At the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 (GWFD 2024), Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum captivated the audience with her heartfelt reflections on equestrianism and the profound influence of her father’s legacy. The event, a platform for fostering dialogue and empowering women globally, marked a significant moment where heritage and the power of perseverance took center stage. With wisdom drawn from a lifelong passion for horses and the enduring values instilled by her late father, Sheikha Hissa’s words left a lasting impression.

Emphasizing Leadership and Legacy

During her session at GWFD 2024, Sheikha Hissa spoke candidly about her father, the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the principles he upheld. She described him as a cornerstone of guidance in her life, particularly in her journey as an equestrian. “My father believed in the power of patience, commitment, and respect, not just for the sport but for the greater responsibilities it teaches,” she noted.

These values, Sheikha Hissa explained, extend beyond riding horses—they inform leadership, empathy, and resilience, valuable qualities for women striving to make their mark in today’s competitive world. She emphasized the importance of preserving personal authenticity and cultural heritage while progressing towards personal and professional goals.

Equestrianism as a Source of Life Lessons

Sheikha Hissa shared how equestrianism, a centuries-old tradition in the UAE, taught her lessons that transcend the arena. “When you connect with a horse, it demands mutual trust, clear communication, and respect. These are the same principles we need to apply in life—to relationships, teams, and even self-leadership,” she explained.

Horses have been a significant part of UAE culture, symbolizing endurance, grace, and strength. As an ambassador of this heritage, Sheikha Hissa revealed how tending to horses has deepened her understanding of responsibility and nurtured a sense of mindfulness. “You cannot rush progress with horses; they teach patience and the importance of living in the moment—a lesson we often overlook in today’s fast-paced world.”

The Importance of Women in Equestrian Sports

The session also shed light on the increasing presence of women in equestrian sports, a realm traditionally dominated by men. Sheikha Hissa celebrated the strides made by Emirati women within the sport, crediting events like GWFD 2024 for helping address outdated gender stereotypes.

“When women step into this arena, they’re not merely participating in a sport—they’re breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation,” she pointed out. For Sheikha Hissa, this speaks to a broader movement of empowerment and inclusion. Equestrian sports are more than competition—they’re a metaphor for the capability of women to handle challenges with strength and poise in every area of life.

A Message of Inspiration at GWFD 2024

As one of the keynote speakers at the forum, Sheikha Hissa’s speech resonated with the audience, especially young women eager to draw inspiration from her experience. She urged the attendees to cultivate an attitude of perseverance and gratitude in their own journeys. Anchoring her perspective in UAE’s cultural values, she described how embracing these ideals has provided her with both balance and purpose.

Sheikha Hissa’s eloquence combined with tangible examples from her equestrian experiences made her message relatable to women navigating various challenges. She encouraged them to seek opportunities for growth and embrace their unique journeys with humility and courage.

Equestrianism in the UAE: A Tradition of Excellence

It would be impossible to discuss Sheikha Hissa’s insights without exploring the broader context of equestrianism in the UAE. Equestrian events are deeply integrated into the region’s identity, from endurance races in the desert to prestigious horse shows. The sport reflects values central to the UAE’s cultural fabric, such as leadership, resilience, and the spirit of competition.

Under the leadership of the ruling families, including Sheikha Hissa’s contributions, significant efforts have been dedicated to preserving this heritage while modernizing its appeal to younger generations. Whether through mentoring or organizing events, initiatives focused on encouraging youth involvement in equestrian sports have continued to flourish.

Programs Supporting Women in the Field

The UAE has also introduced programs aimed at supporting and mentoring women in equestrian sports. Organizations such as the Emirates Equestrian Federation actively foster the development of young female riders, inspired by role models like Sheikha Hissa. These programs are helping bridge the gender gap and expanding women’s participation in national and international competitions.

In this way, equestrianism is not only a celebration of heritage but also a vehicle for empowerment—a dual purpose that aligns perfectly with Sheikha Hissa’s message at GWFD 2024.

Preserving a Father’s Legacy

Sheikha Hissa expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enduring legacy of her father, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. As a renowned figure in the UAE, he played a pivotal role in promoting social, cultural, and sporting initiatives that enriched the nation. By upholding his values, she aims to inspire others, much as her father inspired her.

She reiterated the importance of channeling her father’s lessons of generosity and humility into her own pursuits, both personal and professional. “His legacy is not simply about achieving greatness—it’s about inspiring others to follow their path and contribute meaningfully to society,” she remarked.

Conclusion: Merging Passion with Empowerment

Through her reflections on equestrianism and her father’s influence, Sheikha Hissa illustrated the profound ways in which tradition, passion, and leadership intersect. At GWFD 2024, these values served as a beacon of inspiration, urging women to embrace their unique strengths while remaining connected to their roots.

Her ability to intertwine the values learned from horses with those inherited from her father paints a compelling picture of empowerment. As the audience left the session, the message of resilience, patience, and purposeful living echoed strongly, reminding everyone of their potential to make impactful contributions to their communities and beyond.

In Sheikha Hissa’s own words, “Horses have taught me that progress is not a race but a journey; we are all capable of reaching great heights if we remain true to our values.” This lasting sentiment is a call to action for women everywhere—whether in the arena or in life’s many other challenges.

Tags: Sheikha Hissa Bint Hamdan, GWFD 2024, equestrianism, women empowerment, UAE culture, Global Women’s Forum Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, women in sports