INSPIRING WOMEN SERIES

In 2015, a small group of women had the idea to bring the spirit of Soroptimists to the UAE. Since then, the first Soroptimist chapter in the Gulf region was officially registered with Dubai Humanitarian as a non-profit organization and our humble projects to educate, empower and enable women around the world have multiplied.

In 2015, the UAE established the Gender Balance Council to reduce the gender gap across government. Ten years later, the UAE continues to be a role model for advancing women. In 2018, the country required 50% of seats in the Federal National Council to be allocated to women. In 2020, a decree was passed to guarantee equal pay for men and women performing the same roles. In 2021, the country mandated all public joint-stock companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to appoint at least one female board member. As of 1 January 2025, this requirement has now been extended to all private joint-stock companies.

In 2025, we mark these double ten-year anniversaries by launching a new series on remarkable Emirati women who have helped make this country the beacon it is. Soroptimists Gulf Dubai members are proud to live in the UAE and call our adopted country 'home' whether it is temporary or more long-term. We cherish being part of a country that uplifts women and are pleased to showcase some of these extraordinary female leaders.

H.E. SHEIKHA LUBNA AL QASIMI

Interviewed by sonja ohly, soroptimist dubai

We were delighted to have the chance to interview H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi on the occasion of International Women's Day 8 March 2025.

Sheikha Lubna holds the distinction of being the first Emirati woman to assume a ministerial post (2004), an achievement that put the UAE on the international map of female empowerment.

Leading to success four key ministries: 1st world Minister of State for Tolerance (2016-2017), Minister of Economy (2004-2008), Minister of Foreign Trade (2008-2013) and Minister of International Cooperation and Development (2013-2016), Sheikha Lubna was appointed President of Zayed University (2014-2018) for her drive, commitment and determination to achieve the educational priorities set by the UAE Government to attain the hallmark of excellency and position Zayed University amongst the premier renowned international universities.

Sheikha Lubna represents the face of women’s empowerment, ranking 36th Most Powerful Women on World's 100 Most Powerful Women List by Forbes in 2017. An inspirational and influential female leader, Her Excellency continues to earn the highest global accolades for her distinctive accomplishments, including presidential medals.

Sheikha Lubna's commitment to empowering women is well known across the Emirates and the world. Our very own Sonja Ohly caught up with her recently.

Read our exclusive interview

SERIES: INSPIRING WOMEN OF THE UAE

H.E. SHEIKHA LUBNA AL QASIMI

Interviewed by sonja ohly, soroptimist dubai

This website uses cookies.