How Emirati women are shaping the UAE’s future
There are many ways to tell the story of Emirati women. It can be told through the progress of a nation that invested early in their education and advancement, through the positions of responsibility they hold today, or through their achievements across fields central to the UAE’s development and future. But there is another part of that story that is not always as visible. It is found in the way…
Emirati women have played a significant role in shaping the UAE's future, both through their contributions to national development and through their impact on families and communities. Their achievements span various fields, including education, entrepreneurship, diplomacy, science, and public service. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, recognized the importance of women's roles in the country's progress and supported their education and advancement.
The UAE has made substantial investments in women's education and created a supportive environment for their growth. Today, women make up around 70% of university graduates and over 46% of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There are nearly 48,257 Emirati women entrepreneurs and 114,050 SMEs owned or co-owned by Emirati women. This level of participation is a testament to the transformation of women's roles in the country.
Women hold half of the seats in the Federal National Council and around 63% of leadership positions in the government sector. Their influence extends to business, education, science, and other strategic sectors. These advancements demonstrate that women are not just occupying positions of power, but also bringing knowledge, judgment, and capability to their roles.
Sustained investment in Emirati people has been crucial to their success. The UAE's vision and institutions have developed capabilities, but it is the people who ultimately make the most of these opportunities. Emirati women have transformed the chances offered to them into tangible achievements, public service, and influence through ambition, discipline, and service.
Young Emirati women preparing for careers in diplomacy and international affairs show great promise. They possess ambition, intellectual curiosity, and an understanding of representing their country. However, they require rigorous education, mentorship, and meaningful responsibilities to continue developing their expertise and confidence.
New fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, climate, science, and economic diplomacy present fresh opportunities for Emirati women. These sectors will require new types of expertise and leadership. The UAE must ensure that young women are prepared to not only enter these areas but also help shape them.
Emirati Women's Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable journey of Emirati women. However, their story extends beyond mere positions held or qualifications earned. It encompasses the many ways they support families and communities, serve their country, and contribute to the sectors central to the nation's development.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
