International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8, is a moment to reflect and recognize how generations of women are making their mark across various fields. We spoke with five remarkable Qatari women who turned their passion into purpose about their experiences, motivations, and the ideas that continue to guide them today.

Building creative brands rooted in identity

"My vision has always been rooted in storytelling, authenticity, and self-expression. I see design and creativity as tools to empower people — especially women — to feel confident and connected to who they are. Whether it's fashion, beauty, or creative projects, my goal is to build a brand that feels aspirational yet relatable, where culture, individuality, and modern aesthetics come together in a meaningful way.

The decision to turn my creative passion into structured businesses — Alftoon Marketing, Alftoon Beauty, Alftoon Bakery, At Alftoon's, Designed by Alftoon, Alftoon Outfits — came from a desire to create something lasting and impactful. Creativity has always been a part of who I am, but turning it into a business gave it structure, purpose, and reach. I wanted to prove that when passion is paired with strategy and discipline, it can grow into something sustainable that adds value — not just for me, but for the wider community around me.

Qatar's culture and heritage have played a huge role in shaping this journey. The country provides a powerful foundation for the next generation of entrepreneurs. There is a strong sense of identity, pride, and resilience embedded in our traditions. When you blend that with innovation and global exposure, you get entrepreneurs who are deeply rooted yet forward-thinking — individuals who can tell local stories with global relevance, while preserving authenticity and staying true to who they are.

Of course, the path isn't without its challenges. Standing out in a competitive, fast-evolving digital world while staying original and authentic takes effort. Entrepreneurs today must balance global trends with local relevance, which requires adaptability and clarity of purpose.

But, at the same time, we are incredibly lucky to have an efficient support system — government initiatives, access to resources, and a rapidly growing market that encourages innovation.

To any young woman in Qatar dreaming of starting something: 'Believe in your vision and trust your journey, even if the road feels uncertain. Don't be afraid to take up space. Keep learning. Define success on your own terms. Challenges are part of growth, not signs to stop. Stay authentic. Stay disciplined.'"

Exploring identity through contemporary visual art

"At first glance, IT and art seem worlds apart, but for me, they're deeply connected. My background in IT trained me to think systematically, solve problems, and pay attention to structure and detail. Art, on the other hand, allows me to break rules, to feel free, and to tell stories visually. When these two meet, I find my balance — technology gives my creativity discipline, while art humanizes my technical thinking.

Blue has become my visual language over the years. It represents depth, calm, and introspection. It's the color of the sea, the sky, and memory — elements that are deeply connected to Qatar's landscape and heritage. Blue allows my work to breathe. It invites the viewer into a reflective state without overwhelming them.

For me, cultural identity is not a limitation — it's a foundation. I draw on local narratives, symbols, and emotions rooted in my heritage and filter them through a contemporary lens. But I always stay anchored to where I come from.

Experimentation is essential. It's what keeps my work alive and relevant. When the intention is honest and respectful, the balance comes naturally.

Exhibiting my work internationally gave me perspective. It made me appreciate how unique the Qatari art scene is, and also how much potential it holds on a global level. Watching people abroad engage with my work reinforced the idea that local stories can resonate beyond borders. It also encouraged me to feel more confident in presenting Qatari narratives on international platforms.

To young artists trying to find their voice in today's art scene: 'Take your time. Your voice won't form overnight — it's something you build through experimentation, failure, and consistency. Don't chase trends. Focus on what genuinely moves you. Learn the rules, then break them with intention. Most importantly, stay curious and disciplined. Talent opens the door, but commitment keeps it open.'"

Preserving heritage through contemporary craftsmanship

"Qatar shapes the way I see beauty. The land here is calm and powerful at the same time, and that balance influences how I design. The desert teaches patience, the sea reminds me of movement and connection. Our culture is rich in stories, family ties, and traditions — and those elements naturally find their way into my work. I'm inspired by everyday moments, memories, and emotions that make up life in Qatar. Those feelings often serve as the starting point for a design.

People often ask how I balance tradition with contemporary style in my jewellery. For me, heritage isn't something fixed — it's alive and evolving. The key is to understand its meaning before redesigning it. I don't intentionally aim to blend the old with the new. Instead, I focus on the story behind the piece — that story guides the design.

What I want people to feel through my jewellery pieces is connection and warmth. Many of my pieces are linked to personal moments — love, celebration, family, remembrance. Jewellery can hold emotions quietly. My goal is for each piece to feel personal, like something the wearer forms a lasting bond with.

Today, Doha's creative scene is evolving thoughtfully. More designers and artists become confident in expressing and embracing their own identity and culture. There is a deep sense of care in the work being created — it's building a creative space that values quality and meaning over speed. 

I see a bright future for jewellery designers in Qatar — especially for those who focus on originality and craftsmanship. More people are drawn to meaningful, well-made pieces rather than trends. Through Hairaat, I hope to support this direction, showing that jewelry from Qatar can be personal, refined, and internationally respected — while staying true to its roots.

For me, International Women's Day is a reminder of the strength found in consistency and belief. Being a woman in this industry has taught me to trust my vision and move at my own pace. I hope my journey encourages young women to follow their creative instincts, to value their stories, and to know that their voice has a place — not only in Qatar but far beyond it."

Empowering youth through digital transformation

"One of the most important lessons I've learned is that youth are not a 'future resource' — they're a present force. When young people are trusted, equipped, and included meaningfully in decision-making spaces, they bring clarity, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility to long-term outcomes. Across government and diplomacy, I've seen that youth drive change most effectively when they are given both voice and accountability. Their strength lies in connecting values with action — not just questioning systems, but actively improving them.

In Qatar, digital transformation is shifting beyond infrastructure and into how technology improves lives, strengthens institutions, and supports inclusive growth. Young professionals should not only be implementers, but also policy thinkers, designers, and evaluators of this shift. Their role is to ensure that digital transformation remains human-centered and aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, especially in areas such as digital inclusion, innovation, and public service delivery.

In the GCC region, we must prioritize policies that bridge education with real economic participation, particularly in sustainability, technology, and future-oriented sectors. Equally important are pathways for youth to engage in governance, regional dialogue, and international cooperation. Empowering the next generation is not just about investment in skills, but in trust Still, in trust — it's about creating systems that allow young people to shape policy design, regional stability, and long-term development.

As the first Qatari woman to join the EU Delegation's Policy and Press Section, my message to young Qatari women is this: 'Your identity is not a limitation, it is a strength. Qatari women bring depth, cultural intelligence, and a strong ethical compass to public service. Diplomacy and government need women who are confident in their values, committed to excellence, and unafraid to lead with both competency and empathy. Believe in yourselves, speak clearly, and trust that your contribution matters — because it truly does.'"

Shaping dialogue and representation in modern Qatari media

"One of the most inspiring changes I've witnessed in the media landscape is the shift from limited presence to full leadership. Today, Qatari women are not only visible on screen — they are influential voices and decision-makers across television, journalism, and digital platforms. This progress grew alongside a clear national direction and the ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030, which opened the space for women to contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

Throughout my career, I've met many remarkable people, from community figures to national leaders. Every person leaves a different and profound impact on me — morally, culturally, and socially. If I had to name what stays closest to my heart, it would be the program Nozhat Al-Uqul. Even though it was filmed in 2019, I still remember every detail — every conversation with guests. 

The media is a powerful tool for social change. It shapes opinions, refines values, and encourages people to act. It gives space to voices, challenges prevailing power structures, and spreads awareness quickly. As media professionals, our responsibility is to use that influence thoughtfully. Qatari media has taken important steps forward — offering content that respects the identity of conservative Arab societies while embracing openness. 

On International Women's Day, my message to young women in Qatar and the region is simple: 'You are the spirit of progress. You have already shown strength, determination, and remarkable ability to innovate and excel in all fields. Your success in nurturing generations to reach leadership positions makes you a source of pride and inspiration, and a role model for development and stability.'"