Feminism. For some in the Middle East, it’s a dirty word, one of the negative imports of western colonialism. For others, it underlines a fundamental quest for liberty.
From injustices such as the gender pay gap to tragedies including honour killings, many societies, both in the East and West, grapple daily with anti-feminist attitudes and practices.
On International Women’s Day, protests and campaigns are activated across the globe to shine the light on women’s rights, making it a timely occasion to explore the nuances of feminism and how women in the Middle East identify with it.
Demystifying feminism
“At the heart of feminism is the pursuit of dignity, equal rights and freedom from oppression from pervasive patriarchal models and systems,” Palestinian female embodiment coach Lana Nahawi tells The National.
Yet, feminism remains deeply misunderstood, with many sceptics assuming it’s some sort of inflamed, anti-men movement.
Egyptian-American Emaan Abbass, founder of feminine wellness brand Ketish, clears up some of these misconceptions. “It isn’t about women being better than men or making them inferior,” she says. “Feminism is about honouring the unique experiences we women face, and the belief that all women, regardless of race and socio-economic status, deserve to actualise their full potential and rights as human beings.”
While the movement’s ideals may seem sound straightforward, feminists are unfortunately often perceived to be “hateful” and “angry", points out Abbass.
“It does make us angry — we do want these things to change, but the core of feminism is a desperation to just be seen as human and as worthy as our male counterparts.” She says feminism can look different for different people, and that part of being a true feminist is respecting these differences.
Western feminism
In Eastern communities, much of the confusion surrounding feminism stems from the way in which it has been marketed in the West.
In her book, Against White Feminism, author Rafia Zakaria describes it as a particular brand of feminism — the kind that is promoted in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, celebrating phrases like “sexy”, “self-made” and “girl-boss”. This, she claims, is often without political or intellectual overtones, and caters to upper-middle-class white women seeking independence through their careers. It values the self over the collective, and while it may benefit women of a certain class and colour, it is by no means relatable to every culture. In fact, it often “demonises culture as the source of women’s backwardness and hardship”, writes Zakaria.
“There is no universal woman’s experience,” says Nahawi, “Cultural, familial, religious, socio-economic and political diversity shape identities and perceived freedom in ways that are not typically congruent with prevalent white, privileged, middle-class and Western feminist positions.”
Nahawi promotes empowerment through unique programmes that centre on self-care and mindfulness, and believes that the answer to female empowerment is not necessarily in so-called “white feminism".
“Looking to Western feminism as a standard of universal measurement of women’s freedom perpetuates separation among women and creates yet another hierarchy within the very same movement that seeks to connect us,” she says.
“I find it not only condescending, but also very anti-feminist when other women try to tell me how I should be liberated,” Marriam Mossalli, the Saudi luxury communications expert and founder of Under the Abaya, tells The National.
Mossalli recalls when she was younger and her teenage step-brother ushered her out of a room before his friends entered. “With my cultural background, I took it as a compliment: he didn’t want his friends seeing me,” she explains. “He was protecting me; valuing me enough to keep me hidden. I can see how another culture wouldn’t see it that way, but this is why I say feminism is relative depending on context.”
Under the Abaya is a street style book showcasing how Saudi women merge creativity with traditional silhouettes through sartorial expression, with proceeds from the non-profit project promoting female empowerment through academic scholarships. Fashion, after all, is another point of contention when it comes to feminism. While modest fashion enthusiasts emphasise that covering up can be a statement, as it rejects notions of “sexiness” that are influenced by “the male gaze”, Western feminist narratives often treat modesty — and by extension, headscarves — as something that women need to be liberated of.
“There is a misconception the veil is an imposed dress code that limits women’s freedom of choice, expression and control over their bodies," says Nahawi. "While this may be the case for some, it is far from the truth for women who consider their choice an expression of religious freedom."
Intersectional feminism
Recognising how women’s overlapping identities — such as race, gender, class and ethnicity — can affect their experiences of oppression and discrimination, has come to be known as intersectional feminism, and through their writing, many women of colour are helping to dispel misconceptions, particularly when it comes to marriage and motherhood.
Author Jaspreet Kaur, who recently released her book Brown Girl Like Me, debunks societal expectations of marriage, pointing out that women can propose to men, and that child-rearing and domestic duties should be split equally. She writes that brown women can find empowerment alongside their cultures, rather than in spite of them.
Elsewhere, in (M)otherhood by Pragya Aggarwal, the author explores the different cultural factors that influence women to become mothers, and how patriarchal systems often restrict our understanding of womanhood.
“Traditional ‘western’ perceptions of feminism often challenge religious or cultural beliefs and traditions that uphold gender roles that were established far before our time,” explains Abbass. But, while many “white” feminist narratives seek to dismantle traditional attitudes about women’s bodies, working from within communities to achieve progress in ways that are wanted and welcomed by women is far more effective.
Following the footsteps of veteran Moroccan feminist Fatema Mernissi, Muslim academics and activists such as Amina Wadud and Ayesha Chaudhry advocate for feminism from a religious framework. In fact, an entire movement termed “Islamic feminism” is gaining popularity, centred on women’s inherent rights granted by the egalitarian principles of the faith, which have been clouded by cultural customs and practices.
The future is feminist
Mossalli is marking International Women’s Day this year by hosting Saudi Arabia’s largest female empowerment event to celebrate five years of Under the Abaya. “While we may have been the trendsetter, I’m grateful that female empowerment remains a trend within the kingdom, and that both men and women are accepting it as a cause worth discussing and championing,” she says.
For while feminism may be trending, it cannot flourish long-term without male allies and a wider understanding and acceptance of its fundamental ideals. There is still much work to be done, both in the Middle East and globally.
“We need to continue to bring awareness to social issues that are at the core of the feminist movement — whether it’s body autonomy, the gender pay gap, sexual and reproductive rights, welfare policies, educational opportunities, stereotyping, protective rights — the list goes on and on,” says Abbass.
“It is important for both men and women to know why these issues exist at the core, and how we can work to create change through awareness, acceptance, conversation and legislation.”
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Brief scores:
Day 2
England: 277 & 19-0
West Indies: 154
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2018 Renault Megane
Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200
Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable transmission
Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km
THE DETAILS
Kaala
Dir: Pa. Ranjith
Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar
Rating: 1.5/5
ABU DHABI CARD
5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions; Dh90,000; 2,200m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 1,400m
6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden; Dh80,000; 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige; Dh100,000; 1,600m
7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige; Dh125,000; 1,600m
8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1; Dh5,000,000; 1,600m
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory
Videographer: Jear Valasquez
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Fifa Club World Cup:
When: December 6-16
Where: Games to take place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi and Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain
Defending champions: Real Madrid
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures and results:
Monday, UAE won by three wickets
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Try out the test yourself
Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer
The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Phnom Penh via Yangon from Dh2,700 return including taxes. Cambodia Bayon Airlines and Cambodia Angkor Air offer return flights from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap from Dh250 return including taxes. The flight takes about 45 minutes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.
The tours
A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Armies of Sand
By Kenneth Pollack (Oxford University Press)
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20loss%20of%20sodium%20chloride%20in%20our%20sweat%20can%20lead%20to%20confusion%20and%20an%20altered%20mental%20status%20and%20slurred%20speech%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBody%20temperature%20above%2039%C2%B0C%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHot%2C%20dry%20and%20red%20or%20damp%20skin%20can%20indicate%20heatstroke%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EA%20faster%20pulse%20than%20usual%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDizziness%2C%20nausea%20and%20headaches%20are%20also%20signs%20of%20overheating%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIn%20extreme%20cases%2C%20victims%20can%20lose%20consciousness%20and%20require%20immediate%20medical%20attention%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
COPA DEL REY
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The biog
Fatima Al Darmaki is an Emirati widow with three children
She has received 46 certificates of appreciation and excellence throughout her career
She won the 'ideal mother' category at the Minister of Interior Awards for Excellence
Her favourite food is Harees, a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled wheat berries mixed with chicken
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on Quran memorisation:
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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