Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Celebrates Mother of Emirati Media

Dubai, UAE, 29 August 2025: In collaboration with Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library hosted a panel discussion featuring Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, who presented her book Hessa Al Ossaily: The Mother of Emirati Media—A Woman Who Carried Her Homeland in Her Heart as She Travelled the World. The event attracted intellectuals, media professionals, and the general public, who engaged actively with the author's insights into the history of Emirati media and the pioneering role of women within it. The session was held in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, honouring the contributions and achievements of Emirati women.

Moderated by writer and media personality Ali Obaid Al Hameli, the session provided an in-depth exploration of the life and legacy of Hessa Al Ossaily—an iconic figure in Emirati media and a role model for ambitious Emirati women.

The session highlighted the key milestones in Al Ossaily’s life, starting from her early professional beginnings and pioneering contributions to Emirati media, through the challenges she faced and the successes she achieved, culminating in her being honoured with the title “Mother of Media”. She laid the foundation for a professional media career that spanned decades, and presented a model of dedication and national commitment to be emulated.

The discussion also emphasised Al Ossaily’s participation in international conferences and exhibitions, in addition to her intellectual and cultural contributions, which the book documents across several chapters. It also highlighted the well-deserved Arab and global recognition she received.

At the end of the session, the book was signed and distributed to attendees. Furthermore, Al Ossaily and the panelists were honoured, with a commemorative shield received on her behalf by the book’s author, Dr. Aysha Al Busmait. With a large turnout, the event saw thoughtful contributions and positive feedback from the audience.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library reaffirms its commitment to promoting the role of Emirati women and showcasing their diverse contributions across various fields. This commitment stems from a firm belief in women's pivotal role in building and advancing society, in line with the UAE’s vision that celebrates women as active partners in development and prosperity.

As part of the celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library served as a hub for multiple events organised by official entities such as the Community Development Authority, Dubai Health Authority, and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. These events featured prominent speakers who discussed the leadership roles of women, reflecting the library’s role as a cultural hub that embraces and supports local community initiatives.