Includes bibliographical references.

Narrative inquiry as critical social research -- Considerations and challenges in narrative inquiry -- Contextual background of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) -- The educational context -- The family context -- Women's leadership in the UAE -- Leadership in business -- Leadership in politics -- Conclusion -- Perspectives on leadership -- Introduction -- Situational leadership -- Transformational leadership -- Servant leadership -- Shared leadership -- Positive leadership -- Leading learning and teaching -- Educational leadership from an Islamic perspective -- Gender and leadership -- Conclusion -- Raya Rashid (Um Dalmook) -- Raya's story -- Raja al gurg -- Raja's story -- Rafia Abbas -- Rafia's story -- Contents -- Rashida Badri -- Rashida's story -- Facing up to the challenges -- The golden days -- Head of department, Dubai zone -- Assistant director for private education -- Greenwood School, Dubai -- Fatma al Marri -- Fatma's story -- Family, realizing potential and relationships -- Family relationships and encouragement -- Realizing their own leadership potential and that of others -- The use of relational leadership practices -- Conclusion.

The stories of lived experience of five Emirati women highlight their expertise and contributions to the fields of education and leadership; and makes their leadership perspectives and experiences accessible and engaging for all types of audiences.