Emirati Women Lead UAE Cultural, Urban Projects, Community Initiatives

Emirati women are playing pivotal roles in shaping the UAE's cultural, technological, and urban landscapes in 2025. In Abu Dhabi, the Advanced Technology Research Council's campaign 'Not the first, never the last' honors Emirati women who sustain progress across generations, emphasizing community and continuity rather than individual milestones. Young Emirati professionals in urban planning at AECOM illustrate this ethos by designing inclusive, culturally grounded communities aligned with the UAE's vision for sustainable growth. At the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project, Emirati women such as design manager Laila Ahmed Al Rais lead efforts in architecture and cultural programming, contributing to one of the region's most significant cultural institutions. Meanwhile, Maha Gorton, leading the Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai, highlights ongoing challenges in male-dominated sectors but celebrates the accelerating influence of Emirati women in city-building and beyond. Collectively, these efforts underscore a national commitment to empowering Emirati women as vital drivers of progress in multiple sectors.