Page 24 - ECI PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

8/28/25, 8:10 AM Emirati Women's Day 2025: Celebrating 50 years of empowerment
This educational empowerment translates into Emirati women taking on increasingly influential roles in government,
business, science, and culture, contributing directly to the country’s social and economic development. The UAE
government’s gender balance initiatives encourage women’s participation in policymaking and leadership, and the
educational foundation laid over recent years supports these goals by equipping women with relevant skills and expertise.
Female graduates contribute not just in traditional sectors but are also making headway in emerging industries like
renewable energy, technology, and finance, aligning with the UAE’s strategic national goals.

Targeted programs for skill enhancement and leadership

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and various government entities have implemented targeted programs to enhance
Emirati women’s skills, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurship training. Partnerships with international universities have
brought world-class education to the UAE, increasing access to specialized programs and research opportunities. The
UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision promotes lifelong learning and continuous development for women to lead innovation
and social transformation. Recent data from the Gender Balance Council reveals that women now represent over 50 percent
of professionals in the education sector itself—a trend that further catalyzes societal change by mentoring younger
generations. These educational advancements ensure Emirati women are central architects of the nation’s sustainable and
diversified future.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Board of Trustees and president of American University of Sharjah,
highlighted to Economy Middle East, “Education is the gateway to empowerment and nation-building. In the UAE, it has
been the most powerful catalyst for change, enabling Emirati women to increase their participation in the workforce. We
have seen a remarkable rise in female enrollment, with women now making up a majority of students in higher education.
This has been actively supported by the government and includes a growing emphasis on careers in STEM fields, which
further diversifies women’s options and their contribution to national development. By redefining the role of women in our
society, education has truly empowered them to be an integral part of our nation’s economic and social progress.”

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Board of Trustees and president of American University of Sharjah

Supporting equality while honoring community values

The declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’ further underscores the vision to strengthen social cohesion by
harmonizing modern societal roles—including female leadership—with the preservation of collective heritage and family
unity. This holistic approach fosters a stable environment where cultural continuity and gender equality reinforce each
other, shaping a resilient and dynamic society prepared for the future.

“The participation of women in nation-building is not a new idea in the UAE, but is a legacy that is historically documented
and deeply rooted in our culture. This approach has long been shaped by the powerful principles of our faith, which has
always empowered women to be an integral part of society. This historical context proves that progress and our cultural
values are not opposing forces; rather, they are threads of the same fabric,” Al Qasimi commented.

“It is this profound belief that has guided government policy in the UAE. We don’t see our cultural values and the necessity
of furthering gender equality as being in conflict; rather, we see them as interconnected levers of our nation’s progress. This
deliberate evolution, rooted in a shared commitment to our identity, has ensured that Emirati women are not just
participating but leading in all sectors of society. By supporting women-led innovation and integrating communities, our
government is building a model of development that is not only economically competitive but also socially meaningful,”
she added.

“Emirati women are playing a central role in realizing the vision of the Year of Community 2025. From government to
business, they are driving initiatives that strengthen social cohesion, preserve cultural identity, and create opportunities for
future generations. Leaders such as H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, chairperson of Dubai Culture &
Arts Authority, are ensuring that cultural heritage and creativity remain at the heart of our shared identity. Another example
is H.E. Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment, who is spearheading programs that directly
enhance family and community bonds,” Sajwani highlighted.

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