UAE to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day on August 28

Abu Dhabi: The UAE will celebrate Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, Tuesday, under the theme ‘Women on the Course of Zayed’ this year.

The day will coincide with the Centennial of Zayed and the declaration of 2018 as the Year of Zayed, by the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The country’s leadership will celebrate the occasion to highlight the contributions of Emirati women and their role in the country’s development.

The slogan of this year’s celebration also aims to reaffirm the role of the founding father, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in establishing the importance of women in the UAE. He once stated: “Nothing makes me happier than seeing women take their exceptional role in society, and nothing must obstruct their advancement.”

Emirati women have the direct support of the President Shaikh Khalifa; His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and the Rulers of the Emirates.

Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), and the ‘Mother of the UAE,’ has helped strengthen the presence of Emirati women by supporting programmes that empower and involve them in the country’s development.

Shaikha Fatima is credited with adding humanitarian dimensions to public work involving women, through her key initiatives.

Emirati women have proven themselves in various positions, including as the Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), as ministers in the federal government, where nine female ministers make up 27 per cent of the ministerial assembly. They also have a presence in the diplomatic corps, armed forces, in national service, police and security.

Their presence in space sciences, technology, engineering and medicine is a key factor in the development of the country.