Emirati Women’s Day 2025: Empowered, Resilient, and Ready to Lead the UAE into the Future

The UAE celebrates 50 years of strengthening women’s influence, resilience, and leadership on Emirati Women’s Day 2025. The numbers tell an impressive story – more than 23,000 Emirati women now run businesses worth over AED 50 billion. This showcases their growing economic power and entrepreneurial drive.

“Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years” sets the theme for this year’s celebration. The occasion marks 50 years since H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak founded the General Women’s Union (GWU) on August 27, 1975. Emirati women have shown exceptional leadership skills in businesses of all sizes. They make up 61 percent of STEM graduates, which exceeds the Arab world’s regional average of 57 percent. Women also own 36 percent of small businesses in the UAE.

The UAE’s steadfast dedication to building emotionally resilient female leaders has shown clear results. Women’s participation in the workforce grew to 34.6 percent in 2024 from 32.5 percent in 2023. Emirati Women’s Day reminds us of the UAE’s ongoing mission to equip women in every sector. This becomes even more crucial as they lead the country toward a digital-first future.

The Legacy of Emirati Women’s Day

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Emirati Women’s Day shows the UAE’s steadfast dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment. This yearly celebration has become a powerful symbol of progress that reflects the nation’s commitment to recognize and magnify women’s contributions in every sector.

Origins of the celebration

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, created Emirati Women’s Day in 2015. The creation of this national day marked a key milestone to acknowledge Emirati women’s vital role in building the nation and developing society. The day has grown more meaningful over the last several years, with each year featuring a unique theme that expresses women’s achievements and aspirations.

Role of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak

Sheikha Fatima, known with affection as the “Mother of the Nation,” has led women’s advancement in the UAE for decades. She created the General Women’s Union (GWU) on August 27, 1975, which became the foundation to strengthen women’s status throughout the country.

Her visionary leadership launched many initiatives to support women’s education, healthcare, professional development, and political participation. Sheikha Fatima’s “National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women” provides a complete roadmap to enhance women’s contributions to eco-friendly development. Her tireless advocacy has created new chances for Emirati women to become leaders in fields that men once dominated.

Why August 28 matters

August 28 as Emirati Women’s Day holds deep historical meaning. This date aligns with the GWU’s founding on August 27, 1975. The UAE also joined the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on August 28, 2004.

This date gives us a yearly chance to reflect on past achievements, celebrate current successes, and plan ambitious paths forward. Government entities, private organizations, and educational institutions of all sizes host special events, workshops, and recognition ceremonies to honor women’s accomplishments and plan strategies for future progress. August 28 represents more than just a celebration – it renews our commitment to build a future where Emirati women continue to lead, create, and inspire.

Achievements Across Sectors

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“We, at DEWA, work to support the establishment of global standards for institutional work that supports Emirati women, and to hone their leadership, administrative, supervisory, engineering and technical skills in a way that meets their aspirations to bring about real change in sustainability, renewable energy and other vital sectors.” — HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

Emirati women are reaching new heights of success and influence in every sector of society. They have proven themselves as emotionally resilient leaders in male-dominated fields.

Education and STEM leadership

Women have revolutionized UAE’s education landscape. Emirati women’s literacy rates now stand at an impressive 95.8%. They represent 77% of higher education enrollees and 70% of all university graduates. The numbers are even more impressive in STEM fields – 56% of UAE government university graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are women. These figures are well above global averages. The prestigious Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has 60% female Emirati graduate students. This shows a strong future generation of innovators is emerging.

Entrepreneurship and business ownership

The nation’s economy has witnessed remarkable growth in women entrepreneurs:

• The private sector has 10% women business-owners
• Projects worth over AED 50 billion are managed by 23,000 Emirati businesswomen
• Women entrepreneurs hold 15% of positions on chambers of commerce boards nationwide

UAE leads with the highest representation on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen list in 2023. This recognition showcases their business expertise globally.

Healthcare and community service

Emirati women are the backbone of UAE’s world-class healthcare system. They serve as doctors, nurses, healthcare professionals, and administrators. Women have enhanced healthcare quality and shaped health policies throughout the medical sector. Their commitment to providing distinguished medical services has earned recognition nationwide.

Government and political representation

The UAE leads the Arab world in female parliamentary representation with women holding 50% of Federal National Council seats. Nine women serve in the UAE Cabinet, making up 27.3% of ministerial roles. Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi broke barriers as the region’s first woman to lead a national assembly when she became FNC President in 2015. Women make up 66% of the public sector workforce, with 30% holding leadership positions.

Resilience and Empowerment in Action

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The impressive statistics tell a human story of Emirati women who overcame challenges through their resilience and determination. Their achievements showcase a nation that has removed barriers to women’s progress.

Stories of emotionally resilient leaders

UAE’s business world has many resilient female leaders. Hana Al Rostamani stands out as a powerful force in finance. She guides First Abu Dhabi Bank as Group CEO and navigates complex financial environments with strategic vision. Amna Al Haddad challenged traditional norms as an Olympic weightlifter. These leaders often say that authentic leadership comes from embracing unique strengths rather than following stereotypes.

Breaking barriers in male-dominated fields

Emirati women expand their presence in fields men typically dominate. Aisha Al Mansoori became the first female captain of a commercial airline. Sarah Al Amiri now guides the UAE Space Agency’s Mars Mission with a team that has 80% women. Jessica Schroeder works in the chemicals industry and notes: “When you’re the only woman at the leadership table, you need to make sure your voice is heard”.

Supportive policies and legal reforms

The National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031 launched under the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow” forms the foundation for these achievements. This complete framework has three main guides:

• Building cohesive families to improve women’s societal roles
• Integrating women into workforce and future sectors
• Developing women’s capabilities and future skills

Recent legal reforms have strengthened women’s rights by a lot. These include equal pay legislation, protection against domestic violence, and extended maternity leave. UAE became the first Arab country to implement paternity leave. This change recognizes fathers’ role in childcare.

Shaping the Future of the UAE

“A woman with a vision shapes the future; an Emirati woman with vision transforms the world.” — Zuvees Editorial Team, Curators of Emirati women’s leadership content

UAE’s knowledge-based economy places Emirati women at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. Their presence reflects the nation’s steadfast dedication to future-focused thinking and inclusive growth.

Women in AI, space, and digital transformation

Emirati women have altered the map of the technology sector. Female students make up 56% of UAE government university STEM graduates, which significantly exceeds the global average of 35%. The Emirates Mars Mission showcases women’s achievements with female engineers making up 34% of the team. The Hope Probe’s operations team stands out with 80% female representation. Fatma Ashkanani, Chief Corporate Officer at Khazna Data Centers, leads the UAE’s digital revolution through innovative leadership in AI, cybersecurity, and data management.

Mentorship and role models for the next generation

Strong mentorship programs shape tomorrow’s leaders effectively. Emirates Global Aluminum created “Ershaad” to support female UAE students in STEM. The Dubai Women Establishment’s “YES! Mentorship Program” has connected 53 Emirati women with Nordic business leaders. These programs give young women vital industry exposure, career guidance, and professional networks.

Vision 2031 and the UAE’s global leadership goals

The National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031, themed “We Work Together for Tomorrow”, creates a detailed framework with three main pillars:

• Supporting cohesive families enhances women’s societal roles
• Integrating women into labor markets and future sectors
• Developing capabilities and enhancing future skills

Emirati Women’s Day 2025 showcases the remarkable growth of female leadership in the UAE. The General Women’s Union’s establishment fifty years ago marked the beginning of a transformation. Emirati women have risen from basic participation to leadership roles in education, business, government, and technology sectors. Their success stories highlight the nation’s steadfast dedication to gender equality.

Numbers tell a compelling story of change. Women lead university enrollment figures and show excellence in STEM fields. They run billion-dirham companies and craft national policies at the highest government levels. These achievements result from well-planned strategies, supportive laws, and visionary leaders who saw women as vital national assets.

Sheikha Fatima’s influence continues to motivate new generations of strong female leaders who tackle challenges with determination and grace. Her programs have opened doors for women in previously restricted areas. The UAE now leads the region in women’s progress because of these efforts.

Real stories of success lie behind the statistics and regulations. Countless women have turned obstacles into opportunities through their resilience. These pioneers now guide and inspire others, creating a cycle of success for future generations.

Emirati Women’s Day celebrates more than past victories. It shows an ongoing push to strengthen women as key drivers of national growth. Emirati women lead the charge in the country’s digital evolution, space exploration, and knowledge economy initiatives.

Working alongside their male counterparts, Emirati women will without doubt keep building a future where equality forms the base of national success. Their progress reflects the UAE’s vision of excellence for all, showing how nations flourish when every citizen reaches their full potential.