Lights, Camera Action: Hanan Al Muhairi – A Beacon of Women’s Inspiration from the UAE

I love multitasking women. They are such an inspiration  – and Hanan Al Muhairi, whom I discovered through an article at Emiratisation.org, is a prime example.

Hanan directed ‘Arabyana’, a feature film documentary, which highlights the challenges women face in the equestrian field.

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum came out in open support of the film and the premiere of Arabyana earned Hanan sponsorship from the United Nations Ambassador of Goodwill. It went on to screen in Abu Dhabi and the US during 2009.

Not bad for your first feature film, eh?

Sleep is for Other People

This extraordinarily accomplished young UAE woman stepped out onto her career path after graduating from Dubai Women’s College (DWC) in June 2008, with a Distinction with Honours in Applied Sciences and Applied Media Communications.

During her internship she successfully produced two video documentaries, and impressed by her achievements, General Commander Dhai Khalfan invited her to join the Dubai Police General Headquarters. Whilst working there, she is also studying for her Masters in Strategic Human Resources Management at Wollongong University in Dubai.

This multi-talented lady is also a holder of the Hollywood Institute Director and Producer diploma certificate

Love and Faith all the Way to the Red Carpet

Hanan’s interest in the equestrian field began when she won a photography competition in 2005. The contest featured still photography from one of the endurance races held in Seeh Al Salem.

Her prize was awarded to her by none other than H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and shortly after Hanan received an offer from Al Ahli Horse Riding Club to organize The UAE Love and Faith Trip, which she duly accepted, and (not surprisingly) this event was a huge success.

The UAE Love and Faith Trip involved seven female Arab riders who wanted to pay their tribute to UAE and its rulers. The trip started in Al Fujairah, in the north of the UAE, and concluded in Abu Dhabi 15 days later.

Now president of Arabyana Horse Riding Team, Hanan has been passionate about horses since she was a young girl. She is currently training at Emirates Equestrian Centre in the areas of progressive riding and horse care and stable management.