The United Arab Emirates has spent the decade reshaping leadership models. It is no longer defined by oil, real estate or old industries. The country is now investing in space, technology, diplomacy and healthcare. Women are right in the middle of all these changes.
These women are actively driving change. They are in positions where they make decisions, create policies and shape long-term outcomes. Across different sectors, a new generation of women is influencing global perception of the UAE, both at home and around the world.
Here are five of these women.
Sarah Al Amiri

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Science and Space
Sarah Al Amiri represents the UAE’s space and science agenda. She played a key role in the country’s Mars mission, which put the United Arab Emirates on the global space map. This elevated the UAE’s global space profile.
She is part of an effort to build a knowledge-based economy that relies on research, education, and technology rather than natural resources. What is notable about her is that she is. She works on building long-term systems.
Reem Al Hashimy

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Global Strategy and Diplomacy
Reem Al Hashimy became well-known for leading Expo 2020 Dubai. The real impact of her work is much bigger than just one event. Expo 2020 Dubai positioned the UAE globally. It showed how the United Arab Emirates wants to be seen; open, connected and forward-looking.
Behind this event were years of planning, negotiation and coordination. She works across business, diplomacy, and international partnerships. She helps supports UAE engagement with the rest of the world across trade, development, and international cooperation.
Lana Nusseibeh

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UAE Representation at the United Nations
Lana Nusseibeh has represented the United Arab Emirates at the United Nations. It’s where global issues such as conflict, climate, and humanitarian efforts are addressed. She represents the UAE to position itself, not only as a regional power but as an active voice in global dialogue. What stands out about her work is her balance.
Shamma Al Mazrui

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A Focus on the Next Generation
Shamma Al Mazrui represents young leadership, becoming one of the youngest ministers in the world. This includes education, employment and opportunities in industries. The United Arab Emirates understands that its long-term success depends on how prepared its younger population is. Her work is about building a bridge between ambition and opportunity. It is less about policy and more about making sure young people can access opportunities created by national policy.
Maryam Matar

Health, Research and Innovation
Maryam Matar’s work is in healthcare. She focuses on research and early detection of disease, as medicine moves towards prevention rather than treatment. She founded initiatives that address conditions in the region, helping families understand risks and access better care. This type of work may not always make headlines, but it has a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Her contribution reflects a shift in the United Arab Emirates toward preventive healthcare and research that directly improves people’s quality of life. It reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing science that improves quality of life, instead of focusing only on infrastructure or business.
The Bigger Picture
These women are influencing different sectors of the economy. Space science, diplomacy, youth development, healthcare. The United Arab Emirates is building its future across several areas at the same time. It is not relying on one sector. It is expanding into technology, global influence and human development. These women are part of this process at every level.
What stands out is not their positions. It is the type of work they are doing. It is long-term, strategic and often behind the scenes. These women, including Sarah Al Amiri, Reem Al Hashimy, Lana Nusseibeh, Shamma Al Mazrui and Maryam Matar are making a difference, in the United Arab Emirates.