In the vibrant world of social media, Emirati female influencers are making waves and inspiring millions. These powerful voices from the United Arab Emirates are shaping conversations on Instagram and beyond, touching on everything from fashion and beauty to entrepreneurship and cultural advocacy. As the digital landscape evolves, these women are at the forefront, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of Emirati culture to a global audience.
This article spotlights 10 Emirati female influencers you must follow for a dose of inspiration and insight. From lifestyle queens like Taim Al Falasi to trailblazing models such as Rafeea Al Hajsi, these women are breaking barriers and redefining success. Their content spans a wide range of topics, including skincare tips from Salama Mohamed, fashion inspiration from Fatma Husam, and empowering messages from weightlifting pioneer Amna Al Haddad. Get ready to discover the captivating stories and influential voices of these remarkable Emirati women.
Taim Al Falasi: The Lifestyle Queen
Taim Al Falasi’s rise to fame
Taim Al Falasi, a 29-year-old Emirati social media sensation, has transformed her childhood dreams into a lucrative career. After graduating from Zayed University in 2012, she launched her digital magazine, Yolomagazine, followed by a successful radio show. Her breakthrough came when she posted a vlog in Mall of Emirates, becoming the first Emirati girl to record herself in a mall.
Taim Al Falasi’s content focus
Taim’s content primarily revolves around food, travel, and lifestyle. Her vlogs and daily posts on Instagram, where she has over 4.1 million followers, have resonated with her audience. She also has a strong presence on Snapchat with 914,000 subscribers.
Taim Al Falasi’s impact on Emirati culture
Taim’s influence extends beyond social media. She owns eight restaurants in the UAE and has invested in real estate. Her success story inspires many, demonstrating the power of consistency and determination in the digital age. Taim’s journey showcases the evolving landscape of Emirati culture and the opportunities social media presents for young entrepreneurs.
Mthayel Al Ali: The Multifaceted Entrepreneur
Mthayel Al Ali, a 29-year-old Emirati entrepreneur, has made a significant impact in various industries. Her journey began at 20 when she discovered the power of social media, posting a picture of her Pakistani driver on May 26, 2012. This moment marked the beginning of her influential career.
Mthayel Al Ali’s business ventures
Al Ali’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Tkhayyal, a pioneering creative marketing agency in Dubai. She also owns Ara, a conversational podcast and YouTube channel, and Ce, a modern jewelry brand. Her ventures focus on women’s empowerment and breaking stereotypes.
Mthayel Al Ali’s social media presence
With over 700,000 Instagram followers and 40,000 Twitter friends, Mthayel has become one of the most influential figures in the Middle East. Her content showcases her elegant fashion sense, leading to collaborations with high-end brands like Bulgari and Prada.
Mthayel Al Ali’s influence on young Emiratis
As a young Emirati, Mthayel inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. She believes in breaking norms and living without limitations, encouraging her followers to embrace change and stay true to themselves.
Salama Mohamed: The Beauty and Wellness Guru
Salama Mohamed, a renowned beauty and wellness expert, has made significant strides in the skincare industry. Her journey began with personal struggles with vitiligo and sensitive skin, which led her to explore Korean skincare. This experience inspired her to create Peacefull, a skincare brand launched in 2021. Peacefull focuses on inclusive and accessible products catering to diverse skin types and tones, emphasizing clean, plant-based ingredients.
Salama Mohamed’s brand Peacefull
Peacefull reflects Salama’s commitment to holistic wellness and sustainability. The brand offers a range of products designed for the Middle Eastern climate, addressing issues like heat, humidity, and sun damage. Salama’s approach combines traditional remedies with modern skincare science, resulting in award-winning formulas that are gluten-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free.
Salama Mohamed’s advocacy for inclusivity
Beyond her business ventures, Salama is a vocal advocate for inclusivity in the beauty industry. She uses her platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote representation of underrepresented communities. Her message emphasizes self-love and acceptance, encouraging followers to embrace their unique skin conditions and celebrate diversity.
Dr. Mahra Lutfi: The Stem Cell Pioneer
Dr. Mahra Lutfi, an Emirati influencer and model, has made significant strides in the field of stem cell research. As the first Emirati stem cell doctor, she has become a prominent figure in both the medical and social media realms. Her achievements include being certified by the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and serving as a United Nations ambassador for stem cell research in the UAE.
Dr. Mahra Lutfi’s medical background
Dr. Lutfi’s medical journey began at the Central America Health and Sciences University in Belize. Her passion for stem cell technology led her to pursue fellowships in China and Ukraine, where she gained valuable experience in the field. Dr. Lutfi’s expertise spans various applications of stem cell therapy, from treating diabetes and arthritis to addressing infertility and cosmetic concerns.
Dr. Mahra Lutfi’s social media influence
With a significant following on social media platforms, Dr. Lutfi uses her influence to promote health, wellness, and fashion. Her glamorous lifestyle and attendance at prestigious events, such as the Billionaire Awards and the Cannes Film Festival, have garnered attention from her followers. Dr. Lutfi’s social media presence serves as a platform to showcase her professional achievements and personal interests.
Dr. Mahra Lutfi’s impact on women in STEM
As a pioneering figure in the STEM field, Dr. Lutfi has become an inspiration for Emirati women. Her success challenges the underrepresentation of women in STEM careers, particularly in fields like medicine and research. Dr. Lutfi’s achievements highlight the importance of providing equal opportunities for women in science and technology, contributing to narrowing the gender gap in these industries.
Rafeea Al Hajsi: The Trailblazing Model
Rafeea Al-Hajsi, the first Emirati runway model, has made significant strides in the fashion industry. She has broken barriers and challenged societal norms while respecting her cultural heritage. Al-Hajsi’s journey began with modeling traditional Emirati attire, showcasing the beauty of her culture to the world. Her career has since expanded to include international fashion weeks and TV appearances.
Rafeea Al Hajsi’s modeling career
Al-Hajsi’s modeling achievements include walking for renowned brands at Paris Fashion Week and being recognized as one of the top 11 fashion models worldwide in 2017. She won the Best Model Award during Arab Fashion Week 2017 and has been featured in prominent publications like Arab News and Emirates Woman.
Rafeea Al Hajsi’s artistic pursuits
Beyond modeling, Al-Hajsi has ventured into acting and TV presenting. She hosted the “#FrontRow” program for Sayidaty magazine and participated in various fashion events, including the first-ever Arab Fashion Week in Saudi Arabia.
Rafeea Al Hajsi’s advocacy for female empowerment
Al-Hajsi uses her platform to inspire young Emirati women and challenge outdated social barriers. She emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural traditions while pursuing ambitious goals, serving as a role model for aspiring models in the UAE.
Fatma Husam: The Fashion Icon
Fatma Husam, a Dubai-born fashion influencer, has made a significant impact on the modest fashion industry. With over 800,000 Instagram followers, she showcases her elegant, layered style, inspiring women worldwide. Fatma’s signature long white shirt exemplifies her versatile approach to fashion. Her journey began when modest clothing was not yet trendy, and she proudly contributed to its growth into a global industry worth billions. Fatma co-founded MAS Jewels, a jewelry brand featuring collections like Hayma and Sidra, which celebrate women’s beauty and perseverance. Her influence extends beyond fashion, as she advocates for women’s empowerment and supports local businesses in the UAE.
Yasmin Al Mulla: The Philanthropic Designer
Yasmin Al Mulla, an Emirati style icon and entrepreneur, has made a significant impact in the fashion industry and philanthropy. As the creative director of YNM, she designs timeless garments that blend tradition with modernity. Her brand, founded in 2014, specializes in elegant, handmade contemporary pieces that reflect her cultural heritage. Yasmin’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her shift towards a “season-less” approach, focusing on four capsule collections annually. Beyond fashion, she actively supports local UAE charities and dedicates proceeds from YNM to national goodwill initiatives, embodying the spirit of empowerment and diversity that the UAE represents.
Asma Al Matrooshi: The Lifestyle Trendsetter
Asma Al Matrooshi, an entrepreneur and modest fashion icon, has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. Her brand, Epiphany, founded in 2014, revolutionized abaya wear by introducing pastel colors and organic fabrics. Al Matrooshi’s innovative approach includes creating modest travel wear sets that blend well with hijab looks. Her esthetic lifestyle and travel content on social media have garnered a substantial following. As a trendsetter, she focuses on impactful layers, powerful neutrals, and tonal dressing. Al Matrooshi’s influence extends beyond fashion, as she strives to empower modern Emirati women through her meticulously curated worldview and contemporary designs.
Amna Al Haddad: The Weightlifting Pioneer
Amna Al Haddad’s sports journey
Amna Al Haddad, a former journalist, transformed her passion for fitness into a groundbreaking athletic career. In 2012, she became the first Arab woman to compete in the Reebok CrossFit Asia Regionals. The following year, she made history as the first competitive weightlifter from the Gulf to compete in a hijab. Her journey led her to win multiple medals at the 2015 IWF Asian Interclub Championships and contribute to the UAE’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Amna Al Haddad’s advocacy for women in sports
Al Haddad has become a powerful advocate for women in sports, particularly in the Middle East. She collaborated with Nike to develop the Pro Hijab, addressing the needs of Muslim athletes. Her story has inspired many, featuring in the bestselling book “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” and reaching millions through media coverage. Al Haddad emphasizes the importance of focusing on athletes’ achievements rather than their attire, challenging cultural barriers and misconceptions.
Amna Al Haddad’s influence on Emirati athletes
As a trailblazer, Al Haddad has had a significant impact on Emirati athletes. Her journey has opened doors for women in strength sports and demonstrated the potential for success in non-traditional fields. Despite facing challenges in funding and cultural acceptance, she has persevered, becoming a role model for aspiring athletes. Al Haddad’s resilience and determination have inspired a new generation of Emirati women to pursue their athletic dreams and break barriers in sports.
Noura Al Kaabi: The Art Advocate
Noura Al Kaabi, the Minister of Culture and Youth, has become a driving force in the UAE’s cultural landscape. Her contributions to visual arts include supporting the growth of galleries and art fairs, showcasing local and regional talent. Al Kaabi’s cultural initiatives have elevated the UAE’s status as a hub for contemporary art, with numerous events and exhibitions bringing international attention to Emirati artists. Her influence on the Emirati art scene is profound, fostering a vibrant and diverse creative economy. Al Kaabi emphasizes the importance of culture in the UAE, welcoming creatives regardless of nationality or background, and successfully listing three UAE cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
The rise of Emirati female influencers has a profound impact on social media and beyond, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of UAE culture to a global audience. These inspiring women, from lifestyle queens to trailblazing athletes, are breaking barriers and redefining success in various fields. Their stories of determination, creativity, and entrepreneurship serve to empower and motivate others, especially young Emiratis, to pursue their dreams and embrace their unique identities.
These influential voices are not just shaping conversations but also driving change in their respective industries. From fashion and beauty to science and sports, they’re paving the way for future generations of Emirati women to excel. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these women stand at the forefront, embodying the progressive spirit of the UAE while staying true to their cultural roots. Their journeys remind us of the power of social media to create positive change and inspire others to reach for the stars.
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