Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, described the UAE as a global model for women’s empowerment across vital sectors in a statement released on Emirati Women’s Day. The occasion, observed annually on August 28, highlights the nation’s appreciation for women’s contributions to development and prosperity, according to the statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency. His Highness attributed these advancements to the sustained efforts of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the Mother of the Nation, who chairs the General Women’s Union and related family-focused bodies.
The statement highlighted the launch of the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Initiative, which seeks to strengthen women’s roles locally, regionally and internationally over the coming five decades. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed pointed to the support of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has made women’s issues a strategic priority in the UAE’s sustainable development agenda. The initiative builds on five decades of progress since the establishment of the General Women’s Union, the statement added.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed said in the statement, “On the 28th of August each year, we celebrate Emirati Women’s Day – a cherished national occasion that reflects the UAE’s deep appreciation for the limitless contributions of women. On this day, we take pride in the achievements made in advancing women’s empowerment, expanding their active participation across all fields, and reinforcing their role as a cornerstone of nation-building and as active partners in its progress, development, and prosperity.” The remarks align with the 2025 Year of Community theme that emphasises social cohesion. Officials have tied women’s empowerment directly to family stability in national planning documents.
A report from the UAE Gender Balance Council shows Emirati women now occupy 50 percent of seats in the Federal National Council and hold nine ministerial positions, representing about 24 percent of the cabinet. Figures from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority indicate that 96 percent of married Emirati women maintain direct family responsibilities alongside their professional roles. These metrics reflect policies that include maternity protections, flexible work arrangements and leadership development programmes advanced over the past decade.
The focus on family cohesion gained further momentum with the designation of 2026 as the Year of the Family, which builds on the previous year’s community initiatives. Government programmes under this framework include support for family formation, parenting education and intergenerational knowledge transfer, according to statements from the Ministry of Family. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed’s comments reinforce the leadership’s view of families as the foundation for social stability and national progress.
Emirati women have increased their participation in the government sector to 46.6 percent, one of the highest rates in the region, a 2023 Gender Balance Council assessment found. Initiatives such as the National Policy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031 continue to guide these gains under the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow.” The combined efforts have positioned the UAE as a leader in balancing women’s professional advancement with their central role in family life.
