Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Every year on August 28, the United Arab Emirates celebrates Emirati Women’s Day—a national occasion that reflects the wise leadership’s vision in empowering women and enhancing their role as key partners in development. This year’s celebration comes under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate Fifty”, symbolizing the renewed partnership between men and women in nation-building, and commemorating five decades of remarkable achievements by Emirati women across all fields.
Leadership Support and the Vision of “Mother of the Nation”
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation” and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, stressed on this occasion:
“The successes achieved by Emirati women are the result of the unlimited support of the wise leadership and its steadfast belief in women’s ability to be effective partners in the development journey.”
Achievements in Politics and National Representation
- Emirati women hold 50% of the seats in the Federal National Council.
- They occupy ministerial portfolios in strategic sectors.
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, stated:
“Emirati Women’s Day is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation that Emirati women today are partners in decision-making, agents of change, and role models for future generations.”
Education, Science, and Advanced Technologies
- Women constitute more than 77% of university students.
- Over 46% of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are women.
- Strong presence in AI, nuclear energy, and scientific research.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for General Education and Advanced Technology, said:
“We take pride in seeing Emirati women at the forefront of space and advanced technology projects, proving that their ambitions know no limits.”
Emirati Women in Space
Women accounted for 34% of the Hope Probe team, the first Arab mission to Mars. Emirati women are also part of astronaut training programs.
Engineer Omranah Al Hammadi, the first female Emirati engineer at the UAE Space Agency, noted:
“Today, Emirati women are not only dreaming of reaching space, but are actively working on its programs and technologies—something made possible only through the immense support of the nation.”
Economy and Entrepreneurship
- Investments by Emirati businesswomen exceed AED 60 billion.
- More than 23,000 businesses are run by Emirati women.
Her Excellency Maryam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, commented:
“Women’s entrepreneurship in the UAE has become a vital pillar of the national economy and a powerful means to empower future generations.”
This Year’s Theme: “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate Fifty”
The 2025 theme underscores the renewed partnership between men and women in building the nation.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed:
“‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate Fifty’ is not just a theme, but a message confirming that the UAE’s development in the next fifty years will continue to be built on the complementarity of roles between men and women.”
Emirati Women’s Day is a moment to honor the extraordinary contributions of Emirati women over the past fifty years and a message of hope for future generations that Emirati women are capable of leading the future with confidence. Under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate Fifty”, the UAE renews its commitment to ensuring that women remain integral partners in shaping the nation’s journey toward its Centennial 2071.
