“Women as ambassadors of Islam and the Arab world are the most powerful voices in the West. How societies treat women is the best indicator of how free they are.”

Abeer Al Otaiba, Owner of fashion brand SemSem and Philanthropist

“There’s no balancing act. You just do what you can, right? No one has it all – it may look like that from the outside, but it’s not really like that.”

Aida Al Busaidy, Public speaker, Author and Director of C2C Campaigns at Dubai Tourism

“Don’t underestimate the power of imagination. See yourself doing your dream job and imagine every single detail.”

Aisha Al Mansouri, Senior First Officer at Etihad Airways

“As a women, you need to be tough and show your toughness, but you also have that nurturing side that you bring to the table. Your empathy, intuition and interests, people value those too.”

Amina Taher, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Etihad Aviation Group

“You must be calm to think straight. You must separate your emotions without panicking.”

Basma Al Fahim, Founder of Happy Egg, Crab Shed, Eventra Events, The Dollhouse Beauty Lounge and Fairytales

“Know what you’re entitled to for your claims and be realistic. You’ll save money and time.”

Diana Hamade Al-Ghurair, Attorney-at-law and Founder of Diana Hamade Attorneys at Law

“Women feel guilt more than men and when we do, it subtracts from our full potential as women.”

Elham Al-Qassimi, Investment Manager and first Emirati woman to conquer the North Pole  

“If you want something, you have to run for it. There’s always a solution. Even if you fail, you have to try.”

Eman Al Owais, Founder of Jolie Café

“You know you’re a successful designer when you’re able to style people of any age. It’s very important to be in touch with different personalities and body types, and to be able to translate that into dresses that suit them respectfully.”

Fidda Al-Marzouqi, Fashion Designer and Founder of Cabochon

“Don’t go into something or work for someone that you don’t have a passion for. You have to love what you’re doing. Passion is key. If you love what you’re doing, everything is a piece of cake.”

Hind Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer of Seddiqi Holdings

“I hope women can get inspired and know that they can reach any position they aspire to, as long as they have the drive and passion to work for it.”

Khadija Al Bastaki, Executive Director of Dubai Design District

“People criticized me back then, but I said us women are going to achieve a lot. I imagined this through my paintings and my wish came true.”

Khulood Al Jabri, Visual Artist

“I just felt like I wanted to do something good. 10 years on, when I look back at my career, I know that the things that make me happy come down to one idea – doing something positive for others.”

Lamia Abdulaziz Khan, Director of Dubai Ladies Club

“The journey is what makes the story worthwhile. It’s all about evolving and learning – in entrepreneurship, in travel and in life itself.”

Latifa Al Gurg, Fashion Designer and Founder of Twisted Roots

“The internet was a taboo subject back then, but I was breaking the norms. It drove my family crazy, but that’s my philosophy in life – never live with limitations.”

Mthayel Al Ali, Influencer and Founder of Takhayyal

“There’s nothing an Emirati women can’t do.”

Noora Al Romaithi and Noor Salim Al Midfa, Travel Influencers

“I am where I am today because I dared.”

Sheikha Dr Alia Al Qassemi, Aesthetic Gynecologist and Social Development Expert at Community Development Authority, Dubai

“By your own inspiration. Sparkle where you are.”

Sheikha Khawla Al Serkal, Director General of Sharjah Ladies Club

“Passion can help you overcome any obstacle.”

Shurooq Al Midfa, Founder of Byshurooq

“Have enough courage to express your ideas without seeking approval from others.”

Zeinab AlHashemi, Visual Artist