The Emirati Woman: A Key Partner in Shaping the Future and Continuous Empowerment in the "Year of the Family"
Emirates News Agency (WAM) Report as part of the Arab News Agencies Union (FANA) Women’s Media Services File
Abu Dhabi, July 31 (KUNA) — The United Arab Emirates is steadily consolidating women’s status as a key partner in the national development journey through an integrated system of legislation, policies, and initiatives that have strengthened their presence across vital sectors, establishing the country as a global model in women’s empowerment and active participation in shaping the future.
This approach gains additional momentum during “Year of the Family 2026,” announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him. The declaration underscores that building cohesive families constitutes the cornerstone of a prosperous and sustainable society, and that empowering women and enhancing their role within the family and across various fields of work represent key pillars of this national vision.
Since its establishment, the Union has received exceptional attention from the enlightened leadership, driven by a firm conviction that true development is only complete when women participate alongside men in all paths of national construction. The wise vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, coupled with the continuous support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the UAE,” President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, has established an advanced model of women’s empowerment. This has yielded qualitative presence in decision-making positions and various development fields.
Today, Emirati women are key partners in shaping policies and making decisions, holding leadership roles in the government, the Federal National Council, the judiciary, and diplomatic missions. They also play influential roles in sectors such as the economy, energy, space, technology, artificial intelligence, health, education, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the maturity of the UAE’s experience in achieving a balance between competence and equal opportunity.
This progress is underpinned by an advanced legislative system that reinforces the principle of equal opportunity and provides a supportive environment for women’s participation in the labor market, entrepreneurship, and innovation, aligning with the targets of “We the UAE 2031” Vision and the Sustainable Development Agenda.
Within the framework of the “Year of the Family,” Emirati women emerge as a central pillar in national initiatives aimed at strengthening family cohesion and reinforcing social values, acting as partners in raising generations, preserving national identity, and promoting a culture of social responsibility, in line with the Year’s objectives of building more connected and stable families.
National institutions continue to launch distinctive initiatives that enhance women’s role in sustainable development. For instance, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launched the “Empowering Women Farmers” initiative, aimed at supporting Emirati women working in the agricultural sector and enhancing their contribution to achieving sustainable food security. This initiative is under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and aligns with the targets of the “Year of the Family.”
Furthermore, the General Women’s Union continues to implement innovative initiatives to enhance women’s economic empowerment, including launching the world’s first official employment program for housewives. This program provides beneficiaries with comprehensive employment benefits, strengthens the sustainability of home-based businesses, and supports women’s contribution to the national economy, in harmony with the “Mother of the UAE 50:50” Vision.
The concept of empowerment in the UAE extends to various humanitarian and social fields. National initiatives support women both domestically and internationally, reflecting the UAE’s approach of promoting comprehensive development and reinforcing values of solidarity and human responsibility. This is also evident in initiatives aimed at supporting refugee women and empowering them economically and socially.
In the field of education, Emirati women continue to achieve a prominent presence in higher education institutions and future-oriented disciplines, particularly in science, engineering, artificial intelligence, and space. Their achievements in health, research, and economic sectors demonstrate their ability to actively contribute to building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
The UAE has also made significant progress in gender balance indicators, thanks to government policies that ensure equal opportunity and support women’s participation in various positions of responsibility. This has been reflected in their growing presence on boards of directors, in the private sector, and in international institutions, making the UAE’s experience a model to emulate in the region and worldwide.
The “Year of the Family” affirms that investing in women and families is a direct investment in the nation’s future. Enhancing women’s roles within the family and society reinforces sustainable development and strengthens human capital, regarded as the country’s true wealth.
As distinctive initiatives continue to be launched and supportive legislation and policies are developed, Emirati women are consolidating their status as full partners in the journey of comprehensive development and key elements in shaping the future. This is based on a leadership vision that places the empowerment of humans, men and women alike, at the core of the UAE’s trajectory of achievement and leadership. (End) WAM
