Established in 2018 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, Emirati Women’s Day on August 28 honours many things. It not only highlights the UAE’s progress in empowering and supporting women socially and financially – it also celebrates the crucial role women continue to play in shaping the country’s future. 

While the countless achievements of Emirati women may be magnified on this singular day, the ripple effect is felt throughout the year, with each accomplishment and new seat at the table profoundly impacting both this generation and the next. To Basma Al Fahim, it’s a powerful reminder of how far Emirati women have come. 

“This year’s theme of ‘Community – hand in hand’ resonates with me deeply,” asserts the Emirati entrepreneur and businesswoman. “Community is the foundation of our culture, and collaboration is the essence of progress. Whether in business or at home, I have always believed that we rise by lifting others, and this theme beautifully reflects that spirit.”

As a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of multiple businesses in the UAE – from events company Eventra to restaurants The Crab Shed and Happy Egg – Basma credits the innate Emirati values of respect, resilience, and responsibility for forming the foundational building blocks of her leadership style. 

“These are the values deeply rooted in our Emirati culture that guide my leadership,” she shares. “I’ve also inherited a sense of purpose and pride in service, which translates into creating meaningful experiences, whether through hospitality, mentorship, or business.” 

Something of a veteran in the world of business, Basma is known for her creativity, acute strategic thinking, and cultural insight. Her numerous ventures have all, in their own way, contributed to the UAE’s cultural economy, promoting tourism and entrepreneurship, in addition to aligning with the country’s national diversification goals. 

It was perhaps a given that Basma would embark on an entrepreneurial career. A member of the influential Al Fahim family – and Al Fahim Group, which owns and operates a wide range of businesses, from motor companies to hotels – she grew up surrounded by commercial pursuits. 

“Growing up in an entrepreneurial family certainly planted the seeds [of going into business],” the mother-of-three explains. “Business wasn’t just discussed at the dinner table – it was lived. But more than anything, I was inspired by the impact businesses could have on communities. That’s what really pulled me in.” 

It would be all too easy to ride on the coat-tails of family favouritism, but the path to true impact and influence is, of course, authenticity. Whilst honouring her family’s legacy, Basma has built her own businesses, brick by metaphorical brick. “I honour the values and foundations my family laid while making space for innovation and creativity,” she explains. “I’ve always believed that the best way to respect legacy is to evolve it with purpose. Legacy is not a weight – it’s a compass that guides you.”

From the dinner table to the best seat at the table, Basma began laying her foundations by graduating from both Harvard’s Executive Education Program and Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women Initiative, which she calls “transformational experiences”. 

“Harvard gave me the global perspective, strategic mindset, and network to scale,” she recalls. “The 10,000 Women Initiative grounded me in the practical realities of growing a business as a woman. Together, they gave me confidence and clarity.”

After launching her first company, Eventra, in 2010, over the past 15 years, Basma has created tangible touchpoints in hospitality, tourism, and event management, each of which has helped in one way or another to shape the UAE’s culinary and experiential landscape. 

“I’ve always been curious and driven by the idea of creating something from nothing,” says Basma, referring to her once-nascent interest in business and creative pursuits. “Entrepreneurship, for me, was a way to express creativity, solve real problems, and build something with lasting impact. That excitement still fuels me today.” 

Beyond the boardroom, Basma has served as the Chairman of the Employment Committee for Al Fahim Group’s Third Generation, in which she led initiatives to foster career development, entrepreneurship, and active contribution among next-generation Emiratis, and acted as a mentor to other aspiring enterprisers. It’s from this role as guide and adviser that Basma draws most fulfilment. “Mentorship is how we keep the cycle of growth alive,” she explains. 

Her entrepreneurial vision and values are a gift to the UAE’s future self-starters, those who are now charting their own course, one out-of-the-box thought at a time. “I was fortunate enough to have mentors who guided me, and now it’s my turn to give back,” she says. “Supporting young Emiratis, especially women, is not just a passion, it’s a responsibility.” 

When it comes to leadership, Basma believes Emirati women are at a unique advantage due to their aptitude to lead with heart and discipline. “We understand the balance between tradition and innovation, and we bring a collaborative, community-first approach to leadership,” she shares. “We don’t just manage – we nurture, empower and build.” 

This thread of fostering and furthering the next generation segues from office to home. Basma has learnt that balancing the roles of business and motherhood isn’t about being everywhere – rather, it’s about being present where you are. “I’ve created support systems at home and at work, and I’ve become kinder to myself,” she says. “Some days are more business-focused, some more family-focused – and that’s okay.”

Even as she continuously evolves in the tripartite role of mother, entrepreneur, and mentor, Basma’s cultural identity is embedded throughout. Cultural authenticity is a linchpin even in leadership – something that, Basma says, is vital to one’s success. “Staying rooted in who you are is key. I always ask myself, ‘Does this idea align with our values?’ Then, I give myself permission to reimagine how those values show up,” she says. “Authenticity is not about staying static. It’s about evolving continuously with intention.”

The well-trodden path of entrepreneurship has given Basma the benefit of hindsight, enabling her to gift young Emirati women advice based on real-world business wisdom. “My advice to Emirati women wanting to start their own business is to start small, but start. Don’t wait for perfection. You already have what it takes, so just start,” she counsels. 

“Ask questions,” she adds, “don’t be afraid to fail. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and be willing to learn constantly. Your voice and your vision matter – don’t underestimate their power.”

That sense of jumping in feet-first became something of a defining moment in Basma’s career. “Launching my first business taught me more than any classroom ever could,” she observes. “I remember the moment we opened the doors [to Eventra Events] – it was exhilarating. It taught me that clarity and vision, paired with resilience, can carry you through any challenge.”

As for a moment that will forever be etched in her memory? A visit from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. “When we launched Eventra Exhibitions – the first of its kind in Dubai, created specifically to provide a platform for women-led start-ups – I received a phone call informing me that HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, would be stopping by to visit the exhibition. I was speechless,” Basma recalls. “For a leader of his stature, someone with immense responsibilities, to take the time to support local SMEs was more than just an honour; it was a powerful validation of everything we were working towards. It was a turning point for us. That moment filled us with pride and gave us the motivation to dream even bigger. I remain deeply grateful for his support to this day.”

Basma’s hope for the next wave of female entrepreneurs is “that we continue to lead with integrity and innovation, and that we create businesses that not only thrive, but uplift communities. I see a future where Emirati entrepreneurs are known globally – not just for success, but for purpose-driven impact.” 

Opportunities are everywhere for women in business, Basma says. “The future is wide open, from tech and sustainability to creative industries and global trade. The real opportunity lies in leadership – Emirati women stepping into roles where they shape policy, strategy and innovation on both regional and global levels,” she notes. 

“Emirati women are becoming the storytellers of our nation. Through hospitality, culture and innovation, we’re showing the world what the UAE truly stands for – vision, warmth, inclusivity, and ambition. We’re not just part of the narrative – we’re helping write it.” 

Words: Emily Baxter-Priest
Photographer: Greg Adamski
Creative Producer: Beya Bou-Harb
Stylist: Zane Page
Hair & Makeup Artist: Safiyah Cassim

Feature image:
Basma wears an abaya and sheila by I Am Mai. She pairs it with a Panthère de Cartier necklace in yellow gold with onyx and emeralds, as well as a Panthère de Cartier ring in yellow gold with onyx and emeralds with diamonds. Her bracelets are the Panthère de Cartier bracelet in yellow gold and pink gold with onyx and emeralds with diamonds, all by Cartier.