Emirati Women’s Day 2025: A Tribute to the Trailblazers of the Past, Present, and Future
Emirati Women’s Day 2025 honors a decade of remarkable female achievements that shaped the United Arab Emirates. The celebration takes place on August 28th each year to recognize women’s vital contributions to the nation’s growth. This year’s theme ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’ commemorates the General Women’s Union’s golden jubilee.
UAE women have excelled remarkably in every sector of society. The Federal National Council now boasts 50 percent female representation, making UAE a global leader in gender-balanced parliaments. The nation’s commitment to equality shows in its 13th global and 1st regional ranking in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index. Emirati women dominate the public sector, holding two-thirds of available positions. Their growing influence has positioned UAE as the MENA region’s leader, ranking 24th worldwide for women’s inclusion, justice, and security as of 2021.
H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the UAE founder’s wife and late Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s spouse, established this celebration in 2015. The day has become a powerful showcase of women’s excellence in every field. This piece highlights Emirati women’s inspiring achievements in government, diplomacy, and culture that continue to shape their nation’s future.
The Origins and Purpose of Emirati Women’s Day
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The story of Emirati Women’s Day started with a bold vision. This vision aimed to recognize and celebrate women’s vital contributions to the United Arab Emirates. Today, this annual celebration stands as the life-blood of events that honor women’s achievements and aspirations nationwide.
Why August 28 was chosen
August 28 carries deep meaning in UAE’s history. This date marks the birth of the General Women’s Union in 1975. The selection creates a powerful link between celebrating Emirati women and a defining moment in the country’s path toward gender equality. This choice bridges the nation’s heritage with its progress. It connects modern achievements to the foundational work that began almost five decades ago. The date reminds everyone of the strong framework that has lifted women throughout UAE’s growth.
The role of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, lovingly called “Mother of the Nation,” leads the charge for Emirati women’s progress. She chairs the General Women’s Union, heads the Family Development Foundation, and leads the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. Her vision shapes women’s advancement initiatives across the UAE.
Sheikha Fatima brought Emirati Women’s Day to life in 2015. She made it an official celebration of women’s contributions. Her leadership opens doors to education, workplace success, and political voice for women. Through her guidance, many programs now support women’s growth in every sector – from business to science and the arts.
The founding of the General Women’s Union
The General Women’s Union (GWU) changed the game in UAE’s quest for gender equality. The 48-year-old organization works tirelessly to improve women’s place in society. Its creation built a strong framework that tackles women’s issues head-on, not through scattered efforts.
The GWU, under Sheikha Fatima’s leadership, runs numerous programs focused on education, health, social welfare, and economic participation. The organization champions legal changes that protect women’s rights and encourages their active role in national development. The GWU’s early work created the detailed support system that helps today’s Emirati women excel in a variety of fields.
Milestones in Women Empowerment in UAE
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Legislative reforms are the foundations of giving women the ability to succeed in the UAE. These carefully considered policy actions have made the nation a regional leader in women’s rights and opportunities.
Equal pay legislation and labor reforms
The UAE took a historic step in 2018 when the Cabinet approved the Law on Equal Wages and Salaries for Men and Women. This breakthrough legislation will give women equal opportunities as partners in UAE’s development. Federal Decree-Law No. 27 of 2018 requires equal pay for men and women in the federal government. The law states that female workers must receive the same wage as male workers who perform similar work. The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which regulates labor relations in the private sector, expanded this protection by requiring equal pay for equal work or work of equal value.
UAE’s ranking in global gender equality indexes
The UAE’s steadfast dedication to gender equality has earned impressive standings in international rankings. The country moved up to 7th place globally and kept its top regional position in the UN Gender Equality Index 2024. This marks a significant jump from 49th place in 2015. The UAE also ranked first among Arab countries in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023. The country achieved global first-place rankings in three areas: enrollment in tertiary education, sex ratio at birth, and women in parliament.
The National Strategy for Women Empowerment 2023–2031
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak launched the National Strategy for Women Empowerment 2023-2031 with the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”. This complete strategy focuses on three key pillars:
- Building cohesive, supportive families to improve women’s roles in society
- Including women in the labor market and future sectors
- Building capabilities and improving women’s future skills
The strategy guides decision-makers in federal and local government institutions, private sector, and civil society to advance women’s progress. It aims to achieve fair and complete women’s participation in every field.
Trailblazers Across Sectors
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Trailblazing Emirati women have reshaped leadership and excellence in every sector of the United Arab Emirates. They continue to break stereotypes and set new measures of achievement.
Women in government and diplomacy
Emirati women now stand as key figures in national governance and international relations. Nine women serve in the UAE Cabinet and lead important portfolios like community development and advanced technology. The public sector workforce consists of 66% women, with 30% holding leadership positions and 15% in technical roles. The UAE has achieved gender parity in parliament, as women hold 50% of Federal National Council seats. Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi made history when she became the first woman to chair a parliamentary institution in the Arab world in 2015. Women make up 30% of the UAE’s diplomatic corps, and nine female ambassadors and consul-generals represent the nation worldwide.
STEM and space exploration achievements
The UAE’s scientific world shines with exceptional female talent. Nora AlMatrooshi made history in 2021 as the first Emirati and Arab woman astronaut and graduated from NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class in 2024. Women comprised 34% of the Emirates Mars Mission team and an impressive 80% of the science team. H.E. Sarah Al Amiri led the UAE’s successful Hope Probe mission to Mars in 2021. Women make up 61% of UAE STEM graduates, which surpasses regional averages significantly. Scientists like Dr. Hessa Alfalahi, Dr. Raefa Abou Khouzam, and Ayesha Alkhoori lead groundbreaking research in depression detection, cancer treatment, and green energy.
Entrepreneurship and business leadership
Emirati women stimulate economic growth through innovation and leadership in business. They own 10% of the UAE private sector businesses, managing projects worth over AED 40 billion. Young entrepreneurs dominate the landscape, with 78% of women business leaders under 40. The UAE placed the most women (23) on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen list, showing their strong regional influence.
Cultural and artistic contributions
Emirati women have left their mark on the nation’s cultural scene. Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura Al Kaabi has helped the arts thrive. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi represents UAE literature globally as Vice President of the International Publishers Association. Poet Afra Atiq has earned international acclaim, while Nujoom Alghanem excels in poetry, scriptwriting, and film direction. Zeinab Alhashemi’s art explores human-nature relationships and appears in prestigious venues like the Louver Abu Dhabi.
Sports and international representation
Emirati women athletes shine on the global stage. Alia Abdulsalam will make history as the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship. The UAE women’s Taekwondo team brought home four medals from the GCC Women’s Games. Athletes like shooter Yasmine Tahlak, volleyball player Nadwa Al Sawan, and fencer Zainab Al Hosani compete worldwide. Aisha Alawadhi became the first Emirati woman to earn an international ranking in padel.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Emirati Women
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The UAE offers bright new possibilities to Emirati women. The nation actively develops future female leaders in every sector.
Youth leadership and education
Young Emirati women shape their country’s future through excellence in education. 61% of UAE STEM graduates are women, and this is a big deal as it means that global averages are surpassed. Their educational success creates a reliable pipeline of talent. The UAE Youth Program provides specialized leadership development to ambitious women aged 21-35.
Global initiatives led by Emirati women
Emirati women lead transformative programs worldwide. The 8-year old Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform champions women as leaders of sustainable change through education, participation, and enabling. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week’s annual forum promotes trailblazing solutions to pressing global challenges.
Sustainability and innovation roles
Climate governance and sustainable development now see Emirati women as key figures. H.E. Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili states, “Emirati women are strategic partners in building and enhancing sustainability”. They bring fresh points of view and trailblazing solutions to environmental challenges. Their growing presence in environmental science, engineering, and technology helps them lead vital sustainability projects.
Vision for the next 50 years
The National Policy for Enabling Emirati Women 2023-2031 provides a detailed framework to advance further. Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan believes, “The work of enabling women continues, and we will keep emphasizing initiatives to remove ‘glass ceilings'”. This shared vision places Emirati women at the vanguard of their nation’s ambitions for the next half-century.
Emirati women’s trip shows what dedication, vision, and steadfast support can achieve. Emirati Women’s Day has grown beyond a commemorative occasion in the last decade. It now stands as a powerful symbol of progress and national pride. Women in the UAE have broken barriers in government, science, business, arts, and sports. They turned challenges into stepping stones that led to unprecedented achievement.
A strategic national plan that enables female empowerment at every level drives these remarkable accomplishments. The results speak volumes – from equal pay legislation to 50% parliamentary representation and leadership across critical sectors. These achievements showcase individual talent and the effectiveness of support systems built over generations.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of trailblazers. Her vision, combined with complete national strategies, has built an environment where women thrive instead of merely participating. The General Women’s Union, nearly five decades old, remains a life-blood institution that turned aspirations into real opportunities.
Emirati women will without doubt play pivotal roles to shape the nation’s next 50 years. Their growing presence in sustainability, innovation, and youth leadership makes them architects of tomorrow’s UAE. Women’s dominance in STEM fields and educational excellence points to a bright future where female leadership becomes the norm.
Emirati Women’s Day 2025 celebrates past achievements while welcoming future possibilities. Progress since 2015 shows how targeted support and recognition accelerate gender equality. This decade-long trip has positioned UAE women as regional and global leaders. It proves that societies flourish when women get equal opportunities to contribute their talents.
Emirati women’s story continues to evolve with each breakthrough and milestone. Their collective journey reflects UAE’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and human development. These values will guide the nation through its next half-century of achievement.
