    
Some United Arab Emirates women have stepped outside their homes
and distinguished themselves. However, they are extraordinary
only in the sense that not many U.A.E. women venture outside
their traditional role inside the house. These women are sometimes
stigmatized by other women and considered unpious for appearing
in public and interacting with men. We applaud them for being
the pioneers and role models for the younger generations of U.A.E.
women, and for being strong enough to achieve in an environment
that does not provide support or encouragement for national women.
Habiba Al Marashi
Chairperson and founder of the Emirates Environmental Group,
which now has 500 members. She is also a mother and a personell
manager. She gives lectures at schools, makes contracts and runs
campaigns.
Nujoom Al Ghanem
Producer and journalist. She studied in the United States and
produced a documentary that took 15 years because of lack of
funding. She is initiating an Arabic film movement.
Raba Al Daboos
Professional photographer. Hired by the Gulf News, the United
Arab Emirates leading newspaper in the English language. "In
the beginning I used get curious looks from my expatriate colleagues
working along with me in this field. The idea of a UAE national
being a professional photographer was something very new to them,
but gradually things have changed, and today I am well received
and treated as an equal," she said. Exhibitions of her work
have been held for the Dubai Shopping Festival and in Dubai Women's
College.
Ahlam
Well-known singer in the Arab Gulf and the Middle East. She has
many Arabic albums, gives concerts in many countries and appears
in music videos and television interviews. She is continually
being criticized for her behavior and dress, but her music remains
at the top of the charts. |
Habiba Al Marashi
Nujoom Al Ghanem