Mubadala celebrated the Emirati Women’s Day in style this year, with a range of activities, from panel discussions to all-day festivities showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage.

Many female employees from across the organization were featured in two prominent Arabic newspapers, where they reflected on women’s contributions to the nation’s impressive trajectory, and the impact of Mubadala on their respective career journeys as well as their lives.

During a Leadership Majlis session marking the occasion, panelists from Mubadala, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) shared their insights on the achievements of generations of Emirati women who have contributed to the nation's prosperity and success. The panel also featured a young female Emirati sailor who is a member of the Mubadala Excellence Program.

A day of festivities on the ground floor of Mubadala headquarters, Al Mamoura A, offered employees a window to the UAE’s heritage, with a re-enactment of the pearl extraction process, and a wide variety of traditional cuisines.

Al Ittihad carried testimonials from participants in two Mubadala initiatives: Mubadala Excellence Program (MEP) and the Operation Smile – Women in Medicine mission to Cairo.

The Mubadala Excellence Program (MEP) is a platform dedicated to nurturing exceptional talents in the UAE and helping them achieve their full potential across sports, arts, and culture. Ulfah Al Kaabi, a national padel team member, credits the MEP for supporting her growth through collaboration, consistent effort, and access to the right resources. Similarly, Dhuha Albeshr, an Emirati international sailor, considers the MEP one of the best opportunities in her journey, motivating her to compete at a high level and opening doors to unique experiences like sailing an F50 boat during her Inspire Program Internship while attending the SailGP event in Chicago. Through the MEP, Alya Almuhairi, an Emirati equestrian, is being supported to pursue her passion. The program has paved the way for countless other women and men to reach new heights and contribute significantly to the nation's future.

The Operation Smile mission in Cairo, which took place from 27 June to 4 July, was another example of Mubadala’s commitment to women empowerment A group of eight women from Mubadala volunteered their time and skills to support the "Women in Medicine" initiative. These women showed their commitment to expanding opportunities for female healthcare workers in the city, elevating the standards of cleft surgery and comprehensive care, and inspiring a new generation of women in global medicine.

The mission, which culminated in 49 successful surgeries, transformed the lives of children and their families. But the impact extended far beyond the operating room. The Mubadala volunteers including several Emirati women, showcased the power of collaboration. Their involvement served as a living testament to the initiative's goals of educating women on advanced medical practices, empowering them to become leaders, and expanding opportunities in the healthcare sector.

Another group of ladies expressed deep gratitude to Mubadala for the enormous support extended to them throughout their career journey. Excerpts of their quotes appeared on Al Khaleej daily.

Ameena Thabet, Executive Director, Human Capital, was thankful to Mubadala for its “family-friendly policies” that enabled her to excel in her career without undermining her family responsibilities. “Mubadala has been instrumental in our journey, fostering an inclusive culture and offering opportunities for professional development,” she said.

Dr. Alyazia Ali Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of UAE Industries, credits Mubadala’s Women's Leadership Program with providing participants with all the support they need to reach their full potential. “At Mubadala, I've seen firsthand how this commitment to empowering women translates into tangible action,” she points out.

Hind Al Qasimi, Director of Government Affairs and Chair of Mubadala Women is happy to see that her efforts to empower women are wholeheartedly supported by Mubadala's leadership. “Our nation's leadership has championed women's advancement, providing us with abundant career and life opportunities.”

Sabeeka Al Shamlan, Senior Principle, Digital Infrastructure, says being Emirati fills her with pride, “especially seeing our nation’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to empower women”.

Marwa Ibrahim Abdulrahman, Senior Principal, France Investment Program proudly notes how Mubadala embodies the UAE’s pioneering spirit by cultivating a high-performance environment of continuous growth, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Mina Hamoodi, Head of Healthcare Investments, tells how fortunate she is for being part of transformational projects, and navigating new frontiers, like the intersection of healthcare and AI.

Additionally, in honor of Emirati Women’s Day, the UAE Consulate General in New York spoke to seven Emiratis living on the East Coast to find out what this day meant to them and their reflections on the Emirati female figures who have most influenced their lives and careers, highlighting the impact of Emirati women in driving progress, shaping society, and inspiring future generations in the UAE.

Fatima Al Fahim, Senior Principal – Technology shared her thoughts that were placed on the Consulate General’s Instagram account.

 

“It was an entire generation of women that had a significant impact on my life. They were the generation that founded the UAE, the most prominent being HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation’.  I admire their perseverance, resilience, and ability to harness the ‘winds of change’ for the greater good. Because of their achievements, I strive to push boundaries, leave my comfort zone, and to help build upon our nation's legacy for the benefit of future generations.

To me, celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day is a formal acknowledgment of what women in the UAE already know, they are recognized by the country’s leadership and citizenry as equal and valuable contributors to the social and economic fabric of our nation.
I believe that women in the UAE have been empowered with the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed. It is up to us to rise and continue in the footsteps of those who came before us and achieve the impossible, today and every day.”

 

“Throughout my career, I've consistently pushed boundaries, driven by dedication and hard work. Mubadala has been instrumental in this journey, fostering an inclusive culture and offering opportunities for professional development. Their family-friendly policies have empowered me to not only climb the corporate ladder and secure my place as a respected leader but also embrace the joys of motherhood, raising four amazing children.
The UAE's progressive landscape further fuels my ambition, allowing me to challenge societal expectations and cultivate personal growth. It is through the collaboration between organizations like Mubadala and the UAE government that we pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future, where women lead, innovate, and inspire”.

 

"Inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the Nation, I am proud to serve as Director of Government Affairs and Chair of Mubadala Women and contribute to the advancement of women in the UAE
Our nation's leadership has championed women's advancement, providing us with abundant career and life opportunities
At Mubadala, I have been supported with learning and development, exposure to international initiatives, and challenging projects that allowed me to grow. As Chair of Mubadala Women, my efforts to empower women are wholeheartedly supported by Mubadala's leadership
To Emirati young women, I urge you to invest in yourselves – continuously acquiring knowledge and new skills, while also focusing on personal growth and self-care. Remember, the quality of our lives is determined by healthy connections and a strong family life. By supporting one another and investing in ourselves, we can collectively create a better tomorrow. There is nothing more powerful than women supporting women”.

 

“Growing up in a dynamic, and future-focused nation, impressed upon me the potential we all have to drive positive societal outcomes. I am fortunate that my career in the UAE has been shaped by inspiring leaders, supportive colleagues, and countless opportunities to grow. This includes being part of transformational projects, like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, to navigating new frontiers, like the intersection of healthcare and AI. I hope today, and every day, Emirati Women seize the opportunity to be bold, to pursue their passion, and to work with others to reach new heights. By collaborating today, we can build a better tomorrow.”

 

“The UAE's journey has always been one of ambition and progress, and Emirati women have been integral to this remarkable story. At Mubadala, I've seen firsthand how this commitment to empowering women translates into tangible action. The Women's Leadership Program, for instance, has been instrumental in providing us with the tools, mentorship, and networks to reach our full potential. It's a testament to Mubadala's understanding that investing in women isn't just the right thing to do, it's essential for driving innovation and building a stronger, more sustainable future for all. This is what 'We Collaborate for Tomorrow' truly embodies – this theme recognizes that empowering women has always been instrumental in shaping a brighter and forward looking future for generations to come”.

 

“Growing up in the UAE, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible progress and contributions of Emirati women. Being Emirati fills me with pride, especially seeing our nation’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to empower women. The UAE’s commitment is clear, as we are ranked first in the MENA region and 30th globally for advancing women's empowerment. This is a true testament to the opportunities and supportive environment that encourages women to lead, innovate, and inspire.
The 2024 theme, "Collaborating for a Better Tomorrow," truly captures the spirit of our collective efforts. At Mubadala, I am part of a community that values and uplifts women. More importantly, we are in an exciting time where women are driving transformative changes across industries like energy transition, digital infrastructure and digital inclusion, all while supporting the economic growth of thecountries we invest in. One notable initiative we have is “Mubadala Women”, which stands as a powerful voice for our female colleagues, advocating for their needs and empowering our workforce.
One of things I most value about working at Mubadala is our deep-rooted belief that every individual, regardless of background or gender, brings unique strengths to the table. Our true strength comes from our diversity—it fuels innovation and enables us to make a lasting impact.
I am thrilled to be part of a generation that’s shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.”

 

“The UAE’s forward-thinking policies and initiatives have been instrumental in enabling women to excel in their professional and personal lives. From access to education and professional development programs to supportive, family-friendly policies, the nation has laid a strong foundation to enable women to achieve their ambitions and reach their full potential.
Mubadala embodies the UAE’s pioneering spirit by cultivating a high-performance environment of continuous growth, while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence has provided me with opportunities to lead, innovate, and make impactful decisions.
The successes I have had in my career would not have been possible without the unwavering support and progressive vision of the UAE’s leaders, who consistently champion the empowerment of Emirati women. As I continue to navigate my career, I am inspired by the remarkable achievements of my fellow Emirati women across the nation. Together, we are shaping a future where our contributions are recognized and celebrated, paving the way for the next generation of female leaders. I am grateful forthe opportunities and support that have empowered me to reach new heights and look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success.
By embracing this year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme of ‘collaborating for a better tomorrow’, we can harness our collective strengths and diverse perspectives to drive innovation and sustainable development. This collaborative spirit enhances our individual growth and contributes to the broader progress of our society. Through unity and shared purpose, we are building a brighter future for all.“

UAE National Padel Team Member
Ulfah Alkaabi

 

"My greatest achievement has been representing the UAE national team in padel. Being able to represent my country playing a sport I love, is a great honour. The privilege to play alongside some of the best athletes in the country, has been a dream come true. It has not only been a testament to my hard work and dedication but also a reflection of the unwavering support I’ve received from my community and sponsors.
The support from the Mubadala Excellence Program has been instrumental in my journey. Mubadala's sponsorship has provided me with the resources and opportunities to train and compete consistently, allowing me to focus entirely on honing my skills. Mubadala’s commitment to fostering talent and providing platforms for athletes to thrive. The support has been a critical factor in my success, enabling me to pursue my passion.
Collaboration is essential for building a better tomorrow, and the dynamics of padel offer a perfect analogy. Padel is a game where success hinges not only on individual skill but also on the ability to communicate and work together with your partner. In this way, padel teaches us the importance of collaboration—it's about how well we can synchronize our efforts and support each other on the court to achieve a common goal.
This spirit of collaboration extends beyond the court into the UAE community, where we are all on a shared journey. Here, each person’s success is celebrated as if it were our own, creating a unique landscape where collective achievement is valued as much as individual victories.
For a better tomorrow, we need to foster this collaborative mindset in all areas of life. In sports, it means athletes, sponsors, coaches, andorganizations working together to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that encourages growth and excellence.
By collaborating, we create a ripple effect that touches every part of society. This collective effort is what will drive us toward a better tomorrow.
To be successful is not hard; it’s just a challenge—an everyday challenge to yourself to commit fully. Success doesn’t come from grand gestures but from the small, consistent efforts you make each day. It’s about showing up, even when it’s difficult, and pushing through the moments of doubt. Each day presents an opportunity to grow, learn, and improve, and it’s the accumulation of these daily challenges that leads to true success.
Commitment is the key. When you commit fully to your goals, you start to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones. Embrace the process, stay focused on your vision, and trust that the journey, with all its ups and downs, is what shapes you into the successful person you aspire to be.
Stay committed, stay resilient, and remember that your consistent efforts will pave the way for your success."

 

"Being an Emirati woman and an international sailor representing my country across the world is a significant achievement, especially in a sport where there are not many women. Recently, I won the Arab Championship, and this is just the beginning—there’s much more to come.
The Mubadala Excellence Program has been one of the best opportunities in my journey. It has helped and motivated me to compete in events and provided me with the chance to reach a high level in sports. For example, it opened the door for me to experience the F50 boat in the SailGP event in Chicago, USA. Moreover, during the event, I had the pleasure of meeting female Olympians who inspired me and allowed me to exchange experiences. All in all, the program has also given me the resources to improve my training and develop my skills.
Collaboration for a better tomorrow starts with empowering individuals and communities to take collective action towards common goals. In sailing, much like in life, teamwork, and collaboration are essential. By fostering inclusivity, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other’s strengths, we can address the challenges of today and build a more sustainable and equitable future. In the UAE, we are fortunate to have leaders who believe in the potential of every citizen, and with the support of programs like the Mubadala Excellence Program, we can continue to innovate, inspire, and drive positive change across all sectors, including sports like sailing. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
My advice is to believe in yourself and know that you can achieve what I have and even more. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum once said, we are in a country of possibilities. You have the potential to make your mark in sports, so don’t be afraid to try. We are fortunate to have leaders like His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who, following the legacy of his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, is a steadfast supporter of women's empowerment in the UAE."

 

"My greatest achievement in my riding career was winning the UAE childrens championships in my final season as a children rider. I'm also really proud of securing 1st place in the Virtus CSI 2*, while being one of the youngest riders in the competition, out of 100 entries. I've worked so hard and dedicated all my time to my horses and my riding career, and it feels great to see it all paying off. I'm so grateful to my animals and my wonderful support system for helping me grow and do my best.
I'm so proud and honored to be a part of Mubadala's excellence program. Although I recently joined, Mubadala has already provided me with opportunities for growth and financial support. Their financial support has helped me buy more horses to advance my riding career.
It has also provided me with networking opportunities to meet other Emirati athletes in my community. This has boosted my confidence and motivation and encouraged me to work harder and strive for excellence. I can't wait to see where my future takes me under Mubadala's excellence program.
My sport is all about collaboration. First and foremost is my relationship with my horses, a relationship built on mutual trust and respect. There is also the partnership with my extended support system of trainers, grooms, farriers and vets, they all have to be aligned for there to be any success.
In order to collaborate for a better tomorrow I'd say we have to focus on a few things. We can organize more riding competitions and clinics to encourage the next generation of riders, and foster a greater love and understanding of the sport. We can organize more educational workshops on horsecare management to elevate the overall standard of the sport. We can promote inclusivity to make sure more people have access to riding opportunities no matter their financial background. As well as establishing programs to help support and focus on riders fitness, nutrition and mental health within the sport.
I would tell them what I tell myself. To love what you do, and always put your horse first. This sport is a huge commitment and it gets hard, so you have to wakeup everyday and love what your doing. Its full of ups and downs, and believe me there are a lot of downs. Most times you have to take two steps back before you can take a step forward. Use those mistakes as opportunities for growth, and don't be discouraged when things don't go well. Setbacks are part of the journey and you need to stay resilient, and focus on progress instead of perfection. As my trainer tells me, this sport is for the long run. You work on yourself for the future,sometimes sacrificing today's success for tomorrow's. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who share in your dreams and aspirations, you'll need them when your not feeling your best. And finally don't compare yourself to anyone else, this is your own unique journey. Stay consistent and success will come "