When talent meets ambition, a remarkable narrative of women’s excellence unfolds. Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has been a pivotal force since their marriage on April 26, 1979. As a granddaughter of Jumaa bin Maktoum and the daughter of Sheikh Maktoum bin Jumaa, who passed away in 2009, Sheikha Hind embodies a legacy of leadership and community service.
Sheikha Hind has made significant strides in supporting Emirati women, promoting empowerment not just as a career path but as an integrated framework that offers stability, flexibility, and the ability to balance family, professional, and societal roles.
A Community Leader
Her initiatives have extended beyond women’s empowerment; they serve as a testament to her commitment to humanitarian efforts. Sheikha Hind exemplifies an Emirati woman capable of leading impactful initiatives, transforming the values of charity and solidarity into sustainable institutional work. This commitment is evident in her leadership role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Emirates Food Bank and her ongoing support for community initiatives.
Throughout Dubai, Sheikha Hind is recognised for her continuous philanthropic efforts, including her longstanding support for charity projects and assistance to needy families. Notably, she chairs the Emirates Food Bank, which aims to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food to those in need. During the 2020 pandemic, she led the “10 Million Meals” campaign, which provided millions of meals to affected families and individuals, earning her the “Arab Woman in Humanitarian Work” award that same year for her substantial contributions.
Dubai Weddings Programme
In January 2024, Sheikha Hind initiated the Dubai Weddings Programme to alleviate financial burdens associated with marriage for young Emiratis, fostering family stability. Additionally, she has backed various initiatives to support working mothers and assist new families in establishing a dignified living. Her commitment to the advancement of women’s sports was highlighted by the launch of the “Sheikha Hind Sports Championship for Women” in 2012, which encourages women to participate in sports, promoting a healthy and active community.
Appreciation for Childhood Creativity
Recognising the importance of nurturing childhood creativity, Sheikha Hind has also made significant contributions to the “Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Award for Childhood Creativity,” celebrating its silver jubilee recently. She expressed, “The Sheikha Latifa Award for Childhood Creativity has consistently followed the path set by the UAE under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, providing every necessary component for a well-rounded upbringing that fosters creativity and innovation in our future generation.”
On January 3, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the “Thank You, Sheikha Hind” campaign, reflecting gratitude for her numerous contributions to community service, family support, and humanitarian work.