Dr Fatima Al-Rifai is a pioneer in nursing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2021, She received the H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Abu-Dhabi Award for being instrumental in developing nursing in the UAE. She is a member of the International Council of Nurses' Board of Directors. Emirates Nurses Association Board Member and former Secretary of the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council. She was the Advisor for nursing affairs for the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention till April 2021. She has led and provided consultation and advice working with WHO, ICN and UAE Women's Union and being a member of several national, regional and international professional organisations. She has been leading and investing in building a culture of nursing excellence.