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      in lifestyle and culture

      9 inspiring Saudi princesses paving the way for future generations

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 8 IMAGES
      Saudi royals are continually shaping the way for the country with their work and contributions.
      As a catalyst for change, Saudi princesses are always putting their best foot forward when it comes to making a difference in the Kingdom and globally.
      From spearheading charitable organisations to raising breast cancer awareness, they’re all about giving back to society with an open heart.
      To champion their dedicated spirit, Emirates Woman delved into each Saudi royal who continues to be a torch bearer for generations to come.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram  More

    • 100 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Meet the inspiring UAE sheikhas breaking the mould

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      There are many women in the UAE inspiring the next generation of changemakers including from the royal family themselves.
      From equestrian talents to philanthropic efforts, there are many young sheikhas paving the way for the future, while carrying the legacy of their ancestors.
      With each of their stories being a reflection of their achievements, Emirates Woman looks at the many different royals who are becoming role models for many across the globe.
      Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

      As Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Art Authority and member of the Dubai Council, Sheikha Latifa is a leading figure in protecting and fostering the creative industry in the region. Whether technology or art socio-culture initiatives, her role has contributed to the steady growth of the UAE’s cultural ecosystem by transforming it into a haven of lifelong learning. In addition, in her role as Vice Chairman of the Emirates Literature Foundation, she has promoted the advancement of literature and strives to inhabit the culture of reading, ensuring her contributions are truly impactful.
      Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

      As a keen sportsperson, Sheikha Maitha has led the way for women in the sporting realm. A keen athlete herself, she made it all the way to the Olympics in Beijing in 2008 participating in the taekwondo 67kg female category. Her Highness also became the first woman to present the UAE carrying the national flag. Just like her father, Sheikh Mohammed, she has a keen passion for horses and went on to found Team Z7 which has become one of the most competitive sports horse stables in this region under her leadership. Several horses bred by Team Z7 have gone on to win awards on the international stage.
      Her Highness Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum

      As a proud equestrian, Sheikha Latifah qualified for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, when she was only 22 years old. It was a history-making moment for the country as she became one of the first women to represent the United Arab Emirates at the Olympics. She has gone on to carve an impressive equestrian and showjumping career.
      In an interview with Emirates Woman as September 2020’s cover star, Sheikha Latifah said, “I always try to create small goals that amount to a larger big-picture goal.” Deemed a perfectionist, no task is completed without full dedication for this sheikha. Overall, this Emirati International showjumper has been an Olympian and three-time UAE national champion.
      Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum

      Emirates Woman’s April 2021 – The Gratitude Issue cover star, Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum is a successful entrepreneur having founded her eponymous jewellery brand, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery in 2020, and a philanthropist. Sheikha Sana has been a pioneer in pursuing various philanthropic deeds, consistently giving back to her local community. From being part of the Al Noor Training Centre’s 50th UAE National Day to giving back to the Dubai Community through Emirates Red Crescent, her work constantly focuses on various humanitarian deeds.
      Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum

      Our Emirates Woman November 2020, The Fine Jewellery Issue cover star has been a role model for women in the world of aviation. From being a First Lieutenant Pilot at Dubai Police in 2019 to now becoming the first female to pilot the AW609 tiltrotator, this royal has definitely made headlines on several occasions.
      With immense love for her nation, she previously told Emirates Woman, “Serving my country by doing what I love doing most is simply the best feeling, and I am deeply grateful for it.” With a go-getter attitude, she has managed to reach soaring heights after being the youngest student at the Oxford Aviation Academy.
      Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum

      As an ode to the late His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikha Latifa released a book entitled Through My Eyes: The Life of Sheikh Hamdan as Told by His Daughter. The book touched upon his philanthropic principles and generous acts as he improved the lives of many.
      Published by Motivate Media Group, Sheikha Latifa during the launch said, “To the UAE and the world, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum was a diplomat and regal figure who represented his people internationally. I wish people could have known his fatherly side.”
      Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
      By always taking effective steps towards further empowering women in line with international practices, Sheikha Manal is the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment and the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. She is constantly enhancing the country’s leadership vision with an array of wide-ranging positive benefits.
      Per the Media Office, she said, “Increasing women’s representation on boards of directors contributes to achieving the objectives of the UAE Gender Balance Council to narrow the gender gap in all fields and increase women’s representation in leadership and decision-making positions in both public and private sectors.”
      Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation

      As the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima has reinforced the UAE’s leadership commitment to empower Emirati women and support their progress on a global scale. By preparing the nation for the next 50 years of growth, she is a proud supporter of women’s rights and advancements.
      Her Highness has headed a plethora of regional organisations including her role as the chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood combined with her humanitarian efforts to help women and children worldwide achieve peace and stability.
      Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan

      As an advocate for combating climate change, Sheikha Shamma is the founder and CEO of the Alliances for Global Sustainability. By carrying the eco-conscious legacy of her grandfather, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan forward, she is building a system focused on the circular economy principle to move towards a more environmentally friendly method of operating. Her mission is to empower women and the youth, and to focus on sustainable initiatives that create change. In November 2021, Sheikha Shamma also signed five sustainability agreements at the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      6 Saudi princesses paving the way for future generations

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 minute ago

      Whether establishing NGOs or pursuing charity work, Saudi royals have played a huge role in empowering women.
      Be it in the world of sports or curbing a social stigma against women in authority, no task is a difficult feat for them.
      As they continue to pave the way for many, Emirates Woman takes a look at some of their achievements over time.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Haifa Al-Faisal Al Saud

      As the assistant minister for Tourism at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, she plays a key role in establishing effective regulations and policies in the local industry. With an outspoken attitude and mission to raise awareness on issues relating to women’s health, she ensures that such a crucial cause is given significant importance. Princess Haifa founded the Zahra Breast Cancer Association for early detection, prevention and treatment.
      Additionally, she sits on the board of directors at the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Qiddiya, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and the Tourism Development Council (TDC), balancing multiple roles in her career.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Adela bint Abdullah Al Saud

      By redefining the boundaries of a Saudi woman, her reputable role has taken a vocal stance for women’s empowerment on a series of occasions. By speaking out on issues such as ending domestic violence and introducing sports for girls in schools, she has had an effective role in reshaping society for women in the country.
      She’s the founding member and chairman of Sanad Charitable Society to Support Children with Cancer and president of the National Charitable Foundation for Home Health Care in Jeddah to curb any health care issue. For her contribution to society, she also received an accolade for being the first Arab lady in supporting women’s issues and humanitarian action.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia bint Majid Al Saud

      With her life’s mission to help others, Princess Lamia has been a strong advocate for women in all spheres. Through Alwaleed Philanthropies, she has been able to host impactful projects that help women achieve their goals while supporting local artisans and talent. In an interview with Emirates Woman she said, “If you are fortunate enough to have access to resources or a raised platform, it is your responsibility to support and empower those who are not as fortunate. ”
      Her Royal Highness Princess Moudi bint Khalid Al Saud

      With over 30 years of active charitable contributions to the community, Princess Moudi has spearheaded several noteworthy initiatives such as her role as the secretary-general of the Down Syndrome Guardian Association, the secretary-general of the King Khaled Charitable Foundation and the Al-Nadha Women’s Charitable Society. Her key aim is to empower women and give them a platform to voice their opinions.
      Her Royal Highness Princess Adwa bint Fahad Al Saud

      As an ambassador of Global Peace and Goodwill, Princess Adwa is an active pioneer of community work in the Arab world. By being a cultural trailblazer and humanitarian, she’s considered the ‘Princess of Humanity’ for her efforts in executing the rights of the disabled, orphans and elderly.
      During her career, Her Royal Highness has received multiple accolades including a lifetime membership by The Federal Organization of Friends of the United Nations and an honorary doctorate from the College of British Studies.
      Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud

      When it comes to raising breast cancer awareness in the Kingdom, this princess has played a pivotal role. By keeping in line with Saudi’s 2030 vision, she tirelessly continues to expand work opportunities for women in the region. In 2020, she gained the title to become the first female to be Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. As an active part of the sports community, she has been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017 and International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 2018.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

    • 150 Shares

      in fitness and body

      Meet The Firefighting Rugby Player Proving You Really Can Do It All

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      Zinhle Ndawonde represents South Africa in both sevens and fifteens international women’s rugby. And if that isn’t heroic enough, she pays the bills working as a firefighter at King Shaka International Airport. Here are some nuggets of inspiration we can all use in our lives.
      Be True To Yourself
      Most teenagers do everything they can to fit in. Not Zinhle. In high school, with no girls’ rugby team to try out for, she played on the boys’ team – while other girls were “looking all cute in short skirts on the sidelines”. It paid off.

      READ MORE: “I Trained With The Blitzboks — And This Is What Happened”
      Have The Audacity To Dream Big
      “I grew up in Inanda township in KwaZulu-Natal and there was so much stuff going on,” says Zinhle. “Teenage pregnancies, gangs, drugs, alcohol. I didn’t want to be involved in any of that, I wanted something else for myself. But I knew that if I didn’t distract and distance myself, I might as well just accept that as my future. I used my passion, my rugby, to find my way out.” 
      Make Your Own Luck
      Zinhle had the opportunity to train with the Springbok squad leading up to the 2014 World Cup. But she didn’t make the cut into the final World Cup team. So she started training harder and removed distractions that she believed were holding her back. Two years later, she was called up to the SA team. 

      READ MORE: 6 Sportswomen Who Totally Changed The Game
      Share The Good
      As an adidas ambassador, Zinhle is on a mission to create opportunities for young women and girls. “adidas has inspired the legacy I want to leave, which is all about aiding young athletes from poor backgrounds. I’m living proof that it doesn’t matter where you come from, as long as you’re prepared to put in the hard work,” she says.
      Get inspired by Zinhle on Insta: @zinhlendawonde

      👏 Proud Fans Of Women’s Sport 👏
      The gender pay gap in sport is real. And massive. Sponsors will tell you it’s because fans watch men’s sport more than women’s. We say: challenge accepted. We’ve chosen to spotlight sportswomen who are killing it on the field, court, floor or track – because the world of sport is full of sheroes who deserve to be recognised and rewarded for being at the top of their game. #SAWomenInSport

      READ MORE: Is There Gender Parity For Women In Sports?

      READ MORE ON: International Women’s Day SA Women In Sport Women Empowerment More