My Pride in Emirati and Female Representation on Forbes Middle East's 30 Under 30 List
Date: 21st November 2023
Oh, the joy that fills my heart as I write about the recently unveiled Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list for 2023! As a proud Emirati and a woman who has witnessed the incredible journey of countless talented individuals in our region, this year's list brings an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment.
Let's start with the heartwarming fact that our beautiful nation, the United Arab Emirates, is home to 11 of these exceptional young minds. That's right – 11 Emiratis, making their mark and showing the world the depth of talent that resides within our borders. As an Emirati myself, it's impossible not to swell with pride at the thought of our youth contributing so significantly to various fields, from commerce and finance to science, technology, and beyond.
Highlights:
1- Fatma Almulla: A Pioneer in Healthcare Innovation
At a mere 28 years old, Fatma Almulla is rewriting the narrative of healthcare. Serving as the Vice President of GKSD Healthcare Middle East and Chief Development Officer for the Gulf region, her impact is nothing short of revolutionary. During the tumultuous times of the pandemic, Fatma, alongside her team at the University College London, collaborated with Oxford University and AstraZeneca to craft the AstraZeneca vaccine. Her commitment to developing a biological reactor meeting FDA standards showcases her dedication to ensuring top-notch healthcare solutions for our region.
2- Reem AlMusabbeh: Tech Visionary and Youth Empowerer
Meet Reem AlMusabbeh, a 24-year-old force to be reckoned with. As the Founder and CEO of Retech & Esaal and Cofounder and COO of Unipreneur, Reem has not only founded three technology ventures but has also become a beacon for youth empowerment. Unipreneur, her brainchild, has facilitated over 30 events and industry-academia connect sessions in under two years, proving that innovation and collaboration are the keys to unlocking boundless potential.
3- Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi: Racing Royalty
In the exhilarating world of racing, the Al Qubaisi sisters, Amna and Hamda, are making history with every turn of the wheel. At the ages of 22 and 20, these racing drivers have shattered gender stereotypes and etched their names in the annals of motorsports. From Amna's groundbreaking win in the Formula 4 U.A.E. Championship to Hamda's historic podium claim in the Italian F4 Championship, these sisters are not just racing for themselves but for a future where determination knows no gender.
A Symphony of Pride: Emiratis and Women Standing Tall
With 11 Emiratis and shining stars like Fatma, Reem, Amna, and Hamda, this recognition is not merely a spotlight; it's a celebration of dreams realized, barriers obliterated, and a future sculpted by the relentless pursuit of excellence.
But there's another aspect that fills me with immense joy – the representation of women. In a region where traditions often intersect with modern aspirations, seeing 30 Under 30 listees like Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi, Fatma Al Mulla, Reem AlMusabbeh, Hana Gouda, Basant Hamida, and Sarah Samir shining brightly is truly heartening. The empowerment of women in the Middle East is a cause close to my heart, and witnessing these trailblazing women receive the recognition they deserve is a testament to the strides we are making towards a more inclusive and diverse future.
Hana Goda, a 15-year-old Egyptian table tennis champion, is a beacon of inspiration for our youth. Her inclusion as the youngest listee is a testament to the potential that lies within our younger generations. Similarly, Ali Ammar Rubaiawi, an 18-year-old Iraqi weightlifter, showcases the incredible achievements possible when talent meets determination - men and women.
As I scrolled through the list and saw familiar names like Dania Alshowaikh leading Daleel Financial Marketplace, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to their journeys. It's a reminder that our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs are being recognized on a global stage.
So here's to our Emirati talents, our inspiring women, and every young soul on the 30 Under 30 list who is shaping the narrative of the Middle East. Your stories are our stories, and I, for one, couldn't be prouder. Cheers to the future and the boundless potential that lies ahead!
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