- Key Highlights
- Huda Al Matroushi’s Milestones – Key Turning Points
- The Life-Changing Phone Call
- Philosophy: Breaking Gender Stereotypes
- What Sets Huda Apart?
- Regional Comparison: Unique Among Gulf Women
In a region where automotive repair has long been considered a man’s world, Huda Al Matroushi broke every barrier to become the UAE’s first woman to run her own full-service garage in Sharjah. Her story took a dramatic turn one day when she received an unexpected phone call from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. What happened next? How did she go from being a “car lover” to a national symbol of women’s empowerment and technical grit in the Emirates?
Key Highlights
Huda Al Matroushi is the first Emirati woman to own and manage her own car repair garage (Imex Car Service) in Sharjah, launched in 2020.
She received a personal call from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who expressed pride in her, playfully asked her to fix his car, and praised her courage.
Faced major family and social resistance convincing relatives she could succeed in the male-dominated world of auto shops.
Holds both a Master’s in management/leadership and hands-on expertise—proving technical and business skills are not at odds.
Made national headlines, and Sheikh Mohamed promised to visit her garage and support her growing project.
Now, she is seen as a role model for Emirati and Gulf women in technical and “non-traditional” careers.
Huda Al Matroushi’s Milestones – Key Turning Points
The Life-Changing Phone Call
Huda recalls: “I was covered in grease, working in the garage, when I got the call—Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed himself! He expressed his admiration and, jokingly, asked if I’d repair his car. That moment made all my struggles with social pressure worthwhile. He asked what I needed and promised to visit, which supercharged my determination.”
Philosophy: Breaking Gender Stereotypes
Despite initial family reluctance, Huda convinced her father and others that “confidence and performance are not defined by gender.” Over time, her father became supportive and proud. Huda insists women can excel, and that technical professions are no longer a male monopoly in the Gulf.
What Sets Huda Apart?
She’s the first Emirati woman to build a full-service car brand independently.
Refused to be discouraged by social norms, skepticism, or male-dominated shop floors.
Is actively mentoring young women, encouraging them to pursue “men’s jobs” without fear or apology.
Continues to innovate—offering new customer services and planning for regional franchise expansion.
Regional Comparison: Unique Among Gulf Women
While women in the Gulf have broken into aviation and coding, Huda stands virtually alone as a female mechanic and garage owner. She’s not only a technical expert—she’s a role model for female leadership and practical empowerment in the region.
The story of Huda Al Matroushi shatters every old stereotype about women’s roles in the Gulf: driven by ambition and real-world training, boosted by support from leadership and community, she’s not just repaired engines—she’s redefined what’s possible for a new generation of Emirati women. That call from the Crown Prince was a crowning moment in her journey, but her example is an open invitation: “With passion and persistence, no dream—even an oily one—is out of reach.”
