{
  "id": 19512764,
  "title": "UAE leads the way in empowering Arab women, says international advocate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/uae-leads-the-way-in-empowering-arab-women-says-international-advocate-19512764",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T14:49:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/11/11/uae-leads-the-way-in-empowering-arab-women-says-international-advocate/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considered a leader in empowering women throughout the Arab world, according to Haifa Al Kaylani, founder and president of the Arab International Women’s Forum. In a recent interview, Al Kaylani highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting women and young people, which she believes has made it a model for the region. With its international outlook and multicultural society, the UAE aligns with Al Kaylani's vision of an Arab world that values its global community involvement, despite being proud of her Arab heritage.\n\nThe Arab International Women’s Forum, founded by Al Kaylani in 2001, focuses on women's leadership, economic participation, and young people's role in social and economic development. The forum has collaborated with organizations such as WiSER at Masdar, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain University, signing memorandums of understanding to support women's initiatives. Four Emirati women leaders have served on the forum's board since its establishment.\n\nAl Kaylani emphasizes the importance of human capital and the need for stronger ties between academia and industry. She advocates for a partnership approach, where women's prosperity leads to the prosperity of families and communities. The UAE's efforts in empowering women and young people have impressed Al Kaylani, noting the impressive stories of progress that continue to unfold in the region.\n\nHowever, progress varies between Arab countries due to diverse cultures and social barriers. Despite these challenges, Al Kaylani points out that the proportion of young Arab women excelling in STEM fields surpasses that of Europe. She calls for better integration of women into the workforce through stronger connections between universities and employers, as well as providing work experience and vocational training alongside academic studies.\n\nIn Gaza, where the recovery from war has barely begun, Al Kaylani highlights the urgent need for support. She also emphasizes the vital role of rural communities, where women often bear the burden of farming and family care, contributing to food security and facing the effects of climate change and water scarcity. Al Kaylani stresses the importance of peace in the region, stating that conflict is the greatest obstacle to economic growth, as it drives money and investments away. She encourages investors to consider the UAE's economic strength and natural resources, promoting a prosperous future for the region.",
  "summary": "The UAE is leading the way in opening doors for women across the Arab world, according to a prominent advocate for female economic empowerment who is considering making the country her permanent home. Haifa Al Kaylani, founder and president of the Arab International Women’s Forum, said the UAE’s commitment to supporting women and young people had made it a model for the wider region, where…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}