You do not have to strip off your identity in order to achieve your goals. People should be judged for what they are and do, not the way they look.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi obtained a BS from California State University of Chico, and a MBA from the American University of Sharjah. She was the CEO of Tejari.com, one of the giant successful business-to-business marketplaces in the U.R.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi became the first woman minister of the UAE. She has a global reputation and a well-connected network both at home and abroad. She lectures in universities worldwide, putting her emphasis on equal rights of gender. Sheikha Lubna is a role model to young women in the UAE with an inspiring charisma for young girls.

High profile, striking, observant, knowledgeable . . . and many other attributes you hear from the people who meet Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi and describe her personality. She is proud of her femininity and her Arab identity. In a state of shock after the events of September 11th, Sheikha Lubna expressed her feelings saying, “All of a sudden my religion (Islam) was stained with violence, and its followers are considered criminals and terrorists, suffering from prejudice everywhere as a result.” The internationally recognized businesswoman has utilized her high profile to fight for peace for all people in the world. She seizes every opportunity to combine business with visits to universities where she gives lectures. Speaking about the memories of her early education and how her personality has set up a model for many young women in the Arab world, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi says, “My blooming career and diligence have inspired many young women to change for the better. Sometimes young women lose self-confidence when struck by difficulties in life and feel down. To those women I always say: “Nothing is impossible as long as you have a genuine will. Keep your spirits high and do not give up! Life has many hazards, but no pain no gain! Do not let your fears take away your dreams!” Sheikha Lubna sees herself as an agent of change. Her self-motivated character has impacted the youth in her country, both women and men. She is proud of herself. You can tell how proud she is from the pictures she has in her office of all the celebrities she met worldwide and the medals and prizes she won, which decorate the entrance of Tejari.com, the company she has brought success to. Sheikha Lubna is determined to fight gender discrimination. “What matters is the personality of people, not their gender. This is the battle that I am determined to win,” says Sheikha Lubna.

Tejari.com UAE Ministry of Economy & Planning (UAEMEP) Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI)