Heba Al Samt
Co-Founder of the UAE’s first online Majlis At the young age of 27, she along with her co-founders, Hanan Huwair and Ayesha AlJanahi, are creating a community that brings together Emiratis to share, engage, and exchange ideas and thoughts. She understands the powerful tool of social media to reach the young people in the community working to create positive, equitable and sustainable change. Some of the areas of focus include: Breaking down stereotypes Fostering dialogue within the UAE Creating connections and dialogue between Emiratis, ex-pats and people globally Harness the powerful... Read MoreInterview with Hala Kazim
By: Farrah Alshash One of the most interesting and inspiring moments of my life occurred on this September day, when I got to sit and get to know Hala Kazim, “aka mama Hala”, the founder of “Journey Through Change”. You can read about people all the time, but when you get to meet and know the person first hand, it’s different. It can be a hit or miss. Meeting with Kazim was like taking a breath of fresh air on a beautiful spring morning. I couldn’t help but feel motivated, inspired, and full of positive energy during our intimate lunch.Hala Kazim, an Emirati lady, mother...
Read MoreShamsa Noor Ali Rashid
Background: ∞ Previous National Committee Member for Agha Khan Foundation ∞ Previous President of Q-Image Corporation ∞ Trustee on the Board of Beloit College Education: BA: Economics & International Relations – Beloit College MBA: Marketing & Finance- University of Chicago CEO of Forsa, Shamsa Noor Ali Rashid is a true powerhouse. She has a long-standing record of leadership in multi-million, Fortune 500 companies, and also finds time to give back to the community, as a board member on various committees. Forsa, an investment fund for female investors and...
Read MoreSalma Mohammed Al Balushi
As the first Emirati female to become a pilot, Salma Al Balushi sends a message to Arab women that they can dare to dream. “She said: “It was such an honour to be awarded with the rank of First Officer. I can only hope my accomplishment encourages many of my Emirati sisters and brothers to push the boundaries and reach their goals.” As Ethihad leads the way for other airlines, Salma Al Balushi paves the way for women in the gulf who hope to do what no other Arab woman has done before. Her story is a perfect example of the possibilities drive and perseverance have to...
Read MoreMariam Belhaf
Mariam Belhaf, a local Omani businesswoman, sells products made from Frankincense. Although she comes from a wealthy background, she wants to succeed by her own individual efforts, without anyone else’s financial support. “I want to prove that a woman can do everything. She can make success by herself, she can prove herself by her own business,” she says in the CNN feature below. CNN: Omani’s entrepreneurs mean business ...
Read MoreHH Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel
A social activist and fashion icon, Princess Al-Taweel is the perfect role model for young women. She is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Alwaleed bin Talal Foundation, which supports various causes including women’s empowerment, and she sits on the Board of Trustees of Silatech, an organization creating jobs for young people. Arabian Business calls her “a princess with a purpose” as utilizes her public role as a positive influence within the community—more specifically, young women. With the support of her husband, HRH Prince Alwaleed, she has been able to empower...
Read More