“People Are Out There Fighting For Equal Rights, Basic Rights… and We Have This Already”: Sahar Parham Al Awadhi and Hoor Alkhaja Dispel Misconceptions About Emirati Women

In the latest episode of Family Dinner the two friends share insight into their culinary adventures together, how they celebrate their culture and why they’re proud to be from the UAE

Happy Emirati Women’s Day!

In honour of this special day Bazaar Arabia welcomes the UAE’s first female Emirati pastry chef, Sahar Parham Al Awadhi, and her good friend (and soul sister) Hoor Alkhaja, Senior Vice President, International Operations at Dubai Economy and Tourism, on our fourth episode of Family Dinner to dispel misconceptions surrounding Emirati women; discuss why they’re proud to be from the UAE; and reminisce on their best food memories together, from Korea to India – and beyond.

“It’s really amazing that our leaders give equal opportunities to men and women, so you really see Emirati women flourishing here,” Sahar says, as they sit down at Berenjak Dubai to have a candid conversation over a delicious meal. “They are extremely supportive of… whether you’re being an entrepreneur or working in government, whatever you’re doing, they want to see Emiratis – men and women – growing with the country.”

“I still think there are a lot of misconceptions out there, which is really unfortunate,” Hoor says. “Because people are out there fighting for equal rights, basic rights… and we actually have this stuff here already. We have one of the highest representations of female ministers, we have equal pay and equal opportunities at work, and people don’t know that.”

Watch the full episode here.

Editor in Chief: Olivia Phillips. Digital Editor: Laura Kell. Videographer: Jear Velasquez. Audio and Lighting: Zan Magal. With special thanks to Berenjak UAE.