The W Hotels initiative salutes women from the region.

Three high-profile Emirati women are set to push boundaries at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island when, on Wednesday 25 August, it plays host to the innovative What She Said speaker series under the theme ambition and inspiration for the next 50 years.

Three progressive and empowered Emirati women are set to head the panel, with the first Emirati female pilot, Salma Al Baloushi; the first Emirati female racing driver, Amna Al Qubaisi; and Rania Hammad, the former designer turned humanitarian who is pushing the bounds of aesthetics in fashion with inclusivity of people of determination.

The three incredible panellists will take to the stage to share their stories of struggles, successes, and aspirations to inspire others to work toward a better and more prosperous future – after all, the future is female!

The Speaker series will be moderated by Mony Helal, Saudi Arabia’s first ever female host, advocate for ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ and the founder and designer of clothing line Enti Boutique.

The fem-centric event brings together a panel of insatiable ladies for a dynamic discussion on their journeys that continues to shape the evolution of opportunities for women in the region.

“We are thrilled to bring W Hotels’ What She Said speaker series to the capital and host it at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island,” said Derryn French, Area Director of Marketing, Digital and Loyalty, UAE, Marriott International. 

“Women are definitely having their voices heard and celebrated, both globally and regionally, and W Hotels is proud to have long recognised the need for open dialogue in an honest platform for this. Lining up with Emirati Women’s Day seemed fitting to highlight our trailblazer line-up of panellists from the Middle East who share personal experiences, with the hope to inspire, educate and enlighten other women in a safe space that drives progression in gender equality movement through understanding and positivity in an unfiltered and unique W way.”

On-site beauty partner and global makeup giant, Charlotte Tilbury, collaborated with the initiative with the Tilbury team being present and offering guests Tilbury tips and Tricks showcasing their NEW launch of The Supernudes which is the ultimate secrets to super star confidence. 

“As a female-owned and led brand that personifies individuality, inclusivity and independence, it was perfect match,” said Grace Sawabini, PR and Advocacy Manager, Middle East at Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Ltd. 

“Both personally and as a brand, Charlotte Tilbury is a recognised champion of female empowerment. Our belief in the importance of women everywhere feeling confident and powerful aligns with the What She Said philosophy perfectly. 

“This is our second partnership with the speaker series in the UAE and we look forward to continuing this relationship.”

 

Global initiative 

 

Yas Island, one of the world’s leading entertainment and lifestyle destinations, will also partner the event and is elated to support the initiative that commemorates Emirati Women’s Day. 

Yas Island offers holidaymakers a diverse mix of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences, from one-of-a-kind theme parks, world-class shopping and superb dining, to a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports, and spectacular musical, entertainment and family events.

 

 

Situated on the heart of the island, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is a luxury playground, showcasing inspirational architecture that pays homepage to the capital’s waterways with shapes of oil drops, fish scales, jewel tones, and iridescent hues that make every stay a dream- especially when paired with the hotel’s ‘whatever/whenever’ attitude that offer guests the ultimate pampering experience.

The property is one of the few hotels in Abu Dhabi that invites guests to staycay with their pets, and recently was host to two rescue cats who, with their owner, stayed for a feline vaycay to remember. 

The Speaker Series event supports the broader global speaker series by W Hotels worldwide and is recognised as a thought-provoking, educational, and entertaining platform that applauds femininity and breaks boundaries through relevant and necessary topics of conversations that are discussed.