Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum: UAE Leadership and Public Work
Discover her education, government roles, support for women, cultural programmes and humanitarian impact
Introduction
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is a senior Emirati public leader known for supporting women’s advancement in the United Arab Emirates.
She leads major organisations that help women enter the workforce, develop leadership skills and take part in important decisions. Her public work also covers education, art, family-friendly workplaces and humanitarian support.
Sheikha Manal is the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of Dubai Women Establishment. She is also the wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Quick Answer: Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is an Emirati public leader known for advancing gender balance, supporting female leadership and developing humanitarian, educational and cultural programmes across the UAE.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum Quick Facts
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Arabic Name | الشيخة منال بنت محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Profession | Public-sector leader and women’s advancement advocate |
| Current Federal Role | President of the UAE Gender Balance Council |
| Dubai Role | President of Dubai Women Establishment |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and postgraduate degree in Marketing |
| Husband | Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Known For | Gender balance, female leadership, art and humanitarian work |
Her current leadership roles are confirmed by the official UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment.
Who Is Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum?
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is an Emirati royal and public-sector leader.
She is widely recognised for leading organisations that improve opportunities for women in government, business and society.
Her work is not limited to speeches or public events. The organisations under her leadership conduct research, recommend policies, provide professional training and encourage companies to create supportive workplaces.
She also supports art, education and humanitarian projects that benefit children, women and communities inside and outside the UAE.
Why Is Sheikha Manal Famous?
Sheikha Manal is famous for leading the UAE’s work in gender balance and women’s professional development.
She is best known for:
- Leading the UAE Gender Balance Council.
- Leading Dubai Women Establishment.
- Supporting women’s participation on company boards.
- Developing Emirati female leaders.
- Promoting family-friendly workplace policies.
- Supporting young artists.
- Launching humanitarian and educational campaigns.
- Encouraging women to participate in the national economy.
Her public work connects women’s success with the UAE’s wider goals in education, economic growth, family wellbeing and sustainable development.
Sheikha Manal’s Education
Sheikha Manal studied at the American University in Dubai.
A Zayed University leadership profile states that she earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a master’s degree in Marketing.
The Emirates News Agency reported that she received an MBA in Marketing in 2007. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the graduation ceremony and presented certificates to the graduates.
This means her academic background combines creativity with business knowledge.
Interior design helped develop her interest in art and culture, while marketing provided useful knowledge about communication, leadership and organisational growth.
President of the UAE Gender Balance Council
The UAE Gender Balance Council was established in 2015.
Sheikha Manal serves as its President and guides its work across government organisations, private companies and society.
The council aims to reduce gender gaps and create fair opportunities for women and men.
Its main areas of work include:
- Women’s economic participation.
- Representation in leadership roles.
- Equal professional opportunities.
- Workplace policies.
- Family wellbeing.
- Financial inclusion.
- International partnerships.
- Government strategy and legislation.
The council also works with companies to encourage more women to enter senior management and decision-making positions.
As of July 2026, Sheikha Manal continues to chair the council and lead its national gender-balance work.
Readers interested in other Emirati government leaders can also learn about Reem Al Hashimy and her UAE leadership journey.
UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031
In June 2026, the UAE Gender Balance Council launched a national dialogue to help develop the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031.
More than 100 representatives from government organisations and private companies joined the discussions.
The dialogue examined several important subjects, including:
- Education.
- Career development.
- Family responsibilities.
- Health and wellbeing.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Financial inclusion.
- Workplace culture.
- Artificial intelligence.
- The future economy.
The strategy is designed to build on the UAE’s earlier achievements while preparing workplaces and public institutions for future social and economic changes.
Leadership of Dubai Women Establishment
Dubai Women Establishment is a government organisation that works to improve women’s professional and social opportunities.
It is led by Sheikha Manal.
The organisation’s 2023–2027 strategy has three main priorities:
- Creating supportive workplaces for women.
- Developing female leaders.
- Improving women’s quality of life.
Dubai Women Establishment conducts research, recommends policies and provides training for Emirati women.
It also works with government departments, private businesses and international organisations.
The establishment’s programmes help women build skills in:
- Leadership.
- Communication.
- Corporate governance.
- Strategic planning.
- Board membership.
- International representation.
- Entrepreneurship.
- Innovation.
This practical approach helps women prepare for real responsibilities instead of offering only general encouragement.
Women on Boards Initiative
One of the most important projects connected with Sheikha Manal is the Women on Boards initiative.
The programme encourages organisations to include qualified women on boards of directors.
Board members help make major decisions about a company or organisation. They review strategy, performance, finances and long-term plans.
Increasing women’s participation on boards gives organisations access to a wider range of skills, ideas and experiences.
Dubai Women Establishment states that the initiative was launched under Sheikha Manal’s directives. It became an important part of the UAE’s work to increase female representation in decision-making positions.
Women on International Boards Programme
Sheikha Manal also directed Dubai Women Establishment to develop the Women on International Boards Programme.
The programme prepares Emirati women for board positions in international organisations and global companies.
Participants receive training in areas such as:
- Board responsibilities.
- International business.
- Corporate governance.
- Strategic decision-making.
- Communication.
- Risk management.
- Professional conduct.
The first group included 20 Emirati female leaders from government, semi-government and private organisations.
The programme shows that women’s advancement requires both opportunity and preparation.
The career of Nora AlMatrooshi, the first Arab woman selected as an astronaut, is another example of an Emirati woman entering a highly specialised international field.
Support for Family-Friendly Workplaces
Sheikha Manal’s work also focuses on the relationship between employment and family life.
A workplace may offer jobs to women, but real participation can remain difficult when employees do not receive proper support for caregiving and family responsibilities.
Family-friendly policies may include:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Maternity support.
- Parental leave.
- Childcare assistance.
- Fair promotion systems.
- Employee wellbeing programmes.
- Equal access to training.
- Respectful workplace cultures.
The UAE Gender Balance Council has encouraged private companies to introduce practical policies that help employees balance professional and family responsibilities.
This approach treats family wellbeing as an important part of a strong economy.
Supporting Emirati Women in Business
Sheikha Manal’s public work helps create a wider environment in which Emirati women can lead companies, launch businesses and enter specialised professions.
Leadership development is important because women may have strong qualifications but still need access to training, professional networks and decision-making opportunities.
The UAE’s growing group of female founders and executives includes people such as Amira Sajwani, who works across property and technology.
Business leadership can take many forms. Some women lead government organisations, while others build companies, develop products or manage international brands.
Mona Kattan’s journey in building the KAYALI fragrance brand is another example of a UAE-based woman creating a global business identity.
Art and Cultural Work
Art has been an important part of Sheikha Manal’s public life.
Her educational background in Interior Design gave her a direct connection with creativity and visual culture.
A Zayed University profile states that she displayed her paintings in an exhibition called Chromatic Encounters in 2004.
In 2005, UNICEF selected two of her paintings for greeting cards. Money raised from the cards supported children in need.
She also supported the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award.
The award provided emerging artists with an opportunity to display their work and gain public recognition.
Her cultural programmes have encouraged:
- Painting.
- Photography.
- Multimedia art.
- Design.
- Creative education.
- Youth participation.
- Cultural exchange.
These projects show that national development is not only about business and technology. Creativity, identity and cultural education are also important.
Readers interested in modern Emirati culture can also explore Afra Atiq’s work as a poet, scholar and teaching artist.
Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program
The Sheikha Manal Little Artists Program introduces children and young people to art.
The programme has included workshops, guided exhibition tours and creative activities.
Children can learn how artists use colour, shape, materials and ideas to communicate.
Programmes of this kind can help young people develop:
- Confidence.
- Imagination.
- Communication skills.
- Cultural awareness.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Interest in museums and exhibitions.
The programme reflects Sheikha Manal’s belief that art education should begin at a young age.
Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative
Sheikha Manal launched the Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative in 2013.
The initiative supports charitable and development projects in areas such as:
- Education.
- Healthcare.
- Food assistance.
- Safe drinking water.
- Mental wellbeing.
- Support for women and girls.
- Assistance for workers.
- Climate education.
The initiative aims to create useful and lasting results instead of providing only short-term help.
Its projects have worked with major UAE organisations, including Dubai Cares, Noor Dubai Foundation and Dubai Healthcare City.
Major Humanitarian Projects
The Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative has supported several documented projects.
Noor Al Hayat
In 2013, the initiative supported a project that aimed to prevent and treat sight-related conditions for one million patients in different parts of the world.
UAE Water Aid Initiative
In 2014, it supported a campaign designed to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for five million people in developing countries.
Selah Art Programme
In 2015, the initiative launched an art programme for orphans and minors.
The programme used creativity and artistic activities to support personal and emotional development.
ReacHer
During the COVID-19 period in 2020, the initiative launched ReacHer.
The programme gave women access to mental-health support and consultations from qualified practitioners.
Eye-Care Support in Nigeria
In 2022, the initiative supported an eye-care programme in Katsina State, Nigeria.
The project targeted 160,000 students and 3,000 teachers in 194 primary schools.
Students received eye examinations, and glasses were provided to people who needed them.
Support for Girls’ Education
Education has been a major part of Sheikha Manal’s humanitarian work.
In 2007, she travelled to Yemen during the Dubai Cares campaign.
She visited schools and met students to understand the challenges affecting children’s access to education.
During the visit, she donated AED1 million to support UNICEF projects for girls’ education in Yemen.
The project aimed to help girls overcome poverty-related barriers and gain access to learning opportunities.
Marriage and Family
Sheikha Manal is married to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He serves as Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates.
Official UAE institutional sources identify Sheikha Manal as his wife.
Her public statements sometimes connect leadership with family responsibility.
Her professional work also supports the idea that women should not have to choose between family life and professional development.
Instead, organisations should create systems that allow people to fulfil both responsibilities.
Leadership Style and Public Values
Sheikha Manal’s leadership style is focused on institutions, policies and measurable programmes.
Her public priorities include:
- Equal professional opportunities.
- Female participation in decision-making.
- Education and training.
- Supportive workplace policies.
- Family stability.
- Employee wellbeing.
- Economic participation.
- Cultural development.
- Sustainable humanitarian support.
Most official reporting about her focuses on programmes and public initiatives rather than private lifestyle details.
This gives her a public image based mainly on leadership, government service and social development.
Why Is Sheikha Manal Important to the UAE?
Sheikha Manal is important because she has helped turn women’s advancement into organised public policy.
Her work is not limited to celebrating successful women after they reach the top.
The organisations under her leadership also examine the barriers that may prevent women from entering the workforce, receiving promotions or joining boards.
They then develop research, strategies, training and workplace policies to address these problems.
This creates a more complete approach to gender balance.
It connects:
- Education with employment.
- Employment with leadership.
- Leadership with national development.
- Family wellbeing with workplace success.
- Humanitarian support with long-term opportunity.
- Art with cultural identity.
7 Interesting Facts About Sheikha Manal
- She studied both Interior Design and Marketing at the American University in Dubai.
- Emirates News Agency reported that she received an MBA in Marketing in 2007.
- She serves as President of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
- She leads Dubai Women Establishment and its programmes for women’s professional development.
- UNICEF selected two of her paintings for greeting cards in 2005.
- She donated AED1 million to support girls’ education projects in Yemen.
- The Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative has supported projects involving education, eye care, water, food and mental wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum?
Sheikha Manal is an Emirati public leader known for supporting gender balance, women’s leadership, education, art and humanitarian work.
What is Sheikha Manal famous for?
She is famous for leading the UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment.
What is Sheikha Manal’s current role?
As of July 2026, she is President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of Dubai Women Establishment.
What did Sheikha Manal study?
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and a postgraduate qualification in Marketing from the American University in Dubai.
Who is Sheikha Manal’s husband?
She is married to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
What does Dubai Women Establishment do?
Dubai Women Establishment conducts research, develops female leaders, recommends policies and supports women’s participation in the workforce and society.
What is the UAE Gender Balance Council?
It is a federal organisation that develops policies and initiatives to reduce gender gaps and improve opportunities across the UAE.
What is the Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative?
It is a charitable initiative launched in 2013 that supports projects involving education, healthcare, water, food, women and children.
Did Sheikha Manal study art?
She studied Interior Design and has publicly displayed her own paintings.
Does Sheikha Manal support young artists?
Yes. She has supported awards and programmes that give young artists and children opportunities to learn, create and display their work.
What is Sheikha Manal working on in 2026?
Her current public work includes leading the UAE Gender Balance Council and supporting the development of the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031.
Conclusion
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is one of the UAE’s leading public figures in gender balance and women’s professional development.
Her work combines policy, leadership training, family support, education, art and humanitarian service.
Through the UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment, she has helped create programmes that prepare women for leadership and encourage organisations to provide fair opportunities.
Her cultural and humanitarian projects also show that her public work extends beyond the workplace.
She supports a wider vision in which women, families, children, artists and communities can contribute to the future of the UAE.
