The Emirati Royal Who Made Olympic History: Meet Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum
From marital arts to equestrian sports, Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about the inspiring Dubai royal here
Summer is almost here, and with it comes an event the world has been eagerly anticipating – the 2024 Paris Olympics. As excitement builds, it’s the perfect time to revisit the story of an extraordinary figure who made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics: Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum.
Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, didn’t just compete in the Olympics; she made history. In 2008, she became the first woman from the UAE to compete at the Olympic level, representing her country in Taekwondo’s 67kg category. The honour of carrying the UAE flag during the opening ceremony was a momentous occasion, not just for her but for the entire nation.
Her journey started at the age of 20, when she embraced martial arts – a decision that would catapult her into the annals of sporting greatness. By 2004, she had already secured a gold medal at the 10th Pan Arab Games, becoming the first Emirati woman to achieve such an international victory. Fast forward to the 2006 Asian Games, and Sheikha Maitha won a silver medal in the women’s over 60kg karate category. But it was the 2008 Olympics that truly defined her career – a breakthrough for Emirati women in sports.
In a region where female athletes often face significant challenges, Sheikha Maitha’s achievements sent ripples of change. Her historic participation underscored a powerful message: in the UAE, the boundaries for women in sports were expanding. Ebrahim Abdul Malek, the general secretary of the National Olympic Committee, summed it up perfectly, calling Sheikha Maitha’s moment “historic” and a source of immense pride for every UAE citizen.
But her story doesn’t end there. After injuries curtailed her taekwondo career, Sheikha Maitha pivoted gracefully to another passion – equestrian sports. She introduced Ladies Polo to the region with the Ralph Lauren International Ladies Polo Tournament and has led the UAE women’s Polo team with the same fervour she brought to the martial arts arena.
So, as we prepare for the upcoming Olympics this July, let’s celebrate Sheikha Maitha Al Maktoum – not just for her medals, but for the paths she’s forged and the dreams she’s ignited.
Lead images courtesy of Instagram/@mmrm1