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 scaling local and global startups in the UAE.
The Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers aims to equip the existing EWA network members with the knowledge, skills, connections, and resources necessary to enhance the UAE's leadership in global culture, society, and the economy. This includes a Conscious Investor Fellowship track designed to train investors in supporting emerging technologies, a comprehensive schedule of networking events, and an Ambassadorship track offering specialized programming 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 space was not only needed 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 broader need to consistently acknowledge and empower a larger pool of remarkable women. "Simply highlighting these stories was not enough; they needed a structured framework to further empower these women," she says. Consequently, startAD, in collaboration with Tamkeen, has sought to uncover and amplify these stories.
Over the past three years, the initiative has flourished, nurturing a dynamic 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 voice 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 Impact Hub aims to advance 300 EWA leaders over the next five years," Shaikh emphasizes.
The initiative's foundation is deeply rooted in the visionary leadership of Sheikha Fatima. Shaikh recounts a story shared by Dr. Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State of the UAE, illustrating 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. This visionary approach laid the groundwork for the UAE's remarkable progress, reflected in the country's rise on the Gender Inequality Index and the increasing presence of women in leadership roles.
Looking ahead, the Impact Hub plans to launch several key projects aimed at creating global success stories. Research indicates that UAE women entrepreneurs often focus on local markets despite their potential for global impact. The Ambassadorship Programme, a six-month transformational 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 highlights 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. A robust calendar of networking events will also foster a growing community of professionals, leaders, mentors, and investors, creating a ripple effect of support for future generations of Emirati women.
As the Impact Hub takes shape, Shaikh emphasizes 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. The Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers stands as a pioneering initiative—"of Emirati women, by Emirati women, for Emirati women."
