10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | 21 - 23 NOVEMBER 2025

Soroptimist International Club Dubai (SI Dubai) celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a vibrant three-day programme that welcomed over 150 Soroptimists from 18 countries. The milestone event highlighted the club’s decade-long dedication to empowering women and girls through service, advocacy, and international collaboration.

The festivities began with a memorable sunset cruise from Dubai Harbour, offering attendees breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline. The second day featured an engaging cultural and educational programme, including a guided tour of the Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate Factory and an immersive visit to the Shindagha Museum, showcasing Dubai’s rich heritage and traditions. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Evening at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Center. 

Club President Emma Brown warmly welcomed Soroptimist sisters and guests from around the world, celebrating the international bonds that define the organization. 

“Tonight marks a truly special milestone for us, as we gather to celebrate 10 years since our club was chartered. Soroptimist sisterhood represents: women helping women, women lifting women, and women choosing to be each other’s strength—even when far away from home.” 

Brown also showcased SI Dubai‘s recent projects and achievements and paid tribute to four inspiring Emirati women recognized for their contributions to their communities and their embodiment of leadership, service, and empowerment.

• Her Excellency Nouf Mohamed      Al-Bushlaibi, one of      the UAE’s most influential female leaders in strategic communications,      national branding, and cultural diplomacy. She played a pivotal role in      elevating Abu Dhabi’s international presence, including the creation of      the global destination brand Experience Abu Dhabi.
• Thureya Ali, a UAE public-international-law specialist      serving as Team Lead Negotiator and Legal Counsel for the Global Stocktake      at COP28. She represents the UAE in UN climate negotiations, helping shape      international frameworks to assess global climate progress.
• Dr. Asma Mahmood Bulshawareb, the first female Emirati veterinarian      recognized for her work in animal health, infectious diseases, and public      health, advancing veterinary science and public health in the UAE.
• Dr. Fatma Al Hashimi, Director of the UAE’s first Stem Cell      & Genomics Laboratory and Chairperson of the Dubai Stem Cell Congress,      leading groundbreaking initiatives in regenerative medicine and genomics.

Immediate Past President of Soroptimist International Europe, Carolien Demey, emphasized that, despite all our achievements, more must be done. 

"We still need to do more for women and girls. My dream is still that each woman can make her own choices about her life, her education, her career, her body, the way she dresses, the way she contributes and stands in society…and this is what Soroptimist is still about.“

During the gala, the winners of the UAE Orange the World campaign challenge, a global UN initiative to end violence against women and girls, were announced. Kora Kutlu won first place for her impactful infographic, while runner-up Ava Shirvani shared a moving poem addressing cyberbullying.

The final day of the celebration took participants to Abu Dhabi, where they explored the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the Abrahamic Family House, reflecting the UAE’s spirit of cultural tolerance and interfaith harmony.

The Soroptimist Dubai 10-year anniversary celebrations highlighted the club’s achievements and reinforced its commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls. Looking ahead to the next decade, SI Dubai aims to continue making a meaningful impact in the region and beyond.