Emirati women with 'limitless ambitions' prove to be bedrock of UAE's future

On Emirati Women's Day, four trailblazers from different generations give credit to the nation's value system as they reflect on their remarkable journeys

Saeeda Al Wahedi works at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and often gives lectures on the UAE’s culture and traditions. Victor Besa / The National

From making their mark in prominent leadership roles in the UAE government to sealing their spot in the country's space exploration programmes, Emirati women have much to be proud of.

Their remarkable journey, however, dates back to a time when women's contribution, although undocumented by the media, was crucial to paving the way for future generations.

At a time when men were away for months, for trade or pearl diving, women did the chores, managed finances, generated incomes through trading and even earned degrees.

On Emirati Women's Day, marked on August 28 every year since 2015, we shine the spotlight on yesteryear's true pioneers, as well as today's trailblazers.

Saeeda Al Wahedi, 63

Saeeda Al Wahedi, a mother of eight, always had a passion for education. But her marriage, soon after she finished preparatory school, put her ambitions on pause.

“My husband wasn’t rich but I was raised to support him,” Mrs Al Wahedi recalled, adding she had not met him until the day of their wedding, which was “before the union”.

It took her some years to convince him to let her pursue an education. After her fifth child was born, Mrs Al Wahedi returned to the classroom – on and off – until she completed high school.

“The bus would come to pick me and my children. They would go to the nursery, while I would go to class. We were so happy and it felt like such an achievement that I was studying again.”

Mrs Al Wahedi went to one of the country's first formal schools – Al Islah Al Taymiyah School – that was established in Sharjah in 1907. She studied Islamic studies, Arabic language and basic maths.

Once she finished school, she again managed to convince her husband to let her work. “I told him there were so many opportunities offered by our founding father Sheikh Zayed.”

Mrs Al Wahedi started working as a receptionist at Al Mafraq Hospital, now known as Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, arranging patient files and appointments for a salary of about Dh2,000.

During that time she also took up online courses and later graduated from Abu Dhabi University.

Today, she works at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and often gives lectures on the UAE’s culture and traditions.

“Emirati women’s ambitions are limitless,” she said, adding that she is equally focused on instilling the right values in her children and “a sense of belonging to the nation”.

“Even if she’s a minister or her work ends late in the evening, she never neglects her children or her home because that is what her ancestors have taught her.”

Khadija Al Teneiji, 65

Back in the day, schools had an odd way of checking if a child was old enough to attend school by checking if they could stretch their arm over their head to touch the ear on the other side.

“They asked me to line up, and I could touch my ear with the other arm, so they told me I could go to school,” recalled Khadija Al Teneiji.

It set the foundation of her business career.

Mrs Al Teneiji said she was determined to prove that “you can take anything and turn it into money”.

She remembered pickling some vegetables she had bought from a market and selling them in jars she found lying around her house for Dh100. “I even counted the cost of gas. So, out of my initial Dh100 investment, I ended up making Dh1,000,” she said.

Today, Mrs Al Teneiji introduces herself as “a mother, a homemaker and a businesswoman”.

“Emirati women, even before the union, worked. When they stayed at home, they worked. They did handicrafts, studied the Quran, cleaned their homes and took care of their children or siblings. At no point did they sit doing nothing.

“Emirati women are ingenious. Since we were young, we were taught to be independent.”

Fatmah Alkaabi, 35

At the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority Authority, Fatmah Alkaabi plays an integral part in creating a work environment where parents can flourish professionally while balancing their caregiving responsibilities.

She firmly believes that “Emirati women, empowered by the unwavering support of our leadership and our founding fathers, have every opportunity to excel and inspire future generations” while rooted in Emirati values.

“As we uphold our traditions, we also compete on the global stage, reaching the highest echelons and proudly raising the UAE flag,” she said.

Ms Alkaabi, one of 10 siblings, said her mother had a profound influence on her.

“My mother was a housewife but she was also my first teacher. It was important to her that we all succeed – not just in our education or careers, but in life as a whole.”

Her mother focused on creating a stable life for her children and never put pressure on them to become ministers or doctors.

“She just wanted us to have a goal in life and believed that it gives life purpose,” Ms Alkaabi said. “This blend of values, ambition and support is what propels Emirati women forward, ensuring they continue to lead, inspire and contribute to the UAE’s future.”

Eman Al Yousuf, 37

Emirati women have been making substantial contributions long before the establishment of the Union, said award-winning writer Eman Al Yousuf.

With most men away for about half of the year on hunting, trade or pearl-diving expeditions, Emirati women had to become self-reliant, manage finances and also engage in trade, she said.

Those early contributions have helped shape today's generation, said Ms Al Yousuf, who heads Arabic programming at Emirates Literature Foundation, likening Emirati women to Ghaf trees.

She explained that just as Ghaf trees are interconnected by an extensive underground network of roots despite being planted away from each other, so do Emirati women share a strong network of support despite taking on roles in different fields.

“Our strength lies not only in our resilience but in the networks of support that bind us together.”

The Ghaf trees also hold cultural significance, providing “food, medicine and shelter, symbolising the support that Emirati women offer not only to each other but also to their communities”.

“Regardless of how far we venture, our Emirati values remain our driving force,” Ms Al Yousuf said.

Looking at the future, she is confident that the next generation can overcome any challenge as it learns from “the experiences of our parents, [along with] the support of our government”.

“There is nothing to fear,” she said.