10 Inspirational UAE Women You Should Know
The UAE is one of the fasting growing countries in the world, with unprecedented opportunities, whether for local Emirati residents or expats from abroad. And one of the most exciting things to look out for in the country are the inspirational women of the UAE. Here are the 10 most inspiring women, from all fields and backgrounds, you should know.
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi
The first ever female minister in the UAE, Sheikha Al Qasimi has been ranked in Forbes magazine’s 55 Most Powerful Women in the World list; and was the first Emirati woman to receive the Clinton Global Citizen Award. Now serving as the Minster of International Cooperation and Development, she remains one of the UAE’s most iconic women.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Fatima Al Jaber
The first Emirati woman to be elected to a board of directors at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, she has since been one of the main drivers behind the growth of the UAE as the Chief of Al Jaber Group. She has also since been ranked in the world’s top 100 Most Powerful Women in Forbes magazine.
Mariam Al Mansouri
The first female fighter pilot in the UAE, Mariam Al Mansouri made headlines across the world after leading a strike mission in the war against ISIS. She has since received the Mohammad bin Rashid Pride of the Emirates medal, and continues to play an important role in the UAE army and aviation fight against ISIS.
Dr. Amina Al Rustamani
After working tirelessly with Tecom Business Parks and being one of the driving forces behind the growth of the business, she was then promoted to become Chief of Tecom Group itself. A leading figure of inspiration in business, Dr. Rustamani continues to contribute to the UAE in unprecedented ways.
Reem Al Hashimy
Chairperson of Dubai Cares, the biggest charity organization in the country, Reem Al Hashimy was also elected as the Minister of State because of her contribution to UAE society and peoples. She now is also the Board Representative of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, and the Director-General of the Bureau Dubai Expo 2020, with much anticipation of her inspirational work to come.
Zainab Mohammad
Becoming an inspirational groundbreaker as a woman in the field of real estate in the UAE, Zainab Mohammad began turning heads after becoming the Chief Executive Officer at the property development Wasl company. She has since become a board member of the Emaar Industries and has received the prestigious Emirates Women Award.
Raja Al Gurg
Holding so many titles it may seem hard to even count, some of her most prestigious being the President of the Dubai Business Women’s Council, board member of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, board member of the Dubai Women Association, and the Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. Raja Al Gurg continues to remind everyone that she truly is one of the most inspiring and powerful women of the UAE and the region.
Noura Al Kaabi
Becoming even more famous after being ranked as one of the Middle East’s Most Influencial Women in Government according to Forbes magazine, Noura Al Kaabi has been a source of inspiration for many in the media and political fields of the UAE. Also acting as chief of the Abu Dhabi based “twofour54”media group, many continue to look up to her as an inspirational woman in what many consider to be a competitive field of men.
Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi
The first ever woman to be elected to the UAE Federal National Council, Dr. Qubaisi was also then the first elected Emirati woman to be the Chairperson of this group as well. Working alongside UNESCO on numerous conservation efforts, acting as Director General of Abu Dhabi’s Education Council, and actively participating in numerous educational and young people’s issues, Dr. Qubaisi continues to awe not only the UAE but the rest of the world as well.
Salma Hareb
Becoming the first woman in the MENA region to head a free zone after being appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Jebel Ali Free Zone, Salma Hareb has continued to break down barriers. Recently receiving the prestigious Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, many are awaiting how she will continue to inspire in the coming years.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
