In honor of Emirati Women’s Day, marked annually on August 28th, Savoir Flair is spotlighting seven nationals who are trailblazing innovative ideas, programs, and messages not only in their day-to-day work but also via social media. Read on to discover some of the most inspiring women in our country, from the chairwoman of Abu Dhabi’s leading media company and the Managing Director of the World Expo 2020 Bid Committee to the UAE Minister of State for Happiness.
HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi
HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi is not only the UAE Minister of State for the Federal National Council Affairs, but also the chairwoman of twofour54, a free zone that provides production facilities, training, and business-support services to the capital’s media industry. She is also a board member of the UAE’s National Media Council, Image Nation, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Follow her on Instagram to keep abreast of the UAE’s exciting and ever-evolving media industry.
Instagram: @NAK
HE Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi
As the UAE Minister of State for Happiness, HE Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi’s Twitter feed revolves around the series of happiness-based seminars and initiatives that she’s launching as part of the country’s larger positivity program, which was established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Twitter: @OhoodAlRoumi
Happiness Without Borders is a voluntary social initiative by CHPOs to provide free advisory services to public & private institutions
— عهود الرومي (@OhoodAlRoumi) June 21, 2017
HE Reem Al Hashimy
As Managing Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Committee and Director General of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, HE Reem Al Hashimy’s Twitter account is an open source for frequent updates on the highly anticipated mega event. She is also passionate about Dubai Cares – a philanthropic organization that aims to improve children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries – and serves as its Chairperson.
Twitter: @Reem_Al_Hashimi
.@SAPMENA & #Expo2020 brought together 20 minds to address #Opportunity #Mobility or #Sustainability in 24 hrs. This is what happened. pic.twitter.com/nOLb1VLU7n
— Expo2020Dubai (@expo2020dubai) August 14, 2017
Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is an impressive karate and taekwondo athlete. She has even represented the UAE in previous Olympic games.
Instagram: @MMRM1
Taim AlFalasi
Taim AlFalasi is a key Emirati online personality with 2.4 million followers on Instagram – and counting. She received her bachelor’s degree in visual communications from Zayed University before launching her vlogger channel on YouTube. Be warned: Her Instagram snaps are likely to induce a serious case of wanderlust.
Instagram: @TaimAlFalasi
Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi
Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi is the daughter of Fujairah’s ruler and a talented fashion designer. We can’t get enough of her feminine designs that, as she explains, are inspired by the custom tailors she grew up around during her childhood.
Instagram: @MadiyahAlSharqi
Muna Easa Al Gurg
Muna Easa Al Gurg is the Director of Retail at Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and sits on the board of directors of several companies and non-profit organizations. Her tweets highlight her philanthropic efforts and the inspiring women she comes across as well as any interesting articles and books that she might be reading.
Twitter: @MunaAlGurg
Just read about the amazing life of Tony Wheeler, founder of @lonelyplanet. Brilliant finding out that he’s a 1972 alumnus of my uni @LBS.
— Muna AlGurg (@MunaAlGurg) July 20, 2017
Nayla Al Khaja
Not only is Nayla Al Khaja the UAE’s first female filmmaker, but she’s also the founder of Dubai-based film club The Scene Club, which happens to be the city’s first. She has already won multiple awards thanks to her short films Arabana, Malal, and The Neighbor. An outspoken advocate for tolerance, homegrown talent, and pushing boundaries, Khaja uses Twitter to share her views on new film releases, details on upcoming screenings hosted by The Scene Club, and more with her 18,000+ followers.
Twitter: @NaylaAlKhaja
Death in the Gunj: Check out our latest indie selections screening somewhere hopefully near u https://t.co/qj88snY8wC follow @thesceneclub pic.twitter.com/qTwxAMZMZ0
— Nayla Al Khaja (@NaylaAlkhaja) July 30, 2017
Dr. Lamees Hamdan
If you’re an avid beauty buff, then the name Dr. Lamees Hamdan needs no introduction. She became a household name in the UAE following her controversial Skype appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show back in 2009, but she’s admired and respected worldwide for creating Shiffa, a luxury skincare brand that pairs the finest natural products with the latest advances in dermatology. The award-winning entrepreneur and mother of four uses her Instagram account to share DIY beauty tips, keep her followers posted on new Shiffa product launches, and more.
Instagram: @Shiffa_Beauty