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.
In the fourth instalment of our Emirati Women’s Month series, MOJEH speaks with designer and author Shatha Essa Al Mulla. Through both her eponymous fashion label and her recently published children’s book, Open Up Mandoos, she weaves the nuances of Emirati identity directly into today’s cultural dialogue. Below, she shares her thoughts on the UAE’s resilience, leadership and passing the torch to the next generation.
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?
Shatha Essa: The UAE’s resilience has taught me that true strength is not simply overcoming a challenge; it is having the courage to adapt, learn and move forward without losing who we are. Our nation has shown the world that unity, wise leadership, preparation and compassion can transform difficult moments into opportunities for progress. As a mother, resilience also means raising my children to face change with confidence while remaining grounded in faith, family and Emirati values.
How has the UAE empowered you as an Emirati woman?
I grew up in a country where I was never taught that being a woman should limit what I could achieve. As Emirati women, we have been given education, opportunity, trust and a genuine place in shaping the future of our country. What I appreciate most is that empowerment here does not mean having to choose between different parts of ourselves. We can be mothers, professionals, leaders and active members of our communities while remaining proud of our culture and values. That sense of possibility is something I hope my daughters grow up taking for granted.
Emirati Women’s Day has been extended to a month-long celebration. How do you intend to celebrate the women in your life?
I intend to celebrate not only women whose achievements are publicly recognised, but also the women whose strength is expressed quietly every day—the mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, teachers and caregivers who hold families and communities together. I would like to spend meaningful time with them, listen to their stories and thank them personally for the difference they have made in my life. I also want to involve my daughters and sons so they learn to recognise, respect and celebrate the women around them throughout the year, not only during one occasion.
Which Emirati women inspire you and how do you hope to inspire others?
I am inspired by Emirati women across generations, particularly the women who came before us. Many of them built strong families and communities in circumstances very different from the opportunities we have today. I am equally inspired by the Emirati women of my generation who are contributing in education, business, government, science, culture and countless other fields.
I hope to inspire others, especially my children, through the way I live rather than simply through what I tell them: to remain curious, keep learning, work hard, contribute to their community and never lose their sense of identity.
Which cherished Emirati tradition do you hope to pass on to the next generation?
The Emirati tradition I most hope to pass on is السنع الإماراتي — Al Sanaa’ Al Emirati: our values of respect, generosity, hospitality, good manners and consideration for others. I want my children to understand that hospitality is not about appearance or formality; it is about making every person feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. I also want them to value family gatherings, listen to their elders, speak Arabic with pride and remain deeply connected to their roots, wherever life may take them.
