Her Excellency Dr Amal Al Qubaisi: Leadership and Legacy in the UAE
Her Excellency Dr Amal Al Qubaisi has made a lasting impact on the political landscape of the United Arab Emirates. As a trailblazer in leadership and advocacy, she has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women’s empowerment in the Arab world. Her journey from Al Ain to becoming the first woman elected as Speaker of the Federal National Council has inspired a generation and reshaped perceptions of women’s roles in governance.
Dr Al Qubaisi’s remarkable career spans education, architecture, and politics, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable development and climate change action. Her efforts to promote dialog, peace, and tolerance have earned her recognition on the global stage, including at UNESCO. As we explore her life and legacy, we’ll examine her early years, groundbreaking political achievements, and significant contributions to gender equality and youth empowerment in the UAE and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Childhood in the UAE
Born in 1969, Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi grew up in the newly independent United Arab Emirates. Her formative years coincided with a period of rapid development and transformation in the country, shaping her perspective on progress and heritage preservation.
Academic achievements
Dr Al Qubaisi pursued her higher education with dedication. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in architecture at the United Arab Emirates University, laying the foundation for her future career. Her academic journey continued at the University of Sheffield in the UK, where she excelled in postgraduate studies.
Doctoral research on UAE’s architectural heritage
In 2000, Dr Al Qubaisi achieved a significant milestone by earning a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Sheffield. Her doctoral research focused on conserving the UAE’s architectural heritage, making her the world’s only holder of such a specialized degree. This unique expertise has had a profound influence on her career and contributions to preserving the UAE’s cultural legacy.
Pioneering Political Career
First woman elected to UAE parliament
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi made history in 2006 as the first woman elected to the Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE. At the time, she was an architect and architecture teacher at UAE University. Her groundbreaking election paved the way for women’s participation in national politics.
Roles in the Federal National Council
In 2011, Dr Al Qubaisi achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman elected as First Deputy Speaker of the FNC. She also became the first woman to chair a council session, marking a significant step forward for women’s leadership in the Arab world.
Appointment as FNC President and Speaker
Dr Al Qubaisi’s political career reached new heights in November 2015 when she was appointed Chairperson of the UAE Federal National Council. This appointment made her the first woman to hold this position since the nation’s inception in 1971 and the first woman to preside over a parliament in the Arab world.
Impact on Women’s Empowerment
Breaking barriers in Gulf politics
Dr Al Qubaisi’s political career has been groundbreaking for women in the UAE and the Gulf region. In 2006, she became the first woman elected to the UAE parliament, paving the way for increased female participation in national politics. Her appointment as President of the Federal National Council in 2015 marked a significant milestone, making her the first Arab woman to preside over a parliament in the Arab world.
Inspiring future generations
Her achievements have inspired a new generation of women leaders in the UAE. Dr Al Qubaisi’s success has contributed to the UAE’s progress in gender equality, with women now holding two-thirds of public sector jobs and 30% of leadership roles. Her journey from academia to politics demonstrates the power of education and perseverance in breaking societal barriers.
Advocacy for women’s rights
Dr Al Qubaisi has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Her work has had a profound influence on the UAE’s efforts to empower women in various fields, including business, government, and STEM. The UAE’s commitment to gender equality is evident in its Constitution, which guarantees equal rights for men and women in all aspects of society.
Dr Amal Al Qubaisi’s journey from academia to politics has had a significant impact on the UAE’s political landscape and women’s empowerment. Her groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first woman to preside over a parliament in the Arab world, have paved the way for increased female participation in leadership roles. Her dedication to preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for gender equality has helped shape the UAE’s progress on both national and international stages.
Looking ahead, Dr Al Qubaisi’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders in the UAE and beyond. Her story serves as a powerful example of how education, perseverance, and a commitment to public service can break barriers and bring about positive change. As the UAE moves forward, the foundations laid by trailblazers like Dr Al Qubaisi will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s ongoing development and its position on the global stage.
