters of the Emirates are looking forward to the world”

Dr. Halima Al-Naqbi

Dr. Halima Al-Naqbi

Founder of GenoMatch and pioneering Biomedical Engineer who created the first Arabic reference for histocompatibility complex genes

“I am part of a team driving both development and innovation”

Manal Alaryani

Noora Al-Awadi

Owner of Mend Hero Academy, an innovative educational entertainment project in which there are stories of superheroes, inspired by the heritage of the UAE and its leaders

“Our core human values and culture are a global model”

Shaima Al-Mehyas

Shaima Al-Mehyas

Entrepreneur and Founder of Baby Spa, which renders special services to care for children and mothers

“I am proud of the support of my country and the leadership opportunities for Emirati women”

Shamma Binlahij

Shamma Binlahij

Founder of Sard Coffee Roasters Platform Supporting local coffee roasters by featuring their highest-quality coffee to the community

“The risk is not to take a risk”

Reem Al-Junaibi

Reem Al-Junaibi

Tech Entrepreneur and Founder of Tripp; which links technology with advanced concepts to facilitate travel

“Everything you see now was once an idea that someone believed in and achieved”

Maryam Al-Falasi

Co-founder of Iris Art Advisory who is developing a platform to promote Emirati artists’ work and providing technical advice to local and international entities

“You create your own legacy”

Aysha Al-Dhaheri

Entrepreneur and the Founder of a flower shop and honey- production apiary, who has contributed to the dissemination of knowledge and investment in sustainable development

“Follow your dreams to the end”

Fatma Al-Mulla

A Scientist and Researcher at the Advanced Center for Biochemical Engineering at University College London, specializing in vaccines and plasmid DNA production

“The UAE is a country of dreams. Wherever we are—under any sky and on any land—we will strive to achieve those dreams”

Khadija Behzad

Founder and CEO of Meet The Locals UAE, which has successfully introduced tourists from more than 80 countries to Emirati culture; and the first Emirati woman to obtain a “safari“ license

“Doing the same thing over and over again will get you nowhere”

Shamma Al-Ali

Entrepreneur and Owner of Utopia Bakery who developed her passion and, at an early age, realized her dream project

“My passion is the fuel of my dreams”

Fatima Abdulrahman

Fatima Abdulrahman

Founder and Creative Director of Timography; developing the art scene by creating content through photography; and reflecting different cultures from the perspectives of communication and empathy

“The best way to predict your future is to paint it in your imagination”

Reem Al-Ammari

Reem Al-Ammari

Entrepreneur and Founder of Baaqah and Wasla, who innovated a smartphone application that brings together all flower shops in the UAE to deliver flowers to buyers on demand

“Confidence and inspiration are the gateways to a bright future”

Monah Al-Jneibi

Monah Al-Jneibi

Founder and CEO of BFF Gram, who has developed numerous knowledge-management concepts, from game-based learning and smart-city support, to innovating a creative and fun social-networking application

“Be persistent in the pursuit of your dreams”

Deema Abdel-Hadi

Deema Abdel-Hadi

Entrepreneur in petrochemical industries and Owner of Plastozone Plastic Industries, which develops Polypropylene hollow corrugated sheets

“Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen”

Mona Al-Hashemi

Mona Al-Hashemi

Incubator Chief at the Authority of Social Contribution, Ma’an, inspiring innovators and guiding them on their journey of creativity and positive sustainable development

“Prosperity and growth can be achieved only through sacrifices”

Samah Al-Hajeri

Samah Al-Hajeri

Director of the Department of Cooperatives and Strategic Reserve at the Ministry of Economy; received the Ministry of Economy Medal for Best Innovative Employee 2020, as well as two ADNOC Awards; and contributed to projects, policies, and legislation

“With their ambition and independence, Emirati women are a force to be reckoned with”

Dr. Aishah Al-Yammahi

Dr. Aishah Al-Yammahi

Academic Board Advisor at Alef Education; and the first Emirati woman to obtain a Ph.D in AI-powered digital learning

“My innovative journey in the education system is my sustained passion”

Dr. Hind Al-Dhaheri

Dr. Hind Al-Dhaheri

Emergency Medicine Consultant and Director of the Emergency Department at Tawam Hospital; compiled a medical book that provides free resources to students worldwide; and represented the UAE as a member of the Education and Basic Curriculum Committee to the International Federation for Emergency Medicine

“The UAE inspired me to dream not only of a better but a perfect future”

Sonia Al-Marzooqi

Sonia Al-Marzooqi

CEO and Owner of Sama Fast Food (Subway); supported the expansion of Subway’s presence in the UAE to 260 stores

“Our values and ethics are embedded in our daily lives”

Budoor Al-Wahidi

Budoor Al-Wahidi

Assistant Director of Innovation and Special Projects at the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development; deeply rooting the culture of innovation in employees

“Our ambitions are the reaping of the seeds that our wise government sows in us”

Haleema Al-Owais

Haleema Al-Owais

CEO of Sultan Bin Ali Al-Owais Real Estate; a member of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce

“The authenticity of our past is the seed of our future”

Eman Al-Mughairy

Eman Al-Mughairy

Led the Women’s Pavilion seminar in Expo 2020 Dubai’s celebration of International Women’s Day in collaboration with Cartier; is Head of Communication at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy; contributed to international productions at twofour54; was responsible for the production management of various Hollywood films; and participated in the Abu Dhabi Film Festival from 2009 – 2013

“Determination and perseverance are key to success in life”

Suad Shamma

 Suad Shamma

Senior Communications Manager at Procter & Gamble; food blogger – Lady Spatula, and the inventor of creative and healthy recipes

“You have to be where you are, to get where you need to go.”

Meera Sajwani

Sales Manager at Etisalat by e&, embarking on project-management campaigns, with a focus on marketing and human resources

“Busy people are happy people”

Reem Al-Suwaidi

Senior Manager, Excellence Program at Dubai Airports; and winner of a Dubai Government Excellence Program Award

“The Emirati woman is an embodiment of the spirit of leadership and endless ambition”

Mariam Musallam

Engineer and Head of Initiatives, SME Development at the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; the first female engineer to specialize in electronic communications (UAE University 2005); and the first female Emirati engineer to feature in Hannover Messe’s list of top 15 Engineer Power Women at its fair in Germany

“My first step was my passion for discovery, and I will continue the journey even if it takes a thousand miles”

 Dr. Aisha Al-Naqbi

Assistant Dean of Students at NYU Abu Dhabi; building an exceptional student experience aimed at motivating new generations

“Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching”

Najla Al-Qassim

Director of Information Technology at Dubai Media; and who was honored with two gold Stevie Awards for Pioneering IT Practices and World-Class Achievements in Media and Innovation

“Don’t wait for opportunity; create it”

Maryam Al-Ansaari

A Mechanical Engineer at CubeSat Laboratory, who has contributed to shaping the future of the energy and space sector in the UAE, and is working to support the 2050 strategic initiative

“It inspires me to see my county grow and prosper every day”

Ahlam Ali

Director of Public Relations at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC); creatively supporting events and businesses

“Our nation is like a bird flying high with the ambitions of the Emirates’ daughters”

 Rawdha Al-Meraikhi

Director of Communication and Partnerships at the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development; helping small enterprises, and promoting marine culture

“Emirati women are a source of pride for their country, and they are qualified to compete”

Amna Al-Hosani

Vice President of Culture and Engagement at Aldar Properties Company, who innovated the ‘Apple Program’ in collaboration with Apple Inc

“Innovate to create the future. We are the present and the future”

Laila Abdel-Latif

Director-General of the Emirates Nature Society, who created the ‘Leaders of Change’ program, the first digital platform centered entirely on nature conservation

“Uncertainty about expectations should spark creative solutions”

Mouza Al-Kaabi

Author and Literary Publisher of  ‘That’s Not What the Books Say,’ which raises awareness around pregnancy and childbirth

“Investing in one’s mind and heart is the best way to succeed”

Reem Al-Musabbeh

 Reem Al-Musabbeh

CEO of Retech and Dubai Youth Council Member for 2021, who specializes in software development, technology and branding services

“There are no hidden secrets to success. It is the result of preparation and hard work”

Rawdha Thani

Rawdha Thani

Entrepreneur, Creative Director and Founder of Illi Studio, creating a culture that supports and inspires stylish women with an eco-friendly fashion label

“Winning together is a win for everyone; there’s room at the top for all of us”

Maissa Al-Khafajy

Maissa Al-Khafajy

Social Entrepreneur, Communication Expert, and Owner of Therapie.ae, which provides a physical space for people to connect, support communities, and foster creators

“Everything you dream of will come true with honesty and perseverance”

Asma Al-Shehhi

Asma Al-Shehhi

IT Security Administrator at Al Masaood; and creator of the ‘My Words’ project to help autistic children communicate

“Like a free bird, do what you want and enjoy it”

Impact Hub

Awards

Awards

The annual commemorative ceremony “EWA Awards” will identify and spotlight trailblazers steering the nation forward through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ambassadorship

Ambassadorship

A 6-months transformational program, equipping EWAs with practical skills in building an internationalization strategy, a global mindset, leading cross-cultural teams, and developing alliances for cross-border success. The program will include trainng, 1-1 coaching, networking, and industry immersions.

Bootcamp

Bootcamp

A 3-day sprint program elevating select EWAs as leaders in innovation and entrepreneurship through workshops on transformational leadership and catalyzing innovation ecosystems.

Conscious Investor Fellowship

Select EWAs to be trained in the startAD Conscious Investor Fellowship as startup investors in sustainable technologies.

Market Access

Market Access

EWAs will benefit from training and networking with global UAE Embassies, creating opportunities to engage with international investors and clients.

Network

Active all year round. The EWA network includes digital and in-person forums facilitating learning, connections and growth.

Partners

Ecosystem Partners

Partner with us

VIDEO SERIES

startAD | Emirati Women Achievers

startAD | Emirati Women Achievers

startAD | Emirati Women Achievers 2023 | Alia Al Mur

startAD | Emirati Women Achievers 2023 | Alia Al Mur

startAD | Emirati Women Achievers 2023 | Reem Al Musabbah

Reem Al Musabbah

startAD | Emirati Women Achievers 2023 | Dr. Amna Khalifa Muhammad Al Ali

Dr. Amna Khalifa Muhammad Al Ali

Abeer Almehairbi | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Abeer Almehairbi | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Dr. Shaikah Al-Taneiji | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Dr. Shaikah Al-Taneiji | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Hoda Al Khaizimi | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Hoda Al Khaizimi | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Amna Al Hosani | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Amna Al Hosani | Emirati Women Achievers 2023

Image Gallery

Nominate the next EWA of 2025

Scott Taitel
Director of Social Impact, Innovation, and Investment, New York University
Rehana Nathoo
CEO & Co-Founder, Spectrum Impact
Marieke Spence
Executive Director, Impact Capital Managers
Logan Allin
Managing Partner, FIN VC
Karim Hajri
Programme Director, Said Business School (Oxford)
Amie Patel
Managing Director, Elevar Equity

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