Spotlight
Her Highness Dr Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
President & CEO, UICCA
Key facts
- Leadership in sustainability and climate action
- Advancing green financing and climate tech solutions
- Championing global collaboration towards net zero
Their story
Celebrating Her Highness Dr Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
We're delighted to feature our first Honorary Doctorate Spotlight from Heriot-Watt University: Her Highness Dr Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, an entrepreneur, founder, academic and expert voice in sustainability, climate change and social development.
Honorary Doctorate & Global Recognition In November 2023, Her Highness received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc) from Heriot-Watt University Dubai, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to sustainability and the green economy. In the same year she was selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, acknowledging her track record of advocacy and impact on climate action.
Leading Climate Action & the Green Economy As President and CEO of UICCA (UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators), Sheikha Shamma works to help grow a thriving green economy in the UAE and around the world by convening public and private sectors, as well as communities, to advance green financing frameworks and accelerate climate tech solutions. She is the founder of several climate solutions businesses – including The Climate Tribe, RESET MENA and Alliances for Global Sustainability – each focused on practical, collaborative pathways to a net zero and climate‑resilient future.
Advocacy, Leadership & Representation Her Highness was the first woman from the GCC to participate in the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center's Women Leaders in Energy and Climate Fellowship (2022–2023), and is a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on the Future of Net Zero Living. Across these platforms she champions inclusive climate leadership and the importance of bringing diverse stakeholders together to design and deliver solutions.
Her Highness Sheikha Shamma exemplifies what the Society of Honorary Doctors celebrates: individuals whose honorary distinction reflects not only past achievement, but a continuing commitment to drive meaningful change for people and planet.