Emirati Women’s Day 2026: Celebrating Huda Mohammed Al Matroushi’s Journey

A broken toy rarely survives an encounter with a curious child. In Huda Mohammed Al Matroushi’s case, broken toys became the beginning of a remarkable journey into the automotive industry.

This Emirati Women’s Day, DubiCars celebrates Huda Mohammed Al Matroushi, the first Emirati woman to establish and run a car maintenance garage. We discuss cars, entrepreneurship, challenging expectations, and the responsibility of inspiring those who follow.

Curiosity Built Huda’s Career

Huda’s fascination with repairing things began during her childhood. She would dismantle toy cars, bicycles, televisions, and mobile phones, driven by two deceptively simple questions: “How?” and “Why?”

At nine years old, she was reportedly caught in the family backyard after midnight trying to repair toy cars. That curiosity eventually moved from toys to full-sized machinery, and Huda began working on cars in 2006.

Cars, as she explains in the DubiCars interview, are a vast world. Diagnosing a fault means understanding why a component failed, how it should be repaired, and which consumable parts could cause further trouble if ignored. The tools matter, but the thinking behind it matters more.

Alongside building her technical knowledge, Huda earned a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. The combination would prove essential when her enthusiasm for repairing cars grew into a business of her own.

Building IMEX Car Service

In 2020, Huda established IMEX Car Service in Sharjah, becoming the first Emirati woman to run a car maintenance garage.

Entering a male-dominated industry naturally attracted surprise. Customers questioned whether a woman could diagnose their cars, and even employees initially needed time to recognise the depth of her knowledge.

Huda answered those doubts through her work. Her philosophy is centred on honesty, clear communication and treating customers like family. Every fault is explained, the required work is outlined, and quality takes precedence over the cheapest temporary solution. That approach gradually built a loyal customer base. 

A Call That Changed Everything

One of the defining moments in Huda’s journey arrived in 2021, when she received a personal call from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

His Highness expressed pride in her achievement and even spoke about sending his own car to her workshop. For Huda, the call carried far greater meaning than personal recognition. It represented encouragement for everyone contributing to the UAE, regardless of profession or background.

She describes it as a source of motivation and strength and a reason to keep moving forward.

Passing The Torch

Huda does not view her achievement as the end of the story. She speaks of a second and third generation, of sharing knowledge and creating opportunities for those who come next.

Her message to Emirati women is equally direct: “Set fear aside, pursue the dream and expect obstacles along the road. Then overcome them.”

Watch DubiCars’ full Arabic interview with Huda Mohammed Al Matroushi to discover the woman behind the workshop, the values that earned her customers’ trust and why she believes Emirati women are shaping both the present and the future.

Happy Emirati Women’s Day 

DubiCars celebrates Huda Al Matroushi and every Emirati woman who continues to push boundaries. From pioneers and business leaders, to rally drivers, they exemplify courage, determination, and ambition.

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