Page 100 - DGHR PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme
Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, for inspiring Emirati women’s empowerment
locally and internationally.
Addressing challenges in diplomacy, she noted cultural differences, distance from home, and other
obstacles, while stressing that focus and dedication enabled women to represent the UAE with
distinction. She encouraged aspiring female diplomats to work hard and seize the opportunities
available under the UAE leadership’s guidance.

In a session on the impact and leadership of women in government, Hessa Buhumaid, Director
General of Dubai’s Community Development Authority, and Aisha Miran, Director General of
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, spoke about the growing role of women as
leaders. Buhumaid highlighted the significant contributions of Emirati women over the past 50
years, from education and leadership to community development, stressing the importance of
embracing opportunities and their authentic Emirati identity.

Miran noted that Emirati women’s participation in government sets a regional and global example,
supported by the UAE leadership and the initiatives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and H.H.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance
Council (UAE GBC), President of the Dubai Women Establishment, wife of His Highness Sheikh
Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the
Presidential Court, while also emphasising the role of family support in balancing professional and
personal life.

Khaled Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, discussed the pivotal role of Emirati
women in the UAE’s development and nation-building. He emphasised that empowering women,
particularly young women, is a strategic priority, enabling them to contribute across sectors such
as the economy, diplomacy, innovation, and social work.

Al Nuaimi noted the Authority’s commitment to involving young Emirati women in initiatives,
councils, and national programmes, fostering their skills to make a positive, sustainable impact. He
highlighted that women make up over 73% of local youth council members and 48% of participants
in the Emirates Youth Global Initiative.

Shayma Alawadhi, Acting Undersecretary for Labour Market Development & Regulation and
Assistant Undersecretary for Communications & International Relations, discussed the role of
women in driving the private sector and advancing Emiratisation. She highlighted Emirati women’s
awareness and willingness to take on new challenges requiring competence and innovation, noting
that women under the age of 35 account for more than 70% of Emirati employees in the private
sector.

Alawadhi emphasised their growing contributions to economic development, competitiveness, and
leadership in specialised fields such as AI, renewable energy, and the digital economy. She also
stressed the importance of empowering women through initiatives like the Nafis programme,
supportive workplace policies, and continuous professional development. Emirati women’s
success, she noted, reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to placing both men and women at

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/blf99kl-emirati-women%E2%80%99s-forum-showcases-inspiring-
role