Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, founded Emirati Women’s Day in 2015 to honour the invaluable contributions Emirati women have made to the nation’s progress. This year, rather than marking the occasion for a single day, the celebrations extend across an entire month, running from 28 August to 28 September. To commemorate the milestone, MOJEH sits down with established Emirati women who continue to make an impact on society in more ways than one.
For the second instalment of the Emirati Women’s Month series, MOJEH speaks to perfumer and entrepreneur Amna Al Habtoor. Amna joined her family business, Al Habtoor Motors, as executive director of marketing and communications before her lifelong passion for perfumery drove her enrol in intensive courses around the world to deepen her understanding of the art. In 2017, Amna launched Arcadia by Amna, a niche fragrance House rooted in nostalgia. Here, Amna discusses the significance of scent and the cherished Emirati traditions she hopes to pass on to future generations.
MOJEH: The theme of Emirati Women’s Day 2026 is “We Emerge Stronger and Better.” What has the nation’s resilience taught you and what do you think it has shown the world?
Amna Al Habtoor: The UAE’s resilience has taught me that strength is not simply about overcoming challenges, it is about learning from them, adapting and moving forward with greater purpose. Our nation has shown the world what can be achieved when leadership, ambition and community work together. Even during uncertain times, the UAE continues to look ahead, invest in its people and create new possibilities. To me, “We Emerge Stronger and Better” reflects the Emirati spirit: grounded in our values, yet always ready to evolve.
How has the UAE empowered you?
The UAE has empowered me by creating an environment in which Emirati women are encouraged to dream boldly and turn their ideas into something meaningful. I have always felt that my identity as an Emirati woman is a source of strength, not a limitation. As a perfumer and entrepreneur, I have been able to build brands, express my creativity and share elements of Emirati culture through scent. The support, education and opportunities available to women have given me the confidence to create my own path while remaining deeply connected to my heritage.
Emirati Women’s Day has been extended to a month-long celebration. How do you intend on celebrating the women in your life?
I would like to use the month to celebrate women in a thoughtful and personal way, not only through words, but through genuine recognition. I want to thank the women who have supported, guided and inspired me, while also creating space to listen to their stories and celebrate their achievements. Whether through a handwritten message, a meaningful gift, a gathering or simply spending quality time together, I want every woman in my life to feel seen and appreciated. I would also love to highlight women whose work may happen quietly, but whose impact is deeply felt.
Which Emirati women inspire you and how do you hope to inspire others?
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is a constant source of inspiration for the way she has championed Emirati women while protecting the importance of family, identity and national values. I am also deeply inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, whose compassion, generosity and quiet dedication to family and community embody a beautiful form of leadership.
Beyond these remarkable figures, I am inspired by the Emirati women I encounter every day: mothers, entrepreneurs, artists, educators and women who lead with quiet determination.
I hope to inspire others by showing that our heritage does not have to remain in the past; it can be reimagined in new and contemporary ways. Through my work, I want other women to feel confident in their individuality, trust their creativity and understand that there is power in telling their own stories.
Which cherished Emirati tradition do you hope to pass on to the next generation?
I hope to pass on the tradition of Emirati hospitality, particularly the beautiful rituals connected to scent. The burning of bukhoor, the sharing of gahwa and the way a home is prepared to welcome guests carry so much warmth, generosity and memory. Scent has always been part of how we mark moments, welcome people and express care. I hope the next generation preserves not only these rituals, but also the meaning behind them and the importance of generosity, connection and making others feel at home. Discover Arcadia by Amna
