As part of the HoW Talks series celebrating Emirati Women’s Day
Sharjah, September 24, 2026 : H.E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, a prominent Emirati leader and the UAE’s first woman to hold a ministerial post, has called for leaders to build teams that can make decisions and drive work forward independently. Speaking at House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah, she stressed that effective leadership is built on teamwork and empowering others to take responsibility.
Held in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, the ‘HoW Talks’ session, titled “Emirati Women: Leading More, Creating Impact,” was moderated by Shaikha Almteiri, Chairperson of the Gulf Library, Information and Archives Association and Secretary-General of the Emirates Writers Union.
Sheikha Lubna reflected on her transition into government, highlighting the importance of building specialised teams, broadening participation and delegating authority to foster a working environment grounded in knowledge, trust and shared responsibility.
She emphasised that meaningful progress is built through collaboration, as no individual can work in isolation and everyone has a role to play in contributing to society. She stressed that a person’s value is not defined by their position or title, but by the contribution they make and the meaningful impact they create within their organisation and the wider community.
Family and impact
Reflecting on the influence of family in shaping her character, Sheikha Lubna highlighted the role of mothers and grandmothers in passing down values such as tolerance, generosity, community solidarity, consideration for neighbours and respect for others. She noted that these values were deeply rooted in everyday Emirati life, transmitted from one generation to the next through example and practice, and continue to shape the character of Emirati society and strengthen its cohesion.
She further emphasised that women who dedicate themselves to raising their children make an important contribution to shaping future generations. For working women, she stressed the importance of balancing professional and family responsibilities, and giving children the time and dialogue needed to shape their awareness and strengthen their identity. She also explained instilling responsibility and a spirit of giving from an early age, and encouraging children to contribute to their communities.
Education and self-reliance
Reflecting on her education, Sheikha Lubna recalled her early interest in mathematics, physics and reading. She said her studies in the UK and later the US helped her develop self-reliance, while the support of her family and professors gave her the confidence to adapt to new experiences. She noted that studying abroad also fostered a sense of responsibility and openness to different cultures and perspectives.
She also highlighted how access to higher education, particularly for women, was far more limited in the past. Today, she noted, the UAE offers a wide range of educational institutions, centres and international universities, making opportunities once beyond the reach of previous generations more accessible. She stressed, however, that making the most of these opportunities requires clear goals, effort, discipline and a commitment to learning.
The session was part of House of Wisdom’s “HoW Talks” series, a year-round platform that brings writers, thinkers and creatives from the UAE and around the world together with audiences to share their experiences, ideas and work, and explore issues spanning culture, society and creativity.
