Page 20 - ECI PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

8/28/25, 8:10 AM Emirati Women's Day 2025: Celebrating 50 years of empowerment
female talent and entrepreneurship, we are paving the way for a diverse and sustainable economy, making certain that
Emirati women remain vital to building a fair and prosperous future.”

Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance

Role of Emirati women in national development

Emirati women have been pivotal contributors across a broad spectrum of sectors, driving the UAE’s remarkable
development trajectory. Their involvement spans government administration, where women hold significant leadership
roles, including representing 50 percent of the Federal National Council, a milestone reflecting the nation’s commitment to
political inclusiveness.

In science and innovation, Emirati women are breaking new ground in STEM fields, driving research and development, and
contributing to global conversations on issues like climate change and sustainability, evident in their prominent
participation in international forums such as COP28. The business landscape showcases thriving Emirati entrepreneurs who
constitute the highest percentage of female business ownership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, fostering
economic diversification and innovation.

Education is another critical area where Emirati women have made transformative impacts, excelling both as students and
educators, further enabling knowledge transfer and societal advancement. Culturally, Emirati women are preserving and
promoting heritage, arts, and literature, strengthening national identity while embracing modernity.

Empowerment initiatives and social impact

The General Women’s Union continues to spearhead numerous empowerment initiatives aimed at increasing women’s
participation in all facets of society. These programs focus on leadership development, education, entrepreneurship, and
social welfare, tailored to address both existing and emerging challenges faced by women locally and globally.

Initiatives also target critical socioeconomic issues such as work-life balance, digital literacy, and combating stereotypes.
Recognition schemes and mentorship programs celebrate female role models who inspire younger generations. The holistic
approach combines policy advocacy with grassroots community engagement to foster supportive environments for Emirati
women’s growth and empowerment.

Emirati women are central agents in advancing the UAE’s vision for sustainable development, blending innovation with a
commitment to environmental stewardship. Their leadership in green technologies, sustainable agriculture, and
conservation efforts aligns with the country’s strategic goals for a diversified, sustainable economy.

Women as catalysts for change

The empowerment of women is seen not only as a human rights imperative but also as a catalyst for enhanced economic
resilience and social well-being. Ensuring women’s equal participation in sustainable development initiatives remains a
priority for national policy frameworks and community organizations alike.

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, senior vice president and group country manager, remarked to Economy Middle East, “Emirati women
are helping shape the UAE’s future – driving growth in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, and playing a key role in
the country’s economic diversification journey. With women making up 56 percent of STEM graduates in the UAE, they
are actively transforming various innovative sectors, from digital infrastructure to advanced research. Initiatives like Visa’s
She’s Next bring this to life by providing mentorship and funding to help women-led businesses grow and thrive.”

“This progress did not happen overnight. Vision 2021 paved the way for inclusion and lasting change, with its focus on
building a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Today, companies have mandatory female representation on boards,
ensuring that more women have a seat at the table where strategic decisions are made, setting a new standard for diverse

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