Emirati Women’s Day 2023: Inspiring leaders share why this day is significant

The UAE is celebrating Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, marked by the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”.

The theme was launched by Mother of the Nation Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak — who is also 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 — is in line with UAE’s 2023 theme “Today for Tomorrow” launched by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The latter highlights the UAE’s domestic efforts and its global contribution to addressing sustainability challenges by finding innovative solutions in the fields of energy and climate change.

The UAE has achieved great milestones in narrowing the gender gap.  It ranked first in the Arab world, and 11th globally, in the United Nations Development Programme 2022 Gender Inequality Index. The UAE topped the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region for the third consecutive year in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law Report 2023. The UAE also ranked first among Arab countries in the World Economic Forum 2022 Global Gender Gap Report.

The UAE has also succeeded in enhancing women’s participation in political life, leadership positions and decision-making positions.

Here, six professionals share aspirations for the future to mark Emirati Women’s Day

Dr Dalya Al Muthanna, president of GE in the UAE and global chief of Strategy & Operations for GE International Markets

The 2023 theme of Emirati Women’s Day – ‘We Collaborate for Tomorrow’ – aligns with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and emphasises the country’s commitment to fostering global collaboration and driving transformative change to better prepare ourselves for a bright future.

As hosts of COP28 this year, the UAE is propelling innovative solutions forward to address some of the most complex challenges impacting our planet.

Over the past decades, the competence, excellence and creativity of Emirati women have driven sustainability initiatives, catalysing progress in the energy transition and advanced technology.

Sustainability and innovation are intricately linked, and inspiring more women to take on leadership roles will be pivotal as we work together with other nations around the world to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder and chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group

August 28 marks a cherished celebration of the remarkable achievements of Emirati women, a testament to their unyielding spirit and unparalleled contributions. The inception of ‘Emirati Women’s Day’ was a visionary stride initiated by Sheikha Fatima. This day stands as a symbol of honour, elevating the status of Emirati women who have left an indelible mark on history.

As we mark Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the resolute strength and unwavering resilience embodied by the women of the Emirates. Their indomitable spirit shapes history and their sagacity, combined with our rich traditions, fuels our journey towards an aspirational future. As we honour the accomplishments of the past, we forge pathways to an even brighter tomorrow.

We uphold our roles as change-makers, champions of parity, and bearers of empathy. Each stride taken and every triumph achieved intertwine into a tapestry of progress, woven collectively.

Stepping into the ‘Year of Sustainability,’ Emirati women illuminate the path towards a greener, more sustainable future. With unity, innovation, and collaboration, we channel our collective strength to confront the challenges ahead.

Shaikha Al Haddad, director – Government & International Affairs, chairperson – ENOC Women Committee

We are extremely proud of our Emirati female colleagues, their achievements, and their significant contributions in UAE’s energy sector.

Through this day, we celebrate their role in creating a “better tomorrow” under the slogan “We collaborate for tomorrow”, as we will continue our approach to empowering Emirati women to achieve their professional aspirations to join the energy sector and contribute to making a better future for the UAE.

Maryam Alblooshi, CPO engineer for Customer Projects & Services, Schneider Electric

I’m truly inspired by the way young Emirati women are driving the UAE’s energy transition. Emirati women constitute two-thirds of recent university graduates, with nearly half studying engineering.

It is encouraging to see women bringing new and bold ideas in critical sectors such as digital automation, technology and engineering.

As an engineer, I feel very proud to see the UAE actively encouraging women to be at the forefront of innovation and technology.

Latifa AlKetbi, development manager, Miral

Emirati women have long been key pillars of the UAE community. Our country’s wise leadership and their commitment to weaving women empowerment into the UAE’s social fabric is proof that when we empower women, we power a bright future. On this day, this ambition stands even stronger as we celebrate the crucial contribution of women in shaping our country.

My fellow Emirati women have conquered inspiring terrains and paved the way for many across the world – be it space, science, tourism, technology, business, government, and everything in between. With each passing day, their ingenuity, perseverance, and sheer determination prove that what was once thought impossible, is in fact possible. They stand as active partners in achieving success and prosperity for the nation. Looking ahead, I have no doubt that the opportunities for women will be endless. No stereotype will be left unchallenged, no path left unchartered, no barriers left unbroken.”

Nadya Abdulla Kamali, country MD for UAE Accenture

This day is a testament to the power of female leaders uniting to drive meaningful change. True gender equality requires actionable steps and visible role models, a sentiment that resonates profoundly with this year’s theme, “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”.

This theme takes on added significance through the unwavering leadership of Emirati women, who are actively shaping the dialogue on climate change in preparation for COP28. Their enduring commitment to sustainability and innovation propels us forward, forging a path towards a fairer and more balanced world.”

As we continue to engage in conversations that move us closer to genuine parity, we’re actively working to elevate women into leadership roles, especially in the UAE. Aligned with both the UAE’s aspirations and the UN Sustainable Development Goal to achieve 30 percent female representation in leadership by 2025, we remain committed to creating an environment where female Emirati diverse voices thrive and women’s potential is recognised.”

Read: These 4 Emirati women lead UAE’s powerful financial institutions