exclusive interview

Sonja: Who were some of your role models or mentors that influenced your career? 

Sheikha Lubna: I started my career as a software engineer in 1981. Of course, there were not many organisations using computers at that time.  When I joined Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) in 1993 , I had great support from the national executives such as HE Sultan Bin Sulayem. DPA operated with technology at the hard core of its operations. Later, I had the great honour to work for HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the  Dubai government. He was, and still is, our most inspiring leader. I worked for the Dubai government for 12 years under his leadership and 13 years in UAE federal government. His Highness is a transformational leader; he builds leaders around him.

Sonja: How has your upbringing and cultural background shaped your views on women’s rights and empowerment? 

Sheikha Lubna: Many societies look at the Arab or Muslim culture with a view that we, as women, are deprived and do not have rights. I grew up with both parents supporting us, the girls, equally to my brothers. My mother always said, “we are preparing you for a time that is not our time!” The women in our society worked even during my late grandmother’s time. My mother supported my decision to study during my university years in the US at the age of 17! Her only requirement was that I live with an American family. This meant that I got to know another culture and (truly) live it. Women are respected, not just now, but since my grandmother’s time.

Sonja: What are some key initiatives or policies in the UAE that you believe empower women? 

Sheikha Lubna: Women in the UAE are given the opportunity to study and work in any field. We have women engineers in aerospace, nuclear (field), astronauts, doctors, poets, writers. The UAE created a Council for Gender Balance to drive this agenda. For example, I was appointed as the first woman minister with the economy portfolio. Amal Al Qubaisi was the first woman speaker for our parliament. The UAE government made it a mandate that 50% of our parliament are women. The UAE made it mandatory that public boards must have at least one woman on the board. No wonder the UAE scored 7th globally on gender balance last year (2024).

Sonja: What message would you like to convey to women around the world on International Women’s Day? 

Sheikha Lubna: Most women will advise, as a message, other women to strive and achieve their dreams. I concur, but I also want to remind women that they are women! They carry passion and empathy and kindness toward humanity and they raise generations. Women should emphasize values and ethics in this challenging world that we live in right now.

Sonja: How do you think the UAE can serve as a model for other countries in promoting women’s rights?

Sheikha Lubna:  The UAE stands as a great example to incorporate women's equality in every initiative and strategy, tapping on this wealth of talent and professionalism through gender inclusion. Women raise children and build nations. Countries should advocate home/work balance for women. The UAE has pushed STEM education for both male and female students. They should also push the agenda for board seats for women.  Today, no country can afford to exclude half the nation as a woman's contribution for the country goes beyond work.