Photo Credit : WAM
The UAE will mark Emirati Women’s Day on Friday, 28 August, launching a month-long nationwide celebration recognising the achievements, leadership and growing contribution of Emirati women to the country’s development.
Held under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” this year’s observance will run from 28 August to 28 September 2026, featuring initiatives, events and programmes designed to celebrate achievements, showcase inspiring role models and strengthen opportunities for women across different sectors.
The occasion highlights more than five decades of progress in women’s empowerment in the UAE, where Emirati women have become active partners in government, business, science, technology, education and other areas shaping the country’s future.
A central figure in this journey has been H.H. 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.
Her leadership has played a key role in establishing institutional support for women while promoting a model of progress that combines modern development with the preservation of national identity and Arab and Islamic values.
Organised women’s work in the UAE began in 1973 with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Women’s Association, the country’s first women’s association. Similar organisations were later established across the Emirates, leading to the formation of the General Women’s Union in 1975.
Since then, the UAE has developed legislative and institutional frameworks supporting equal opportunities for women and men in employment, education and public services, including legislation guaranteeing equal pay.
Women Expand Role in Leadership and Decision-Making
Emirati women today hold senior positions across government institutions and decision-making bodies.
Women account for 50 percent of seats in the Federal National Council and hold around 63 percent of leadership positions in the government sector, alongside significant representation in the UAE Cabinet.
The country has also strengthened its position in international gender-related rankings. The UAE ranked first regionally in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 and second globally for women’s representation in parliament in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking.
Women’s participation in the UAE labour market increased by 101.92 percent between 2021 and 2025, while women represented 74 percent of beneficiaries of the Nafis programme.
Emirati Businesswomen Strengthen Economic Contribution
Women are also playing an increasingly important role in entrepreneurship and investment.
More than 25,000 Emirati businesswomen hold over 50,000 commercial licences, with their combined investments exceeding AED60 billion, according to 2025 figures.
Their growing presence across the private sector reflects the expanding contribution of women to economic activity, business development, employment and investment in the UAE.
Strong Presence in Science, Technology and Space
Emirati women have also established a significant presence in future-focused industries including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, innovation, engineering and space exploration.
Women account for around 50 percent of employees in the UAE National Space Programme and nearly 80 percent of the scientific team behind the Hope Probe.
They also represent more than 46 percent of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, while women make up around 70 percent of university graduates in the UAE.
Programmes targeting cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, programming, agriculture and entrepreneurship are further supporting women’s participation in strategic sectors.
Initiatives such as the Cyber Pulse Initiative for Women and Family and Empowering Women Farmers programme are designed to develop skills and prepare women for changes in the digital economy and labour market.
Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision Looks to the Future
The UAE’s long-term approach to women’s empowerment has been further strengthened through the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision.
The initiative aims to expand opportunities for Emirati women in future-oriented sectors, particularly technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, while supporting the UAE’s ambitions to build a more competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy.
The vision builds on decades of progress while positioning women as key contributors to the next stage of the country’s economic and social development.
UAE Extends Women’s Empowerment Initiatives Globally
The UAE has also expanded its efforts beyond the national level through programmes supporting women internationally.
Among them is the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, which seeks to strengthen women’s participation in promoting dialogue, peace, security, stability and development.
The General Women’s Union has also launched the Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Digital Leadership for African Women, aimed at developing digital skills and expanding women’s participation in the digital economy and sustainable development.
Together, these programmes reflect the UAE’s broader approach to investing in women’s capabilities and expanding their opportunities across leadership, science, technology, business, climate action, peace and security.
Emirati Women’s Day 2026 therefore serves not only as a celebration of past achievements, but also as a platform to advance the role of women in shaping the UAE’s future.
