Emirati Women’s Day 2024 - Celebrating women of action for tomorrow

Today, Emirati women embody empowerment and a forward-thinking spirit, proactively shaping and influencing the future. Their leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment are driving positive change and progress, making them pivotal in achieving tomorrow's goals and aspirations. This spirit is beautifully captured in the theme for the 9th Emirati Women’s Day: ‘We Collaborate for Tomorrow.’

Emirati Women’s Day was initiated in 2015 by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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, to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Emirati women and inspire future generations to contribute to the UAE’s development.

Extending wishes to Emirati women, President H.H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan posted on X.com, "Throughout the UAE’s development journey, women have provided an inspiring model of taking responsibility and working sincerely for their families and communities…On Emirati Women’s Day, we express our pride in Emirati women who work with dedication, integrity and efficiency, hand in hand with men in all national work positions to achieve the UAE’s development ambitions and continuous progress…The UAE’s journey of development would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of determined and inspirational women."

H.E Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, stressed that Emirati women are indispensable partners in driving the UAE's journey towards development and prosperity, owing to the boundless support from our wise leadership, which has spared no effort to empower women and boost their roles across various sectors. He said: “Emirati women have distinguished themselves with their exceptional competence and their capacity to achieve remarkable accomplishments that have contributed significantly to shaping the future of our nation…This excellence is a testament to the vision of H.H. Sheikha Fatima, whose limitless support has been instrumental in developing the capabilities of Emirati women and highlighting their vital roles in society. We’re truly proud of the outstanding achievements Emirati women have made across all sectors. Their success speaks volumes about our leadership’s faith in their determination, ambition, and ability to excel and make remarkable contributions to our nation."

H.H Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, affirmed that Emirati women have become essential partners in the comprehensive development process of the nation saying, “This occasion is an opportunity to rally support for women's rights, promote their participation in various fields, and to express gratitude to the daughters of the UAE for every effort they make in building generations that continue the journey of development, and for every contribution they make towards the advancement and progress of our country, alongside all segments of society. ‘All respect, appreciation, and gratitude to every Emirati woman.’ We extend our highest congratulations and blessings to H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, for her contributions to solidifying the participation of Emirati women in the national development journey, creating inspiring success stories in excellence and leadership, making them a role model regionally and globally."

Here are some notable Emirati Women who are Driving Innovation and Shaping the Future

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak

The champion of change for tomorrow, H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak stands as a beacon of empowerment, compassion, and progress for the UAE. As the wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, she dedicated her life to the advancement of women’s rights, education, and social welfare across the nation. Her leadership in establishing the General Women's Union, the Family Development Foundation, and other key organisations has transformed the landscape of opportunities for Emirati women, setting a global standard for gender equality. Her tireless advocacy for education, health, and social development continues to inspire and uplift generations, embodying the spirit of a visionary leader who is shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Marking the day, she recognised the achievements of Emirati women saying, “With our wise leadership, the standards of sound governance have been achieved, leading a nation that respects and values women and enhances their vital role in the comprehensive development journey. With immense pride and admiration, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, Emirati women. Your exceptional accomplishments across various fields, inspiring entrepreneurship and empowerment have earned you the trust, esteem, and respect of our visionary leadership. As we stand on the threshold of a future brimming with creativity and sustainability, in our journey to realise the ambitious goals of We the UAE 2031 vision, your remarkable contributions urge us to redouble our efforts and elevate our aspirations.”

Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum embodies the spirit of Dubai's cultural and creative transformation. As the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, she shaped a thriving arts landscape that harmonises tradition with modernity. Under her leadership, Dubai has emerged as a beacon for culture and innovation, drawing artists and creatives from every corner of the globe. Her passion for the arts goes beyond leadership; it's a commitment to preserving the UAE's rich heritage while embracing the energy of contemporary art. Initiatives like the Dubai Art Season and Dubai Design Week are testaments to her vision, providing platforms where creativity flourishes and new ideas take root. Amongst her most remarkable achievements is her dedication to empowering the next generation of artists. She understands the profound impact of culture on society, and she tirelessly works to ensure that the UAE's cultural narrative is vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Her belief in the unifying power of culture drives her every effort, making her a true champion for the arts and a guiding light in Dubai's journey toward a future where creativity and innovation are celebrated.

Extending wishes to Emirati women, she said: “Emirati women have proven their competence in undertaking all tasks, creating opportunities, and turning challenges into achievements across all fields locally, regionally, and internationally. They are the heart of the nation, helping raise a strong, promising generation capable of leading the future."

Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

H.H Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi is a visionary leader reshaping the global publishing industry. As the founder of Kalimat Group, the first to produce high-quality Arabic children's books, she's ignited a love for reading across the Arab world. Her remarkable role as the first Arab woman to lead the International Publishers Association reflects her commitment to cultural exchange and intellectual freedom. A true champion of literature, her initiatives like the Emirates Publishers Association and the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund, highlight her belief in the power of books to inspire and unite. Her passion for education and creativity continues to leave a lasting impact on the literary landscape.

Marking the occasion, she said, “The story of Emirati women is one of resilience, selfless contribution, and boundless inspiration. It’s a story that resonates not just within our region but also around the world, highlighting women who are deeply rooted in their traditions while boldly embracing the future. Thanks to the UAE leadership’s support, Emirati women have been playing a key role in our nation’s progress—from government to education, and from business to technology. Their contributions are shaping our world, and their influence extends far beyond our borders as they continue to break new ground and set the stage for the future. As we celebrate Emirati Women’s Day, we honour their achievements and look forward to a future where their contributions continue to inspire and elevate society, laying a strong foundation for generations to come.”

Hana Al Rostamani

Hana, recently recognised by the Forbes Middle East as the top 100 CEOs, is the only Emirati woman to be on the list. She is the first woman Group Chief Executive Officer for First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), as appointed in 2021. Hana has over two decades of leadership experience in banking and financial services, and she played a pivotal role in leading the transformation of FAB’s consumer bank, instilling a customer and digital-first mind-set. She’s a trailblazer in the financial world, known for her strategic vision and inclusive leadership. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Hana continues to pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that resilience, ambition, and a focus on sustainable growth can reshape the financial landscape. Her influence extends beyond banking, as she champions economic development and innovation across the UAE, making her a key figure in the nation's ongoing journey toward global prominence. She also ranked 3rd in ‘Middle East’s Power Business Women 2021’ list.

Celebrating the Emirati Women’s Day, she commented, “We are committed to enhancing female participation in finance & banking. I am proud to be working in such a vital sector and to make a true difference on a daily basis.”

Dena Almansoori

Dena is the Group Chief AI & Data Officer at Etisalat (e&), after serving as the Group CHRO for the past three years. She’s also the founder and CEO of WhiteBox HR, established in 2019. A distinguished leader in human capital and talent management in the UAE, Dena excels in aligning human capital strategies with business goals, fostering a culture of high performance and innovation. Her dedication to leadership development and nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders has made her a recognised force in workforce transformation.

Furthermore, Dena is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, firmly believing that a diverse workforce is essential for fostering creativity and innovation. During her time as CHRO at e&, she launched the Women in Leadership program in 2023, stating, “I’m inspired by the remarkable ideas and solutions generated by our participants, all determined to leave a positive impact on our communities. We are proud to be shaping a different narrative, breaking barriers, and forging a path for women in tech, where a more inclusive leadership can thrive.”

The UAE has made remarkable strides in gender equality, now ranking seventh globally and first in the region on the 2024 Gender Inequality Index by the UNDP. Emirati Women's Day celebrates these achievements and highlights the ongoing commitment to women's empowerment. Recent years have seen significant legislative reforms in the UAE, enhancing women's rights in work, protection, and political participation, contributing to the nation's global competitiveness. Additionally, the recently adopted Gender Balance Strategy 2022-2026 further bolsters the nation’s vision of becoming a global leader in gender equality, focusing on economic participation, financial inclusion, well-being, protection, and global leadership.