Dubai, UAE - August 28, 2025 — The United Arab Emirates today observes Emirati Women's Day 2025 under the historic theme "Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years," commemorating half a century of remarkable achievements by Emirati women across all sectors of national development.

Presidential Recognition and Leadership Support

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed led the nation's leadership in honoring Emirati women's contributions, emphasizing their integral role in the UAE's progress. "The progress of the UAE has always been closely tied to the achievements of Emirati women and their pivotal role in strengthening our communities and contributing to our nation's development," he stated on social media, announcing the launch of the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister, celebrated women as "the soul of the homeland," while Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed praised their distinguished presence across various fields of national work.

Golden Jubilee of the General Women's Union

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the General Women's Union (GWU), established in 1975 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the "Mother of the Nation." The institution has been pivotal in championing women's rights, leadership, and empowerment throughout the UAE's development journey.

Sheikha Fatima emphasized that "empowering Emirati women embodies a pioneering development model and an ongoing national success story," highlighting how their accomplishments stem from long-term strategic vision and structured national policies.

Global Leadership in Gender Equality

The UAE has achieved remarkable milestones in women's empowerment:

Political Representation:

• Women hold 50% of Federal National Council seats, making the UAE a global leader in parliamentary gender balance
• 26% of ministerial positions are held by women, leading major portfolios including climate change and education

Economic Participation:

• Women represent 71% of Emiratis in the public and private sectors
• Over 25,000 businesswomen hold more than 50,000 commercial licenses
• Women-led investments exceed AED 60 billion ($16.3 billion)

STEM and Innovation:

• 46% of STEM graduates are women
• 50% of the national workforce in the space sector are women
• 55% of the overall labor force consists of women

Legislative Milestones

The UAE has implemented groundbreaking legislation supporting gender equality:

• 2018: First legislation mandating equal pay in federal government
• 2021: Labour Relations law requiring equal pay for equal work in private sector
• 2023: Launch of National Strategy for Women's Empowerment 2023–2031

These reforms contributed to the UAE ranking 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index.

Outstanding Women Leaders

Arabian Business highlighted exceptional Emirati women making extraordinary impacts across industries:

Finance and Technology:

• Amina Taher, Chief Marketing Officer at Wio Bank PJSC, leading Middle East's first digital financial platform
• Fatma Ashkanani, Chief People and Culture Officer at Khazna Data Centers, transforming people strategy in digital infrastructure

Healthcare and Public Service:

• Dr. Farida Al Hajeri, Executive Director at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, advancing community health policy
• Fatmah Rashed Al Kaabi, managing innovative programs at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Renewable Energy:

• Fatima Al Suwaidi and Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei at Masdar, leading groundbreaking renewable energy projects across Asia and managing portfolios worth over $7 billion

Aerospace and Research:

• Dr. Noora Almarzooqi, Sara Alzaabi, and Ghadeer Al Katheeri at Technology Innovation Institute, advancing sustainable technologies and aerospace innovation

Global Impact and Vision

The UAE has extended its women's empowerment initiatives globally through programs such as the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security initiative and the Arab Women's Economic Empowerment Observatory, alongside programs supporting rural women in Africa.

Looking Forward

As the nation celebrates this milestone, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, described Emirati Women's Day as "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."

The celebration coincides with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Community," emphasizing the strategic role of families and women in supporting national progress under the overarching principle of working "Hand in Hand."

From redefining digital banking and driving renewable energy projects to leading breakthroughs in healthcare, aerospace, and artificial intelligence, Emirati women continue to demonstrate the UAE's role as a global model of women's empowerment, built on decades of progressive policies and visionary leadership..