In the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem of the UAE, a groundbreaking initiative is poised to redefine the role of Emirati women in propelling the nation’s economic and cultural advancement. The newly launched Impact Hub builds on the legacy of the Emirati Women Achievers (EWA) Initiative, which was introduced two years ago by startAD, a platform dedicated to fostering local and global startups in the UAE.
The Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers is designed to equip the current members of the EWA network with the necessary knowledge, skills, connections, and resources to enhance the UAE’s leadership in global culture, society, and the economy. This includes a Conscious Investor Fellowship track aimed at training investors to support emerging technologies, a comprehensive schedule of networking events, and an Ambassadorship track tailored to advance Emirati women leaders across various sectors.
The inception of the Impact Hub was inspired by interactions with remarkable Emirati women through startAD programs. “It became evident that such a platform was not only essential but long overdue,” explains Nihal Shaikh, assistant director of strategic projects at startAD, who spearheads this inspiring initiative. Entrepreneurs, researchers, mentors, and women from corporate and government sectors, each with unique stories and ambitions, left a profound impact on her and the team, leading to the incubation of this initiative.
While events like Emirati Women’s Day often celebrate a select few, Shaikh recognized the need to consistently acknowledge a broader pool of extraordinary women with the right tools for their success. “Highlighting these stories was not enough; they needed a structured framework to further empower these women,” she notes. Consequently, startAD, in collaboration with Tamkeen, has aimed to uncover and amplify these stories.
Over the past three years, the initiative has flourished, nurturing a vibrant community of over 105 Emirati women across diverse fields, from space technology to retail. The project has also garnered the esteemed patronage of Sheikha Fatima, the Mother of the Nation, marking a significant milestone in recognizing women’s achievements in the UAE.
The EWA Network has become a crucial platform for growth and collaboration, with nearly half of the women involved reporting positive career growth. To address specific challenges and needs, startAD has organized Think Tank interactions, allowing women to express their concerns and aspirations. Insights from these interactions have shaped the framework for the Impact Hub, focusing on addressing gaps in data, skill development, and peer-to-peer learning.
The initiative’s foundation is deeply rooted in the visionary leadership of Sheikha Fatima, as highlighted by Shaikh, who recounts a story shared by Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State of the UAE, about Sheikha Fatima’s foresight in promoting education for Emirati women. “In the early 1970s, Sheikha Fatima insisted that daughters, their mothers, and even their grandmothers attend school together, learn together, and help each other because she knew the importance of educated and empowered women in building a society for the future,” says Shaikh.
Looking ahead, the Impact Hub plans to launch several key projects aimed at creating global success stories. The Ambassadorship Programme, a six-month transformative journey, will equip Emirati women with practical skills to develop internationalization strategies and lead cross-cultural teams. Additionally, targeted programs like Bootcamps and Market Access tracks will help upskill Emirati women entrepreneurs, connecting them with international investors through UAE embassies to bring their innovations to a global stage.
Shaikh also emphasizes the need for investment in female-founded startups, noting that last year, less than two percent of startup investments in the Mena region went to women-led businesses. “The Conscious Investor Fellowship Programme aims to train Emirati female investors to prioritize social sectors, such as education and food security, thus driving both economic and social impact,” she adds.
As the Impact Hub takes shape, Shaikh underscores the importance of securing impactful partnerships with government bodies and corporate entities. “We are committed to collaborating with those who share our vision and are prepared to invest in a future where Emirati women lead on a global scale,” she adds. The goal is to create an environment where Emirati women can thrive, innovate, and lead, fostering a legacy of empowerment.
