UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebration

The United Arab Emirates is commemorating Emirati Women's Day tomorrow, August 28, marking its ongoing journey of empowering women and recognizing their achievements. This year's celebration, themed "We Emerge Stronger and Better," underscores the UAE's commitment to building upon its accomplishments and continuing progress. It is held nationwide from August 28th to September 28th, 2026, as a platform for action, launching initiatives, recognizing accomplishments, and highlighting inspiring role models, reinforcing that Emirati women's success is integral to the nation's journey.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the "Mother of the Nation," plays a pivotal role in this journey. Her efforts have institutionalized women's work since the establishment of the General Women's Union in 1975, guided by a vision that balances modern life needs with preserving national identity and Arab and Islamic values.

Organized women's work in the UAE began in 1973 with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Women's Association, followed by women's associations across other Emirates, culminating in the creation of the General Women's Union.

Over the years, legislative and institutional frameworks have been established to ensure equal opportunities for women and men, strengthening women's rights in employment, education, and services. Today, Emirati women hold senior positions in state institutions and decision-making bodies, including 50% of seats in the Federal National Council and significant representation in Cabinet and leadership roles in the government sector.

The UAE continues to rank high internationally, leading regionally in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025 and second globally in women's representation in parliament.

Empowerment has shifted from the policy level to tangible results, with women's participation in the labor market increasing by 101.92% between 2021 and 2025. In entrepreneurship, over 25,000 Emirati businesswomen own more than 50,000 commercial licenses, with total investments exceeding Dh60 billion. In scientific and technological sectors, women represent around 50% of employees in the UAE National Space Programme and nearly 80% of the Hope Probe's scientific team.

They also represent more than 46% of graduates in STEM disciplines and nearly 70% of university graduates, reflecting their growing presence in knowledge-based and advanced technology fields.

The journey of empowering Emirati women includes initiatives like the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision, aiming to strengthen the UAE's leadership in women's roles in future-oriented fields and supporting their participation in technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. The General Women's Union, under Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's patronage, has launched the Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Digital Leadership for African Women, expanding empowerment beyond a national experience into an Emirati contribution to building women's capacities and enhancing their participation in the digital economy and sustainable development.