Ramadan Riyada Majlis in Dubai Highlights Empowerment of Emirati Women Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the ‘Ramadan Riyada Majlis’ in Dubai, bringing together Emirati women entrepreneurs, business leaders and policymakers to promote innovation, strengthen collaboration and support women-led economic initiatives in the UAE.
Held on March 10, 2026, the event aimed to encourage dialogue, share best practices and inspire new business ventures, aligning with the country’s broader efforts to empower women and advance sustainable economic development.
Platform for Dialogue and Innovation
The gathering was attended by H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, Founder and Chairperson of AHQ Investments; and Arwa Al Falasi, Director of Partnerships and Communication at the UAE Gender Balance Council. Several Emirati businesswomen and aspiring entrepreneurs also took part in the discussions.
Speaking at the event, Badreya Al Maidoor highlighted the growing impact of women entrepreneurs in driving global economic growth and innovation.
She noted that the UAE leadership continues to prioritise women’s empowerment by creating a competitive business environment and providing access to expertise, resources and support programmes that enable women-led businesses to thrive.
According to Al Maidoor, the Ministry is working closely with local and international partners to develop strategies that strengthen women’s entrepreneurship and expand growth opportunities. Key initiatives include the ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ national campaign and the National SME Programme, both designed to support Emirati entrepreneurs entering new sectors and expanding their businesses.
Five Panels Focus on Well-being and Leadership
The Ramadan Riyada Majlis featured five panel discussions addressing a range of topics related to women’s empowerment, leadership and well-being.
The first panel, attended by Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, focused on women’s mental health and work-life balance, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and encouraging participants to pursue both personal well-being and professional success.
During the discussion, Al Qassimi emphasised that women’s health should be recognised as a measurable national key performance indicator, noting that preventive care and hormonal well-being across all life stages are essential for workforce resilience and sustainable economic growth.
Entrepreneurial Insights and Policy Discussions
The second panel brought together innovative women from the Ministry of Community Empowerment, who shared their experiences in starting businesses, overcoming challenges and navigating entrepreneurial journeys. The session also highlighted the Ministry’s role in supporting family businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the third panel focused on gender equality policies and initiatives that encourage women’s participation across various economic sectors. The discussion aimed to increase awareness of UAE gender balance policies and motivate participants to engage in initiatives promoting women’s economic inclusion.
Success Stories and Sector Growth
The fourth session highlighted the journey of Sumaya Al Maskari, Founder of Core Studio, showcasing how passion for health and wellness can be transformed into a successful lifestyle-driven business model. The discussion encouraged participants to adopt balanced lifestyles while building sustainable enterprises.
The final panel explored the growing contributions of Emirati women entrepreneurs in tourism and hospitality, highlighting their role in developing innovative projects that strengthen the national economy and promote local tourism.
Speakers emphasised that women-led initiatives in these sectors are increasingly combining cultural authenticity, innovation and economic sustainability, while delivering distinctive visitor experiences that reflect the UAE’s heritage.
The Ramadan Riyada Majlis underscored the UAE’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive economic growth, while encouraging the next generation of Emirati women to pursue leadership roles and innovative business ventures.
