Page 98 - DGHR PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

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.

Her Excellency 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.

Young Emirati trailblazers
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.

A session featuring Amna Al Suwaidi, Acting CEO of the Future Resources Sector and Director of
Policies and Programmes Support Department at the Dubai Government Human Resources
Department, highlighted Dubai’s commitment to empowering women as key partners in
development. She emphasised initiatives supporting work-life balance, continuous training,
mentorship, and gender-balanced leadership, underscoring women’s central role in driving Dubai’s
progress and global leadership.

Organised by the Dubai Women Establishment, the Emirati Women’s Forum is Dubai’s premier
official event celebrating Emirati Women’s Day. The forum marks the 10th anniversary of the Emirati
Women’s Day, announced in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the
Nation. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, the forum featured ten panel
discussions, highlighting the UAE’s achievements in advancing women’s empowerment.

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