Emirati women have been distinguishing themselves from the start of the country’s history. Here is a shortlist of reported career firsts for women, according to profession and the time period in which they got their start:
20th century
Theatre performer Moza Al Mazrouie
Poet Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, known as Fatat Al Arab, the "Girl of Arabs", or "Gulf poet laureate"
Photographer Sheikha Jasem Al Suwaidi. Now in her 80s, she started photography in the 1950s
Doctoral student Dr Ayesha Al Sayyar, former Deputy Minister of Educational Activities at the Ministry of Education
Police officer First Warrant Officer Lulwa Abdulla was one of 23 women in the first training course in 1978
Political science professor Nesrin Murad joined UAE University in 1982
Paramedic Jamila Al Zaabi
21st century
Film producer Nayla Al Khaja, CEO of D-SEVEN Motion Pictures
Judge Khulood Al Dhaheri was appointed by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in 2008
Aircraft engineer Suaad Al Shamsi
Military prosecutor Shaimaa Al Tunaiji
Metro operator Mariam Al Safar became the first female train driver in the Middle East 2012
Fighter pilot Major Mariam Al Mansouri led the UAE's air strikes against ISIL in Syria in 2014
Landscape designer Kamelia Bin Zaal will be the first Emirati to be featured in the Chelsea Flower Show, 2015
Polar explorer
Elham Al Qasim became the first Arab and Emirati woman to reach the North Pole, in April 2010
Chef Khulood Atiq is the professional Emirati chef and Arabian and Emirati cuisine specialist for Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development and Investment Company. Read more on her.
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