EMIRATI WOMEN'S DAY CONFERENCE 2026

``We will emerge stronger and better.``

Saturday - August 29, 2026 (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM UAE Time)

Dr. Musa Shaikh

Host & Speaker
H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
Amna Mohamad Faridoon
Amna Mohamad Faridoon
Nadia
Dr. Nadia Obaid AlQabanji
Hanan Al Mheiri
Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri
Fawzia Suhail Al Musharrekh
Fawzia Suhail Al Musharrekh
Khawla AlShehhi
Dr. Khawla Alshehhi
Dr. Badria AlMurshidi
Dr. Badria AlMurshidi
Sara Al Mosawi
MOna
Mona Sulaiman
Fiona
Dr. Fiona Oster
Amna Al Shamsi
Amna Al Shamsi
Noora Alawadi
Noora Saed Alawadi
Mouza Al Shehhi
Mouza Al Shehhi
Ekaterina Zeynalova
Ekaterina Zeynalova
Moaza Abdulrahim

Emirati Women’s Day is celebrated annually to recognize the remarkable contributions of Emirati women and their vital role as partners in the UAE’s continued progress. It also highlights the nation’s ongoing achievements and commitment to empowering and supporting women across all sectors.

The occasion aims to showcase the UAE’s progress in advancing women socially and financially, celebrate their role in the nation’s development, and recognize institutions that champion women’s empowerment at federal and local levels. It also provides a platform to address emerging challenges facing women locally, regionally, and globally while exploring practical and sustainable solutions.

PREMIUM BREAKOUTS

FOCUS ON LEADERS DEVELOPMENT

Identify appropriate metrics for the Investor’s performance evaluation – resources &value additions alone or authenticity and how to grow into the future. Discuss challenges facing Investor’s as it supports ways to overcome.

LEADERS INNOVATION

Identify solutions for Leaders based on innovations that will support success as entrepreneurs.

CREATING LEADERS OPPORTUNITIES

We bring opportunities in the market for Leaders to give them business ideas and practical business plans required to get success.

LEADERS TRAINING, CONSULTING AND ADVISORY

Recognize Leaders skills, identify area of improvements, learning opportunities to provide Women with comprehensive solutions.

LEADERS TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP

Learn how to create a cohesive and tailored technology roadmap across the finance function based on latest market innovations.

FINANCE ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

Design a future finance operating model that supports growth and innovation.

LEADERS DIALOGUE AND CONNECTIVITY

Facilitate dialogue between technology innovators, Consultants and regulators to unlock the keys to widespread adoption. Facilitate a two-way interaction to map out future needs and areas where technology has yet to offer a solution.

BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING

Facilitate dialogue between technology innovators, Consultants and regulators to unlock the keys to widespread adoption. Facilitate a two-way interaction to map out future needs and areas where technology has yet to offer a solution.

AUTONOMOUS FINANCE

Leaders will learn how to advance digital leadership to prepare for the future of the finance function where data and technology support real-time decision making.

DATA AND ANALYTICS

Discover the latest tools, techniques and technology innovations to unlock more value from data and analytics.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Utilize AI to unlock more value from finance data and processes.

DIGITAL GROWTH

Uncover how technology and digital will impact organizations going forward and how to align strategic growth goals to meet the board’s expectations.

TOPICS YOU WANT TO HEAR ABOUT, ISSUES AND CHALLENGES, & UNFORGETTABLE TAKEAWAYS.

This is an initiative of Berkeley Middle East which aims at the Leaders learning and development; so they can create a difference in the world and contribute towards the society by utilizing their skills with lot of networking and relationship building opportunities.

Keynotes

Our keynotes will provide you access to the most impactful and powerful thought leaders on the program. Hear from high-profile thought leaders and Business Executives as they cover key business trends that are driving the future of work.

Breakfast Briefings

Our breakfast briefings are sessions which give you a chance to get a deeper perspective on a topic and also get the chance to get into debate on the topic. We’ve designed them to provide the chance for open and frank discussions about the current trends and challenges impacting the profession whilst enjoying delicious food in the company of industry colleagues.

Workshops

Choose from workshops; Transform which are carefully designed to provide tangible takeaways and practical toolkits that deliver value and impact in the post-pandemic world.

CoLabs

Our CoLabs focus on a key business challenge. You will be guided through the process in small peer groups using design thinking or agile learning methods. Get to the heart of the issue and develop deeper insights, reach conclusions and formulate recommendations for the future. Our CoLabs give you tangible takeaways to be able to implement immediately into your organisation.

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Lightning Talks

Illuminate us but make it quick! True to its name a lightning talk is a very short presentation on a current topic in a quick, insightful and clear manner.

Thought Exchange Roundtables

Sharing experiences and knowledge are key elements. These roundtable discussions with small groups of peers give you the chance to share perspectives on hot topics and key challenges facing the profession. Have your say on the topics you want to discuss on the day!

InFocus Panels

Our expert panel made up of business thought leaders and executives will share their insights and pioneering research around the future of women. This interactive session looks beyond re-imaging how things are and towards innovating the endless possibilities of what they could be.

Exclusive Masterclass

A masterclass is a means to present a real-world account on a particular topic, situation or event. Led by a speaker with expert knowledge or skills in a particular area these sessions often provide best-practice advice or insight into new or innovative solutions that are forging new paths.

Awards, Certificates & Digital Badges

An exclusive, glamorous affair, where the winner will be recognised for their outstanding contributions.

HOSTED BY

PAST EMIRATI WOMEN'S DAY CONFERENCE

The Emirati Women’s Day Conference & Awards 2025 brought together inspiring leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Emirati women. The in-person event took place on Saturday, 23 August 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Dusit Thani Dubai, featuring meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in women’s empowerment and leadership.

WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE CONFERENCE & AWARDS

Dr. Musa Shaikh

  • Royal Family Investment Advisor
  • Berkeleyme & MS Voice of Global Women – Founding Director

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi

Board Member, RAK Chamber of Commerce

04:00 PM – 04:15 PM

OPENING REMARKS & INTRODUCTION

Host & Speaker

Dr. Musa Shaikh
Berkeley & MS Voice of Global Women

Founding Director

  • Dr. Musa Shaikh, Founding Director of the Berkeley Voice of Global Women initiative
  • An Expert Investment Advisor specialising in Mergers and Acquisitions, advising boards, investors, founders, & Royal Family-backed business groups on acquisitions, divestitures, business valuation, due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiations, and post-merger integration.
  • Master in Financial Laws – King’s College London, United Kingdom.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, with doctoral research focused on the legal and financial impact of taxation on corporate restructuring, mergers, acquisitions and foreign direct investment, comparing the tax regulatory frameworks of the United States and United Kingdom.
  • Master of Liberal Arts in Finance – Harvard University, United States (in progress).
  • Master of Business Administration – Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom.
  • Master of Public Administration – University of Chichester, United Kingdom.
  • Fellow Chartered Management Accountant – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
  • Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor, with expertise across finance, accounting, audit, governance and risk management.

04:15 PM – 04:30 PM

“WE WILL EMERGE STRONGER AND BETTER”

Guest Speaker:

H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
RAK Chamber of Commerce

Board Member

  • RAK Insurance Company – Board Member
  • Emirates Sports & Cultural Club – Board Member
  • RAK SME Association – Member of the Board
  • RAK Chamber of Commerce Exhibition Committee​ – Chairman
  • Business Industrial Academic Council Committee HCT, UAE – Member
  • Computer Information Sciences Industrial Advisory Committee in HCT, RAK – Member
  • Women on Board Circle (2020) formed by Sh Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan – Member
  • Senior Branch Manager in one of the leading banks in UAE  with total 20 years experience in 3 main leading banks – Vice President

04:30 PM – 04:40 PM

“EMIRATI WOMEN: FROM STRENGTH TO IMPACT”

Speaker:

Amna Mohamad Faridoon

Amna Mohamad Faridoon
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation

Chief Audit Executive

Amna Faridoon is the Chief Audit Executive at the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), with over 17 years of experience in Internal Audit, External Audit, IT, Finance, Anti-Fraud & Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Risk Management. She currently serves as a member of the Audit Committees at the Department of Economic Development (DED), Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), and the General Authority of Awqaf. Amna previously held a board position with the ISACA UAE Chapter and is an active member of the UAE CAE Majlis Group under the UAE Internal Auditors Association (UAE IAA). She has been recognized with several prestigious national and global awards, including the Public Sector Leadership Global Award , a Leading Practice Award for the Government Sector – Anti-Fraud Category and award at the Emirati Women’s Day . Amna holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and several professional certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and a Diploma in Accounting and Business from ACCA.

04:40 PM – 04:50 PM

“FROM AMBITION TO IMPACT: AN EMIRATI WOMAN’S JOURNEY OF TECHNOLOGY, LEADERSHIP & SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION”

Speaker:

Nadia

Dr. Nadia Obaid AlQabanji
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Director of Digital Transformation

Dr. Nadia AlQabanji is an Emirati technology and digital transformation leader with more than 20 years of experience in information technology, operational excellence, strategic innovation, service delivery, and organizational change. She has led major initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, smart services, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, digital platforms, customer experience, and strategic technology partnerships. Passionate about the future of education, government services, and the workplace, she contributes to the wider community through speaking, mentoring, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector collaboration. Dr. Nadia holds a PhD in Business Administration, with research focused on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, leadership and their impact on organizational performance. She is certified in professional diploma programs including digital transformation, government acceleration, government innovation, customer experience management, quality management, change management, etc. Throughout her career, Dr. Nadia has received several awards and recognitions for her achievements in customer experience, digital transformation, cybersecurity as well as technology leadership, including the CIO Award and Best IT Woman Award in 2025.

04:50 PM – 05:00 PM

Speaker:

Hanan Al Mheiri

Dr. Hanan Al Mheiri
Hanan Empire
Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Dr. Hanan Abdulla Al Mheiri is an award-winning Emirati mindset and leadership expert, entrepreneur, speaker, and the Founder & CEO of Hanan Empire. With more than 19 years of experience in the Dubai Government, Dr. Hanan has built a career spanning leadership, innovation, knowledge management, future shaping, and organizational development, while simultaneously building an entrepreneurial portfolio rooted in empowerment, transformation, storytelling, and meaningful impact. She is the Founder of Hanan Empire, a personal and professional development brand dedicated to empowering individuals to transform their mindset, strengthen their self-image, and create meaningful change in their lives and careers. She is also the Founder of Hanan Empire Conferences, an initiative that brings together thought leaders, experts, and communities through purposeful conversations and transformative experiences. Expanding her entrepreneurial vision into the luxury and creative space, Dr. Hanan founded Luxury by Hanan, a brand built around the philosophy that luxury extends beyond possessions—it is an experience, a story, and a way of living with intention. Through storytelling, content creation, media, and brand collaborations, Luxury by Hanan connects meaningful narratives with the world of luxury. Her work has received multiple recognitions, including Leadership Development Coach of the Year 2025, Leading Visionary and Mastermind in Mindset Transformation 2025, and Best Leadership Coaching Company 2025. A strong believer in lifelong learning and personal transformation, Dr. Hanan holds a PhD and uses her experiences across government, academia, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development to inspire others to challenge limitations, redefine what is possible, and consciously create the next chapter of their lives. As an Emirati woman, Dr. Hanan is passionate about contributing to the UAE’s culture of ambition, leadership, innovation, and possibility—and about inspiring women to recognize that they do not have to choose between serving, leading, creating, and dreaming. They can build a life that holds all of them.

05:00 PM – 05:10 PM

Speaker:

Fawzia Suhail Al Musharrekh

Fawzia Suhail Al Musharrekh
Travel , Tourism & Entertainment fields
Media Consultant and community Voice and Specialized

Fawzia Al Musharrakh – Media Consultant and community Voice and Specialized in Travel , Tourism & Entertainment fields & a pioneer in Tourist Destinations & Social Media Influencer .
a prominent Emirati figure in the tourism, travel, and entertainment industry.
Fawzia Al Musharrakh demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering Emirati women. She is a role model for balancing work and personal life, reflecting the active role women play in the country’s tourism and economic development

05:10 PM – 05:20 PM

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, INSPIRING GENERATIONS”

Speaker:

Khawla AlShehhi

Dr. Khawla Alshehhi
Higher College of Technology – RAK
Lecturer

I hold a PhD in Philosophy of Education, specializing in Special and Inclusive Education, from the British University in Dubai. With over 20 years of experience in student engagement and leadership development, I am passionate about empowering students, particularly those facing unique challenges, in reaching their full potential. A multiple award-winner, including the Student Champion Persona Award from Higher Colleges of Technology in Jan 2025, the Emirates Award from the Ministry of Education- Distinguished Student of Postgraduate Studies, UAE Distinguished Woman Medal, the UAE Genetic Disorders Prevention Award for Public Awareness, and recognized in the Emirati Women’s Encyclopedia, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

05:20 PM – 05:30 PM

“THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS: QUIET THE NOISE, FOCUS ON THE GOAL”

Speaker:

Dr. Badria AlMurshidi

Dr. Badria AlMurshidi
Specialist in Clinical Research
Dubai Health Authority (DHA)

Dr. Badria Almurshidi is a Specialist in Clinical Research at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the first Emirati scientist in nanomedicine. She holds a PhD in Environmental Health Sciences from the University of South Carolina (completed with a 4.0/4.0 GPA), where she was recognized as an outstanding clinical researcher, and previously served as a professor at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Her research spans nanomedicine, molecular toxicology, and neurodegenerative and fibrotic disease, with award-winning work on platinum nanoparticles’ role in cardiac fibrosis and cerebral vascular malformations — including first prize at the 2024 MENA Congress for Rare Diseases in Abu Dhabi. She brings a strong translational research background, bridging nanomaterials science and clinical application, to her current role in clinical research at DHA.

05:30 PM – 05:40 PM

Speaker:

Sara Al Mosawi
Emirates NBD
Senior Director – Digital Transformation

Sara is a digital transformation and leadership professional at Emirates NBD. She is an Agile Expert, and Certified ICF Coach & Mentor with a passion for developing future leaders who drive meaningful change and innovation. Based in Dubai, she combines her extensive expertise in Agile transformation, leadership development, and coaching to empower individuals and organizations to excel in today’s fast paced, ever changing environment. With a strong foundation in the Agile field, Sara has successfully led transformative initiatives, including playing a key role in launching Emirates Premium Economy, overseeing the development and launch of over 20 applications, and accelerating the migration of banking applications.

05:40 PM – 05:50 PM

Speaker:

MOna

Mona Sulaiman
Beauty/ Lifestyle Influencer
Public Speaker / Founder of Blink Beauty / Podcaster

I am a distinguished beauty and lifestyle influencer, public speaker, and entrepreneur, recognized with multiple awards for my contributions to the beauty industry. As the founder of Blink Beauty Cosmetics, I have established a brand that embodies innovation and excellence in beauty. My expertise extends beyond content creation, as I inspire audiences through speaking engagements and collaborations, shaping trends and empowering individuals in the beauty and entrepreneurial space. As a renowned beauty and lifestyle influencer, I have built a strong presence in the industry, inspiring a diverse audience with my expertise, authenticity, and creative content. My journey as a public speaker and award-winning beauty influencer and entrepreneur has positioned me as a thought leader, shaping trends and redefining beauty standards. Through Blink Beauty Cosmetics, I have successfully launched a brand that reflects my passion for beauty, innovation, and empowerment. My commitment to quality and excellence has made my brand stand out, resonating with beauty lovers and industry experts alike. Beyond content creation, I use my platform to educate, motivate, and uplift aspiring influencers and entrepreneurs. My collaborations with top brands, participation in exclusive events, and ability to create engaging, high-quality videos and content have made me a sought-after personality in the beauty and lifestyle space. With a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of the market, I continue to push boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on the beauty and business world.

05:50 PM – 06:00 PM

“MAY THE ROAD RISE WITH YOU: LESSONS FROM IRISH WOMEN ON EMERGING STRONGER AND BETTER”

Speaker:

Fiona

Dr. Fiona Oster
University of Birmingham Dubai
Programme Director and Associate Professor

Dr. Fiona Oster is Programme Director for the MSc in Sustainable Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Academic Lead for Entrepreneurship at the University of Birmingham Dubai, where she serves as Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. An award-winning educator, she promotes responsible, impactful entrepreneurship and student-led innovation. Fiona co-designed and delivered the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability programme to more than 1,500 undergraduate students and leads initiatives including an intercampus entrepreneurship competition and campus incubator. Her international academic experience spans Germany, Ireland, and Dubai, with expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation management, strategy, international business, and marketing. Before entering academia, she worked in international business development and marketing and supported start-ups as a trainer, coach, and mentor. Fluent in German and Italian, Fiona brings a distinctly global perspective to her teaching and research.

06:00 PM – 06:10 PM

Speaker:

Amna Al Shamsi

Amna Al Shamsi
Beach Rotana Complex
Human Capital Lead

Amna Alshamsi is an accomplished Human Capital leader with more than 14 years of experience in hospitality, insurance, and business services. As Complex HR Director at Beach Rotana Complex, she oversees the full spectrum of Human Capital operations for approximately 900 colleagues across four hotels, including workforce planning, talent acquisition, Emiratisation, performance management, employee engagement, leadership development, and regulatory compliance. She has led culture and organizational transformation initiatives, consistently exceeded Emiratisation targets, and maintained full statutory compliance. Her previous experience includes Human Capital leadership roles with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation and Marsh Insurance Brokerage Services. Amna holds a Master’s in International Business Management from Middlesex University Dubai and a Bachelor of Education from Zayed University. She is also CIPD-certified and qualified as a professional coach, trainer, psychometric assessment practitioner, and NLP master practitioner.

06:10 PM – 06:20 PM

“HUMILITY IS THE STRATEGY”

Speaker:

Noora Alawadi

Noora Saed Alawadi
Senior Strategy & Performance Specialist, DIEZA
Founder, From Noora’s Majlis | Writer | Food Taste Innovation Founder

Noora Alawadi is an Emirati strategy professional, founder, and writer working at the intersection of strategy, culture, entrepreneurship, and social impact. She currently works as a Senior Strategy & Performance Specialist, where she focuses on strategy execution, performance governance, dashboards, cross-functional initiatives, and organizational transformation.
Alongside her career, Noora is the founder of From Noora’s Majlis, a UAE-born food brand creating modern Khaleeji-inspired sauces and condiments, including Dubai Spicy Tang and Mabooch Chilli Oil. The brand reflects her passion for turning Dubai’s roots and Gulf flavours into everyday products people can use, gift, and share.
Noora is also a writer of mostly English stories for children and young readers, using storytelling to introduce Emirati and Arab culture, identity, faith, and values to wider audiences. Her wider work explores future systems, youth empowerment, inclusion, and community-driven ideas that create meaningful impact.

06:20 PM – 06:30 PM

Speaker:

Mouza Al Shehhi

Mouza Al Shehhi
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Instructor in Natural and Health Sciences

* Instructor in Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University, with experience in university-level teaching and student engagement.
* Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Science at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
* Specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease.
* Previously worked as a Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering at Khalifa University.
* Presented research at national and international conferences, including the Disease Modeling and Therapeutics (DMT) Conference 2025 in Qatar
* Received an award for her poster presentation at the MENA Dubai Conference 2025.
* Received an award for her oral presentation the Al Ain Research Conference 2026.
* Research interests include neuroprotection, oxidative stress, inflammation, and therapeutic approaches for Parkinson’s disease.
* Contributes to scientific research through research studies and review publications, particularly in neuroprotection and bioactive therapeutic compounds.

06:30 PM – 06:40 PM

“EMIRATI WOMEN: STRONGER TODAY, BETTER TOMORROW”

Speaker:

Moaza Abdulrahim
Senior Executive- corporate Communication and media

Vilal Housing

Moaza Abdulrahim holds a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication from Zayed University. She currently works in media, corporate communication, and digital content at Vilal Housing, where she contributes to social media content, video production, and communication campaigns. She also appears on camera to present housing news and simplify information for social media audiences. Moaza has received training in public speaking, television and radio presentation, and news reading. She is passionate about media presenting, visual storytelling, and creating clear and engaging content.

06:40 PM – 06:50 PM

Speaker:

Ekaterina Zeynalova

Ekaterina Zeynalova
Director of Relationships

Berkeley Middle East Holding

  • Poet | Author | Cultural Visionary Advisor
  • Creator of Educational and Cultural Programs
  • Master’s Degree in Culture
  • Researcher in the Science of Happiness
  • Mentor of Global Happiness | Speaker

EVENT TEAM

Imthiyas Hameed

Group Director Operations

Mobile/ Whatsapp: +971 (0) 58 555 5657

Email: club@berkeleyme.com

What You Need to Know About Us

Berkeleyme & MS Global Women Foundation aims at bringing change in women development. We are striving to create projects which will generate job opportunities for women, great access to health opportunities, and most important is education at the doorstep.

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Musa Shaikh