women celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary

50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE UAE

AN ENVIRONMENT TO THRIVE

COMPILED BY: OLIVIA MORRIS

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UAE, we asked some of the most incredible women we know, what makes the nation such a supportive environment to grow and thrive

Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum FOUNDER OF SANA AL MAKTOUM FINE JEWELLERY @sanaalmaktoumo cial How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? Being from and being based in the UAE as well, I consider myself lucky and proud to be part of such a thriving nation. I love the strides that we are taking in di erent fields. There is a sense of kinship and a supportive entrepreneurial community despite being a melting pot – united by interests and the joy (and struggles!) of entrepreneurship. I love how optimistic everyone is and we’re always looking for the next best thing, which aids us to become a forward-thinking and exciting society that the rest of the world has their eyes on. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? To me, what makes the UAE unique is a profound respect for our culture, tradition, and history and yet, the acceptance and mélange of cultures and people that are becoming part of our cultural and historical fabric. I love the contrasts between the di erent worlds and ours which I think make it a truly special place to be. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Tolerant, supportive and fun!

Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Khalifa bin Saif Al Nahyan FOUNDER OF MKS JEWELLERY @mksjewellery How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? Gold Souk in Dubai is well known and it’s been pivotal to my journey, as have the large variety of gold manufacturers here. Each one has played a part in inspiring what I do, whether they know it or not. And lastly, I’m blessed to live in a part of the world with so many visitors from di erent cultures, this truly is a blessing as a creative person. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? This has to be one of the most diverse countries in the world. As a country with a rich history and a promising future, that also occupies a highly strategic location, I feel the UAE has given me so much. It’s a melting pot of opportunity, creativity, and bright outlooks for the future. Can you describe the UAE in three words? This is a di cult one. I would have to say: Inspiring Global Location. This tells you all you need to know about how I see our corner of the world and what I think it o ers those of us who call it home.

Asma Hilal Lootah FOUNDER OF THE HUNDRED WELLNESS CENTRE @thehundredwellness How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? I am a great believer that we are our own destiny, regardless of where we come from. I live by the motto, “If there is a will, there is a way”, I have always followed my gut instincts and have had to believe in myself and my vision. It is not always easy, but I have always accepted the challenges as a part of the journey and consider them as lessons that are here to teach me something.

In the UAE you have the chance to create your own opportunities, which is incredible. It is a country where there are endless opportunities and possibilities, the unfailing encouragement, culture, environment, and belief created and established by our Leaders has been an enormous and integral influence and a constant motivation for me.

My parents’ unwavering support and tolerance throughout my journey is something I will always be grateful for. When I announced that I was taking a leap of faith to leave my corporate career and become an entrepreneur in the, at that time, quite unheard-of ‘wellness industry’, they respected my passion and determination and encouraged me to succeed and helped me realise my dream. Their faith in me and unconditional love is a pillar of support that has helped me navigate. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? I am incredibly patriotic and so proud of my country. In just five decades the UAE has managed to establish the foundations of a prosperous and advanced society, whilst preserving our culture, which is a remarkable achievement. Our country’s leadership is exemplary in their ability to embrace all cultures, nationalities, and religions in a tolerant and respectful manner, and the UAE is a role model for other countries to follow in this respect. The focus on empowerment of Emirati women in all fields and insistence on gender equality has without doubt enabled and encouraged the limitless opportunities for women to achieve wonderful things for our country and to contribute to the growth of our society. Having a day dedicated to the awareness of Emirati women and their achievements is a testament to progressive leadership and is inspirational. Women form the backbone of our society, if we look at our grandmothers and mothers before that, they laid the foundations from such humble beginnings, and without their strength and resilience, in far more constricting circumstances, none of us would have the privilege we enjoy today. I am grateful for my heritage. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Ambitious. Inclusive. Inspiring.

Khulood Shara CO-FOUNDER OF TINKAH @tinkah.ae How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? The UAE provides a supportive environment where people who have a dream and are willing to work for it can thrive. The country provides access to multiple opportunities that anyone who is willing to push the boundaries can achieve their goals. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? The founding fathers of this nation had a dream to bring the community together for the betterment of its land and the people. The moment the UAE puts its heart and soul to achieving a goal, nothing stops it. This is very visible in how far we have come as a nation in fi y years and what we look forward to in the next fi y. UAE always strives to push the

boundaries for the betterment of humanity. The UAE is very forward-looking in its outlook while honouring culture and traditions. The stories of who we are, where we came from and where we want to go is deeply rooted in our psyche and plays a vital role in shaping our thoughts and actions. I am grateful to be able to call the UAE my country. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Humble. Dreamer. Resilient.

Amy Wilkinson-Lough FOUNDER OF PROJECT BYOUTY @projectbyouty How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? It’s allowed me to dream, and more importantly, turn that dream into a reality. Everyone said Drake would never come to the ‘sandpit’ – 18 months later he was here and playing to 24,000 people. I didn’t make that happen on my own. There was input and expertise from Dubai civil defence, municipality, police, fire, ambulance, department of tourism and commerce – the list is endless. Essentially, I had an idea and the UAE like it always does got behind it, that’s the beauty of living here – you don’t just have to dare to dream, you’re encouraged to make it a reality. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? Where else in the world can you accidentally leave your bag, your wallet or your phone and guarantee that it will be returned one way or another? To wake up every day in a city and know you are safe is priceless and I for one am very grateful. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Home sweet home.

Ghizlan Guenez ENTREPRENEUR @ghizlan_guenez_ How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? I’ve lived in this beautiful country for over 25 years, it is home for me and my family and it is where I grew up and built my life and career. Living in a city like Dubai and seeing it grow from one long empty street with a couple of buildings to the architectural wonder that is now known through the world gave many of us, Dubaians, the belief that everything is possible when you set your mind to it and when you work at it. It is the epitome of what an entrepreneurial mindset and drive can achieve and had planted seeds of ambition and determination in many of us, certainly in me. I have started my business, The Modist, which resonated globally, from Dubai and I continue to build from this city! What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? The juxtaposition of how embracing of all nationalities it is together with how it retains its culture and heritage is one that is beautiful to witness. It truly shows that you can be worldly, open, tolerant and accepting whilst maintaining your own values. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Modernity rooted in culture.

Yasmin Al Mulla CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF YNM DUBAI @yasminalmulla How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? I am thankful for the priceless opportunities, overwhelming support, and perpetual privileges – We are fortunate for being celebrated every single day by just living in the UAE. “We do not only empower women, but we empower the whole community through women” – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This quote describes the support women are receiving just by being women in this country. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? I feel very proud of our heritage, culture, and history – the United Arab Emirates is a captivating multiculturalism of nationalities and ethnicities all living in unity together, and this is what makes us connected, and stronger.

The UAE is a country well known for its humanity and generosity and provides endless opportunities, overwhelming support, and extraordinary privileges to all nationalities. I love the concept of my beautiful country, where your performance, talent, and education matter more than anything else, we celebrate the person before everything. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Limitless, encouraging, and magical.

Amna Al Qubaisi THE FIRST FEMALE EMIRATI RACING DRIVER @amnalqubaisi_o cial How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? Being from and based in the UAE I felt very supported and empowered. I got so much recognition and help from my family, friends, and sponsors. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? I feel that women empowerment is the most unique as we see a lot of companies, brands, etc based in the UAE that recognize women empowerment in many sectors not just in sports. They are always striving for women to be successful and powerful and building a better future for the next generation. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Selfless, Foresighted, Devoted.

Lyndsay Doran FOUNDER OF L’COUTURE @lcoutureo cial How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? I am eternally grateful to the UAE for the success I’ve achieved. As a country, it’s very supportive for startup businesses from all angles, whether it’s acquiring a trade license or setting up the company. Starting L’Couture, as the country’s first female athleisure brand, everything was built to simplify and support the process and nurture the business as it grows. It’s a place where dreams form ambition, and ambition makes dreams become reality – so a great inspiration as well, that anything is possible. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? One of the most unique aspects for me, I’d have to say is female empowerment. A country where gender equality stands as an

important factor from the government itself is incredible. It makes women feel inspired to grow in their industries, and achieve new highs in their professions, benefitting the society and economy as a whole. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Innovative, ambitious and nurturing.

Sheikha Al Mheiri EMIRATI ENTREPRENEUR AND FOUNDER OF MAD (MAKING A DIFFERENCE) HOSPITALITY How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? Responsive and adaptive regulation in the business and economic scene. Residents, locals, and travellers who come to UAE yearn for new experiences What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? The UAE strives to be the most tolerant country in the world. This is a very noble attribute and aim for any country to adopt. Such a mandate for tolerance and acceptance fosters peace and normality for current and upcoming generations. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Transcendent, innovative and brave.

Yasmin Baker EMIRATI AERIALIST How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? For me personally, just to witness and hear of the changes this place has gone through is a blessing, but to be even a small part of the progress is beyond words. To not just be accepted for doing something new and di erent, but recognized for it, and sometimes even commended for it by my community is the greatest reward. I think the cultural foundations of the UAE have provided me with the space to explore new things and to learn and grow as a person, and in doing so, gain positive lessons that I can relay to others and maybe, just maybe make a small positive change. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? I am so incredibly proud to be from the UAE for so many reasons! Firstly, despite the young age of the nation, it has prospered so rapidly and in doing so, has really opened the door for the community to explore and seize new opportunities. This place is literally fresh ground to pursue so many new and exciting ventures and opportunities. The UAE has made the absolute best of its resources, and most importantly, it has focused on the development of its people. It has not arbitrarily set up regulations, systems, and institutions. Instead, it has incorporated the peoples’ voice from the start to the end to make sure that they know that their wellbeing is the top priority and that “impossible” is not an accepted term in the fabric of this society. This is a testament to the humble, forward-thinking and visionary nature of our leaders, who lead by example and who paved the way for a brighter tomorrow. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Vibrant, flourishing, home.

Sibylle Arnold-Shish MANAGING DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER OF THE COBBLER @cobbler.ae How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? We are about to celebrate the 10-year Anniversary of The Cobbler, and when I look back at the journey, I remember every milestone that brought us where we are today. We were only 2 when we opened our 1st shop, we are now more than 50, operating 4 shops, a repair workshop, and an e-commerce platform. As a woman entrepreneur, I always felt empowered and supported along the way, especially during the business setup stage. Thanks to the dynamic market, I was also able to identify opportunities and with work and dedication, to achieve my goals. COVID-19 has obviously impacted most of the businesses like anywhere else, however, thanks to the opening of Expo 2020, the energy is back if not greater than ever. The UAE is definitely the place to be right now. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? The mix of an ancestral tradition, a rich culture and a modern and dynamic vision of the future is what makes the UAE so unique. There is a constant buzz. I can see that more and more SMEs and startups are created in the UAE, which greatly contributes to the growth of the market. Finally, the UAE is a hub, and this ideal geographical location is obviously another great strength. At The Cobbler, our customers – whether they live in the UAE or are only visiting – come from di erent horizons and we learn from them every day. This is fascinating! Can you describe the UAE in three words? The UAE is a place where you can follow your dreams!

Sara Tamimi FASHION DESIGNER & FOUNDER OF SARA TAMIMI @saratamimio cial How has being from/based in the UAE supported the success you’ve achieved today? Accessibility. I am so grateful. There is no doubt that our country o ers great accessibility to all the needs of multiple business ventures. Convenience and availability of services and talent is at hand. We are in a widely diverse country with intelligibility to knowledge and experience from across the world. What do you feel is unique about the UAE and why are you grateful for that attribute? Opportunity – It is the land of opportunities, on top of being granted with great access, we are a booming country where various opportunities arise. Can you describe the UAE in three words? Opportunity, prosperity and justice. And Sheikh Zayed as our founding father.

“That’s the beauty of living here – you don’t just have to dare to dream, you’re encouraged to make it a reality.”

– Amy Wilkinson-Lough