The UAE is ranked among the leading countries in gender equality in the region, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024. Emirati women are leading across many fields, from culture and literature to climate change, leadership, and sports. And when it comes to royalty, the women of the UAE’s royal families are also at the forefront, setting an example in influence, impact, and leadership.

Among many shaping the nation’s future, here are three young UAE royals to watch.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, is one of Dubai’s leading government figures and a driving force behind positioning the city as a global hub for creativity and culture. While culture and the arts remain her main focus, she has also become known in recent years for her diplomatic representation. Most recently, Sheikha Latifa led the UAE delegation at the World Economic Forum for the second year in a row, establishing herself as a leading figure in the empowerment of Emirati women.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi is one of the UAE’s most influential cultural and literary leaders. She leads several key entities in Sharjah and beyond. She is widely known for shaping Sharjah’s modern book and literary scene, having founded Kalimat Group, one of the region’s most respected publishing houses, and established major institutions such as the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), and Knowledge Without Borders — all dedicated to nurturing a culture of reading and creativity.

Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Al Nahyan 
A young voice leading the UAE’s sustainability and climate action landscape, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is widely recognised for her role in supporting the country’s transition to a green economy and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. She serves as President and CEO of Frontier 25, and is also the founder of The climate tribe, a climate-focused, impact-driven creative collective that centres on sustainable storytelling and community engagement to inspire environmental change. She actively supports young climate tech investors and emerging voices in the sustainability space.