Fatima Bahman: From Banking to Beauty Pageants, Empowering Women Every Step of the Way

Fatima Bahman Mohamed Moula Nowroozi has spent her life breaking stereotypes and redefining success. Starting her banking career at just 19, she balanced her work, family responsibilities, and academic aspirations, ultimately earning an MBA in Business Excellence. Fatima’s journey is marked by resilience, passion, and a desire to make a difference for women across the UAE. Now, as a top finalist in the Miss Universe UAE and a contestant in the Mrs. Middle East UAE pageant, she’s using her voice to inspire the next generation of Emirati women.

Rising from Challenges and Embracing New Roles

Fatima’s path wasn’t easy. While she initially dreamed of being a public speaker for women’s empowerment, life’s responsibilities led her into the banking sector. Despite her professional achievements, the desire to create a positive impact never faded. When she became the first Emirati woman to reach the top 10 finalists in the Miss Universe UAE pageant, Fatima saw an opportunity to make her dream a reality.

“Joining Miss Universe UAE was a significant step for me. It showed me that I could pursue my dreams, no matter the challenges,” Fatima recalls. Competing against the societal expectations of beauty pageants, she learned that these competitions value more than just appearance. They emphasize the confidence, inner strength, and impact a woman can bring to the world—lessons that profoundly changed her perspective.

The Power of Resilience and Belief

With a background in a traditionally male-dominated field, Fatima faced her share of self-doubt and setbacks. She once believed that success was tied to meeting specific targets and winning awards. Today, her definition has evolved. Success, to Fatima, means staying true to her values, learning from mistakes, and pushing through challenges with resilience. Her journey has taught her that authenticity is the foundation of true empowerment.

“Life has tested me many times, but I never give up,” she says. “Every challenge I faced only made me stronger.”

A Voice for Change and a Platform for Empowerment

Fatima’s role in Miss Universe UAE has given her a platform to advocate for women’s empowerment on a larger scale. Recently, she won the Gold Award for “Voice for Change” through a collaboration with CI Talks and Moawad. This award highlighted her dedication to encouraging women to embrace their strength and resilience. She wants to inspire others to believe that they, too, can break barriers and pursue their passions fearlessly.

Fatima is now preparing to compete in the Mrs. Middle East pageant. This upcoming event represents a new chapter in her journey, one where she aims to inspire young Emirati women to honor their heritage and chase their ambitions. With each competition, Fatima is showing the world that Emirati women are capable of anything they set their minds to.

Learning, Growing, and Leaving a Legacy

Over the years, Fatima has come to see mistakes as valuable learning experiences. Embracing failures as part of her growth has been a cornerstone of her career. Through both her banking profession and pageant experiences, she’s learned that success is as much about internal growth as it is about external accomplishments.

Her mentor, Sara Al Madani, has played a pivotal role in inspiring her. “Sara is a strong Emirati woman who uses her voice to advocate for women’s empowerment,” Fatima shares. “She’s taught me the value of resilience and self-belief.”

Paving the Way for Future Generations

Fatima dreams of leaving a legacy that goes beyond individual success. She hopes to be remembered as a trailblazer who empowered women, broke barriers, and advocated for positive change. Her vision for the future is one where Emirati women feel confident to pursue their dreams, knowing they have the support to overcome any obstacle.

“Every day is a new opportunity to make a difference,” she says. “I want to show future generations that success is not just about achieving your goals but about making a positive impact on others.”

Looking Ahead

As she prepares for the Mrs. Middle East pageant, Fatima is more committed than ever to using her platform to inspire change. Her story is a powerful reminder that resilience, self-belief, and the courage to follow one’s dreams can transform lives—not only for oneself but for entire communities.

Fatima’s journey exemplifies that success is defined by purpose, passion, and the desire to empower others. Through her story, she continues to inspire and encourage Emirati women to break barriers, honor their heritage, and reach for the stars.

Do follow Fatima Bahman on Instaram .