The UAE will mark Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, with this year’s celebrations focusing on the achievements of Emirati women and their growing role in leadership, science, technology and the economy.
The nationwide programme will run from August 28 to September 28 under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better”. It will include initiatives, recognition programmes and activities highlighting the contributions of Emirati women.
Women’s empowerment
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has played a central role in the UAE’s women’s empowerment efforts.
Organised women’s work in the UAE began in 1973 with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Women’s Association. Women’s associations were later established across the Emirates, followed by the creation of the General Women’s Union in 1975.
The UAE has since developed laws and institutions aimed at providing equal opportunities for women and men, including in employment, education and services. Legislation also established equal pay for both genders.
Leadership and economy
Emirati women now hold senior positions across government institutions and decision-making bodies. Women make up 50 percent of the Federal National Council and around 63 percent of leadership positions in the government sector.
The UAE ranked first in the region in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025. It also ranked second globally for women’s representation in parliament in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre.
Women’s participation in the labour market increased by 101.92 percent between 2021 and 2025, while women accounted for 74 percent of beneficiaries of the Nafis programme.
The country is also home to more than 25,000 Emirati businesswomen who hold more than 50,000 commercial licences, with investments exceeding Dhs60 billion, based on 2025 figures.
Science and technology
Emirati women have increased their participation in STEM, artificial intelligence, innovation, renewable energy and space.
Women make up around 50 percent of employees in the UAE National Space Programme and nearly 80 percent of the scientific team behind the Hope Probe.
They also account for more than 46 percent of STEM graduates and around 70 percent of university graduates in the UAE.
Initiatives such as the Cyber Pulse Initiative for Women and Family and the Empowering Women Farmers initiative are supporting female participation in cybersecurity and food security. Training programmes in AI, programming and entrepreneurship are also aimed at preparing women for changes in the digital economy.
Global initiatives
The UAE has also expanded its women’s empowerment efforts internationally. The Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision aims to strengthen women’s participation in future-focused sectors including technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy.
The Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative supports women’s participation in peace, security and development.
The General Women’s Union has also launched the Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Digital Leadership for African Women, extending the UAE’s focus on women’s digital skills and participation in sustainable development beyond the country.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
