Today, August 28, is Emirati Women’s Day 2025, celebrated in the UAE with the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years.” In addition, this occasion also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union (GWU).
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlights that Emirati women’s achievement is the basis of the development of the nation. He said, “The progress of the UAE has always been closely linked to the achievement of the Emirati women and their important role in empowering our community”.
This occasion also sees the launch of the Mother of the Nation 50:50 vision. So, it reaffirms the commitment of the country to gender balance and equal partnership in creating the future of the nation.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, has been a strong driving force behind the women’s movement since its inception GWU. In addition, her vision has successfully maintained modernity with Arab and Islamic tradition.
Emirati women have secured a historic milestone under their vision. We have listed those achievements below:
- The UAE secures 13th position globally and first position regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index.
- Landmark legislation, such as the 2018 Equal Pay Law and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, guarantees equal pay for equal value.
- National Strategy for Women Empowerment 2023–2031 adoption. This campaign empowers long-term development goals.
Women at the Forefront of National Progress
Today, women have become an important part of the UAE’s development. Now, they hold the following portions:
- 50% of Federal National Council seats, which turns the UAE into a global leader in gender-balanced demonstration.
- 26% of ministerial positions, leading portfolios in education, climate change, and community development.
- 63% of federal government leadership roles and 13% of ambassadorial posts abroad.
This is not the end because more than 25,000 businesswomen manage 50000 commercial licenses of investment that surpass Dh60 billion. In addition, they also have 46 percent of STEM graduates and represent 50 percent of the national space sector workforce.
Emirati Womens Day: A Global Model
The progress of the UAE has also extended throughout the world. Below are the top campaigns that highlight the nation’s global leadership in boosting women rights:
- Arab Women’s Economic Empowerment Observatory
- The Sheikha Fatima Initiative to support local Women in Africa
The UAE stands as the global model of gender equality and empowerment that is built on decades of visionary leadership and the contributions of its women.
Read more:
