Page 106 - DGHR PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

9/3/25, 9:06 AM Emirati Women's Forum showcases inspiring role models in leadership, diplomacy, business, innovation
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 the heart of national progress, making them equal contributors to the country's
sustainable development.

Souad Jamal AlSerkal, Founder and CEO of Comm-Cation Consultancy, highlighted the UAE's supportive
environment for women, which has enabled them to achieve significant success across all sectors. Speaking at the
Emirati Women's Forum, she shared her journey in entrepreneurship and leadership, emphasising the importance
of perseverance, self-belief, and hard work. AlSerkal encouraged the next generation of women to embrace
challenges, noting that each step forward brings them closer to realising their dreams.

The event also featured a session highlighting the achievements of the rising generation of young Emirati women.
The UAE's youngest Emirati chef, Aysha Al Obeidli, shared her passion for culinary arts, demonstrating that age is
no barrier to creativity and excellence. She urged youth to pursue their dreams with perseverance.

Ghaya Al Ahbabi, the youngest UNICEF ambassador for COP28, spoke about her dedication to sustainability and
environmental advocacy, highlighting her early volunteer work and global representation of the UAE. Both young
women highlighted the nation's commitment to empowering women and youth, showing how ambition,
dedication, and creativity can make a meaningful impact.

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