Amna Al Haddad

Amna Al Haddad is a trailblazing Emirati athlete, international speaker, and mental health advocate who has redefined the landscape of sports and leadership in the Arab world. As the first Emirati woman to compete internationally in weightlifting and CrossFit—and a key figure behind the UAE’s qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics—Amna shattered cultural barriers and established herself as a global symbol of resilience.

Beyond the weightlifting platform, Amna is a powerful voice for mental health. She was the first Emirati awarded the prestigious Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism, using her background as a journalist to advocate for well-being in high-pressure environments. Her impact on global culture is further highlighted by her role in developing the Nike Pro Hijab and her recognition at Madame Tussauds Dubai as an inspirational change-maker.

Today, Amna serves as a strategic advisor and consultant to boards, universities, and global organizations. She provides expert guidance on leadership culture, diversity, and sustainable performance. Whether she is contributing to Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls or addressing international conferences, Amna’s mission remains the same: to transform mindsets, break outdated systems, and empower the next generation of leaders to live purposeful lives.