President Sheikh Mohamed leads tributes on Emirati Women's Day

UAE leaders speak of the important role women have played in building the country

President Sheikh Mohamed has applauded the contribution of Emirati women to the UAE's success. Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed on Wednesday said the tireless dedication of determined and inspirational women has been a driving force of the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed made his comments as the country celebrates Emirati Women's Day.

“The UAE’s journey of development would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of determined and inspirational women,” said Sheikh Mohamed on X. “On Emirati Women's Day, we honour the women of the UAE for their role in shaping our nation's ongoing progress.”

The event, celebrated annually on August 28, was established in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and wife of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also offered his best wishes on Emirati Women's Day.

“The United Arab Emirates celebrates Emirati Women's Day today …” he said on X.

“We celebrate her as a mother, educator, and partner in the journey of development. We celebrate her in our homes, in our institutions and ministries, in our civil and military sectors, and in our private sector.

“We celebrate her achievements, contributions, and her genuine partnership in shaping the present and future of the nation.”

The UAE ranks first globally in 33 indicators related to women's issues, including female enrolment in secondary and higher education, protection of their employment and personal rights, and social security.

“The future will be even better, God willing,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“She has our utmost appreciation and gratitude, not just on one day of the year, but every day and throughout the years.”

Sheikha Fatima also offered her thanks to Emirati women, state news agency Wam reported.

‘‘With immense pride and admiration, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, Emirati women,” said Sheikha Fatima.

“Your exceptional accomplishments across various fields, inspiring entrepreneurship and empowerment have earned you the trust, esteem and respect of our visionary leadership.”

She also spoke about the important role women have to play in shaping the country's growth, particularly in regard to the We The UAE 2031 strategy for future development.

“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,” said Sheikha Fatima.

Later on Wednesday, Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State, delivered a speech on behalf of Sheikha Fatima at a ceremony organised by Adnoc.

She said: "Our wise leadership has placed great importance on women, developing strategies and plans to ensure that women are represented across all fields of education and employment. They have been given opportunities, and their energies and capabilities have been invested so that the UAE can stand as a global model in elevating the status of women and enhancing their role in achieving sustainable development goals."

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said Emirati Women's Day is a time to "celebrate its distinguished achievements, educational message and role in raising generations on ethics and values".

"Thanks to the support of the leadership, our country presents an inspiring model in empowering women and enhancing their presence in the development process in the present and the future," he added.

And Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, added: "On Emirati Women's Day, we congratulate Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Emirates', the pioneer of women's empowerment and a source of inspiration for Emirati women.

"Thanks to the vision of our leadership and Her Highness's continuous efforts, women have become true partners in the national development process. We are proud of the daughters of the Emirates and every year they achieve more success and progress."