Page 97 - DGHR PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

praised by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of
the General Women's 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.

Women in government
In a session on the impact and leadership of women in government, Her Excellency Hessa
Buhumaid, Director General of Dubai’s Community Development Authority, and Her Excellency
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 Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak
and Her Highness 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.

Women’s empowerment
His Excellency 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.

Her Excellency 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.

https://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/august/28-08/ewf-spotlights-inspiring-leaders-
diplomacy-business-and-innovation