The UAE ranks 13th globally and first regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index, showcasing women’s progress/ Representative Image
On August 28, 2025, the United Arab Emirates will mark the tenth edition of Emirati Women’s Day under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,” commemorating the golden jubilee of the General Women’s Union. This year’s celebration not only highlights five decades of advancement led by Emirati women but also aligns with the UAE’s nationwide “Year of Community” initiative.
Origin and purpose of Emirati Women’s Day
Emirati Women’s Day, observed annually on August 28, was established by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” in honour of the founding of the General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975. In 2025, the day holds deeper significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the GWU, an institution that has stood at the forefront of women’s empowerment in the UAE. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,” was unveiled under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima. It reflects both the historical achievements of Emirati women and the collaborative spirit that has shaped their journey. The theme also aligns with the national initiative declaring 2025 as the “Year of Community,” reinforcing the collective approach toward sustainable development. Her Highness Sheikha Fatima serves as the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. She is widely recognised as the pioneer of the UAE’s women’s movement, combining modern values with a firm grounding in Arab and Islamic traditions.
GWU leaders on Emirati women’s role
Speaking ahead of the occasion, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union (GWU), underscored the importance of the day as a national moment to reflect on the contributions of Emirati women. In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), she said:“Emirati Women’s Day is a cherished national occasion to recall the accomplishments of Emirati women, who have proven over fifty years their ability to lead, give, and contribute effectively to the nation’s development journey.” Al Suwaidi emphasised that the occasion reflects the UAE’s leadership vision, affirming the crucial role of women in shaping a cohesive and prosperous society. She highlighted the pivotal support and initiatives championed by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima in enabling women across education, economy, and social spheres.“The efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima have been pivotal in empowering Emirati women and strengthening their role across social, educational and economic fields,” she said, adding that collaboration between institutions and society is essential to building a national model that values women’s contributions.
Women’s representation and legal reforms in UAE
Emirati Women’s Day 2025 arrives at a time when the UAE has cemented its global standing in gender equality. The country ranks 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index, a reflection of steady institutional reforms and inclusion efforts. Among the significant milestones are:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 27 of 2018, mandating equal pay for men and women in the federal government.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, ensuring equal pay for equal work in the private sector.
These laws have paved the way for the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023–2031, launched under the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow.” The strategy aims to enable equitable participation across all sectors and improve the quality of life. It serves as a national framework for policymakers in federal and local governments, private enterprises, and civil society. Women currently occupy:
- 50% of the seats in the Federal National Council, placing the UAE among global leaders in gender-balanced parliamentary representation.
- 26% of ministerial positions, overseeing portfolios such as education, climate change, community development, and family affairs.
Furthermore:
- Emirati women account for 71% of UAE nationals in the public and private sectors.
- They hold 63% of leadership positions in the federal government.
- 13% of the UAE’s ambassadors abroad are women.
Economic and educational roles of Emirati women
Emirati women have also established themselves as key drivers in business and innovation:
- Over 25,000 businesswomen in the UAE own more than 50,000 commercial licenses.
- Their collective investments surpass AED 60 billion.
In education and science:
- Women make up 46% of STEM graduates.
- They represent 50% of the national workforce in the space sector.
- Overall, women constitute 55% of the total labour force in the UAE.
On the global front, the UAE’s efforts extend to international women’s empowerment initiatives. These include:
- The Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security initiative, which supports women’s roles in peacebuilding, dialogue, and development globally.
- The Arab Women’s Economic Empowerment Observatory, introduced at the 2023 Leaders’ Summit, aims to support entrepreneurship and inter-Arab partnerships.
- The Sheikha Fatima Initiative to Empower Rural Women in Africa, targeting sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
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