If there’s one thing we know for sure, there’s no mountain high enough for a woman’s ambitions. And Emirati women are no exception to this rule.

The Emirati Women’s Day was launched as a means to celebrate the women who have helped shape the nation through their contributions.

Launched by the Mother of the Nation – Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak on August 28th, 2015, the occasion now precedes its traditional one day observation and marks the first edition of a month long celebration.

Kicking off a well deserved month of spotlighting some of the nations finest. This Emirati Women’s Day is all about celebrating pioneering women and their homegrown institutions. Meet the Emirati women who have shattered the glass ceiling through creating firsts and altering trajectories of the entrepreneurial world.

Meet Amal Al Marri, the Emirati entrepreneur who kick-started a nationwide movement of food trucks in 2014, along with her co founder – Saudi entrepreneur, Deem Al Bassam.

Salt started off with their iconic silver food trucks along with their charcoal soft serves (IYKYK) making their debut on everyone’s Instagram grids in 2014, establishing it a popular go-to spot.

After gaining much deserved acclaim, the duo then went out to venture a much larger culinary concept – The Independant Food Company, which houses more of their iconic local brands like Parker’s, Somewhere and Public. Each one of which is known for a signature concept, dish or ambiance.

@findsalt

Another Emirati pioneer that has consistently headlined major news outlets for her innovation in the industry is Alia Al Banna, who co-founded the retro roller rink, Roll DXB, along with her sister Reem in 2021.

The neon studded roller rink was a nod to the 80’s skate culture as well the sisters distinct memories of skating around their neighbourhood and Safa Park.

5 years later, the roller rink is just as loved and hosts dedicated evenings for women, children and even beginners.

@rolldxb

Located in the Muweilah Commercial District of Sharjah, ORA Wellness Lounge is a first of its kind in the emirate. Unlike your traditional gyms, ORA focuses on a woman’s anatomy and her journey through pre- and post-childbirth.

Revolutionising this concept, ORA was the first to introduce Lagree Fitness method and Megaformer machines to Sharjah.

But, Alia Triam isn’t just a visionary in the wellness industry – she is a force behind empowering women through her platform as an appointed member on the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC).

@orawellnesslounge

The beloved independent arthouse cinema – Cinema Akil was established as the first of its kind in the GCC region. Showcasing a range of cult classics, independent and alternative films in Dubai.

What started off in a warehouse at the Al Qouz Art’s District of Aleserkal, soon expanded into the latest social hub of 25Hours Hotel in the One Central district.

@cinemaakil

The She Burger startup story is both inspiring and profound.

Sheikha Eissa started her namesake brand She Burger (deriving from the initials of her name Sheikha Eissa) from her family home and by completing up to 600 orders a day via WhatsApp. She took an experimental approach in her culinary creations, infusing diverse flavours and profiles to enhance the taste of local fast food.

Fast forward to 2026, the brand has several locations in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Saudi Arabia.

@she_burger

One of the regions best-loved bakery spots was founded by an Emirati woman.

The woman behind the vision, Hind Al Mulla is a self-taught baker who began her venture at home. Her goal was simple – to offer luxe confectionary through ‘simple indulgence’.

Home Bakery soon gained recognition and became a popular staple in the region – with seven locations within the UAE and one recent opening in Saudi Arabia.

@home_bakery

Transforming the wellness space with holistic healing methods is Ghaliya Ahli’s brainchild Gigi Dubai. The wellness space focuses on low impact – high intensity workouts featuring the Lagree Method.

Beyond the workouts and crafting therapeutic routines, Gigi Dubai focuses on creating a community for wellbeing. With earthy toned interiors and health cafe in-house, Ghaliya’s vision was to break free from traditional gym spaces.

In a movement to make workouts more fun and immersive, the brand has also collaborated with the likes of Bentley and Arte Museum Dubai.

@gigi.dubai