Amna Al Haddad

Amna is a former journalist whose reports on Emirati social issues earned her three front-page features.

An influential sports leader - she was an Olympic weightlifter from the UAE, playing a significant role in the country’s Rio 2016 Olympics qualification. She was the first Arab woman to compete in CrossFit Asia Regionals and the first GCC and Arab woman to compete wearing the hijab. Amna actively campaigns for the enhancement of sports education and culture in the nation. As a champion for change, she serves as a keynote speaker and panelist on mental health, women empowerment, and resilience.

As the first Emirati female athlete to be signed by Nike, she inspired the creation of the Nike Pro Hijab, which was listed in TIME’s 25 Best Inventions of 2017. Amna has featured in three Nike advertising campaigns.

Her story was highlighted among the 100 global inspirational women in the bestselling book Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. Amna now hosts storytelling sessions for children across the UAE and collaborates with schools and educational institutions to motivate youth to pursue their goals.

Amna's advocacy for mental health led her to become the first Emirati woman journalist to receive the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism award. She also delivers keynote speeches on the topic.

KEYNOTES

Lead Yourself, Lead Others
Uncover the essence of leadership starting with self-leadership. Designed for students and corporations alike, this keynote reveals the mindset and skills needed to become your own CEO and lead others to success.

Journey to the Olympics as an Arab Muslim Woman Weightlifter
Amna shares her journey of triumphs and setbacks in her Olympic pursuit.

From depression to training for the Olympics: How to go from zero to hero!
Learn how to transform pain into power through a personal journey into mental health. In today’s fast-paced world, everyone has a limit to what they can handle.

Start before you’re ready - Get ahead
There’s no perfect moment to begin anything. This talk helps attendees identify what’s holding them back and provides them with the tools needed to succeed in life or work.

Storytelling for kids - Inspiring the young generation
In this fun and interactive session, Amna conducts a special reading of her story from Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, the international bestseller.

Women in male-dominated fields: Dispelling misconceptions
“The barbell doesn’t care if you’re a man or a woman – it only cares whether you can lift it or not,” says Amna. Sports don’t discriminate based on gender. This talk addresses misconceptions surrounding male-dominated sports and the adverse effects of labels on pursuing unconventional fields. Sports benefit society, reduce risky behavior, boost confidence, and provide overall wellness.