Emirates News Agency reported that Noura Al Kaabi joined a panel at the Forbes 30/50 Summit’s fifth anniversary event held at the Mandarin Oriental. The discussion centered on how women can exercise leadership that spans national boundaries and different age groups to tackle shared global challenges. Al Kaabi drew on her experience in government and international affairs throughout the session that also featured former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
The summit marks five years since Forbes launched the combined 30 Under 30 and 50 Over 50 lists to highlight female achievement across generations. Organizers brought together leaders from multiple countries for a series of talks and networking sessions that build alliances on issues ranging from economic inclusion to policy innovation. This year’s gathering shifted from previous Abu Dhabi venues to New York while maintaining the core focus on collaborative advancement.
Al Kaabi serves as Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has represented the country at earlier editions of the same summit. In prior addresses carried by the ministry she has stressed that successful women strengthen families, communities and entire nations. Her participation this week continued a pattern of UAE officials engaging with global platforms to share national progress on gender parity.
World Economic Forum assessments have ranked the UAE among the leading countries in the Middle East for closing the gender gap in education and political participation. Official figures cited in past summit remarks show that women account for more than 70 percent of university graduates within the country. Such outcomes trace back to initiatives launched decades ago under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to expand opportunities in higher education and public service.
Forbes coverage of the 30/50 Summit has documented its evolution into a platform that connects emerging entrepreneurs with established executives for mentorship and joint projects. The 2026 anniversary edition attracted participants from diverse sectors including diplomacy, business and civil society. Panels like the one featuring Al Kaabi examined practical steps for translating dialogue into measurable policy changes at both national and international levels.
The event occurred one day before the current date as part of a broader schedule that includes workshops and keynote presentations. Al Kaabi’s contributions aligned with the UAE’s long-term strategy of positioning women at the center of national development plans. Additional sessions throughout the summit addressed topics such as innovation ecosystems and sustainable economic models.
