Amna Al Habtoor, Founder of Arcadia by Amna on why celebrating Emirati Women’s Day is important for all women in the UAE.
What does celebrating Emirati Women’s Day mean to you?
Celebrating Emirati Women’s Day allows us to look back at all the achievements we have accomplished so far. It allows us to be grateful for the support we have and willingness to continue sharing our talent within the UAE and beyond.
How would you assess the journey of Emirati women so far in terms of their achievements?
Emirati women now hold leading positions across the nation. This is all thanks to the leadership’s support in women’s empowerment. They have paved the way for us to achieve greatness in many different aspects, be it in legislative, executive, or managerial roles.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Personally, my biggest achievements are my children. Without bragging too much, they’re growing up to be humble, kind, and hardworking individuals. Professionally, it would be the strides Arcadia has made so far, such as successful collaborations with global brands like Piaget and Farfetch, and Arcadia’s presence in top cities such as Tokyo, London, and New York, to name a few.
As an Emirati woman what do you still aim to achieve?
We should never stop wanting and aiming to achieve more. I feel like I still have a lot more I want to achieve with Arcadia. I want to see it grow, even more than it already has, into a brand that is recognised and appreciated globally.
What is your personal motto?
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” Surah Baqarah, 2:286 from the Quran as it always gives me strength to persevere in the toughest of times.
Who is a woman that inspires you?
My mother, may her soul rest in peace, is my biggest inspiration and role model. She always encouraged my siblings and I to be ourselves and she was way ahead of her time with the values she instilled in us. Arcadia is a tribute to my mother because we both shared and bonded over our passion for perfumery, and I’m reminded of some of my best memories with her through specific scents such as No. 1 Royal Orchard.
What is a message you would send to Emirati ladies on this day of celebration?
Keep pushing forward, we have achieved a lot so far and there’s still so much more to accomplish.
