Emirati women overcome stereotypes, script success stories after retirement

For many, retirement at the age of 60 marks the end ofa career. But for a growing number of Emirati women, it signals the start of a new chapter — one filled with renewed purpose, passion, and community engagement.

- Sara AlKuwari [e-mail]

Rather than slowing down, these women — armed with experience and skills — are embracing opportunities for personal growth, continuing their education, pursuing entrepreneurship, and making meaningful contributions.

Their paths may differ, but the drive to stay active and give back is a shared thread. Take for example, Habiba bin Thalith, born in 1954 in Dubai, who saw retirement not as an end — but as a chance to start again.

Before formally joining the workforce again, Habiba dedicated her time to volunteer work and self-de-velopment, especially in areas related to education and culture. Her goal ‘was to work with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) — a dream she fulfilled at the age of 62, when she joined the authority as a cultural advisor.

There, she became a maternal figure within the organisation, offering moral and psychological support to employees and fostering stronger parental engagement in children’s education. “The authority’s initiative in 2016 was anew beginning for me and my opportunity to fulfil this passion,” she said.

“T decided to continue my studies after my youngest child enrolled in kindergarten and I worked on developing my skills on my own.

Habiba was inspired by KHDA’s initiative to bridge generational gaps through open communication. She also took part in international volunteer efforts, including providing emotional support to kids and families ata UAE refugee camp in Jordan.

Yet, she acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges was overcoming societal stereotypes about women working beyond retirement age.