The United Arab Emirates celebrates Emirati Women’s Day 2025 with unprecedented significance, marking not only the annual honor of women’s invaluable contributions to national development but also commemorating the golden jubilee—50 years—of the UAE General Women’s Union, established in 1975 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation.”
Golden Jubilee: Five Decades of Transformation
Since its founding in 1975, the General Women’s Union has served as the cornerstone institution championing women’s rights, leadership, and empowerment throughout the UAE. This 50-year journey represents an extraordinary transformation from traditional roles to women becoming key decision-makers and innovators across all sectors of society.
Emirati Women’s Day, observed annually on August 28, was officially established by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in 2015 to spotlight women’s empowerment and reflect on the remarkable strides made in advancing gender equality and social inclusion throughout the Emirates.
Presidential Recognition
President Sheikh Mohamed led UAE leaders in highlighting the pivotal role of Emirati women: “The progress of the UAE has always been closely tied to the achievements of Emirati women and their pivotal role in strengthening our communities and contributing to our nation’s development.”
The 2025 theme, “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of unity and collective commitment that has defined the UAE’s approach to women’s empowerment. This theme resonates with the nation’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, emphasizing collaborative partnership in advancing gender equality.
Record-Breaking Global Rankings
The UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment has yielded extraordinary results, with the nation ranking 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index—a testament to decades of progressive policies and unwavering leadership support.
50%
Federal National Council seats held by women
26%
Ministerial positions occupied by women
71%
Emiratis in public/private sectors who are women
25,000+
Businesswomen with commercial licenses
AED 60B
Women’s business investments ($16.3B)
46%
STEM graduates who are women
These remarkable statistics reflect the UAE’s transformation into a global leader in parliamentary gender balance, with women holding 50% of Federal National Council seats—an achievement that places the Emirates at the forefront of democratic gender representation worldwide.
Landmark Legislative Achievements
- 2018: Cabinet approved first legislation mandating equal pay in federal government
- 2021: Labour Relations law required equal pay for equal work in private sector
- 2023: National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment 2023–2031 launched
- 2025: Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision unveiled
In the critical fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Emirati women have shattered barriers, representing 46% of STEM graduates, 50% of the national space sector workforce, and 55% of the overall labor force—statistics that demonstrate the UAE’s success in creating an inclusive, knowledge-based economy.
Exceptional Leaders Shaping the Future
Amina Taher
Chief Marketing Officer, Wio Bank PJSC
Leading the Middle East’s first digital financial platform, recognized among UAE’s “Top 50 Power Businesswomen”
Dr. Farida Al Hajeri
Executive Director, Community Health, ADPHC
Advancing public health policy with 25+ academic awards and Johns Hopkins doctorate
Fatima Al Suwaidi
Head of Business Development (APAC), Masdar
Spearheading renewable energy projects across Asia, including Southeast Asia’s largest floating solar plant
Maryam Al Mazrouei
Head of Business Development, Masdar
Managing $7B+ renewable energy investment portfolio across CIS countries
Ghadeer Al Katheeri
Aerospace Engineer, Technology Innovation Institute
Advancing propulsion systems and receiving TII’s Nova Award for aerospace innovation
Empowering Emirati women embodies a pioneering development model and an ongoing national success story. Their accomplishments stem from a long-term strategic vision and structured national policies, guided by the belief that women’s empowerment drives sustainable development and enhances the creation of a productive, cohesive and competitive society at the global level.
— Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”
The entrepreneurial spirit of Emirati women continues to flourish, with more than 25,000 businesswomen holding over 50,000 commercial licenses, representing investments exceeding AED 60 billion ($16.3 billion)—a powerful testament to women’s central role in the UAE’s economic diversification strategy.
Global Leadership in Women’s Empowerment
The UAE has extended its commitment to women’s empowerment globally, launching transformative initiatives including the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Arab Women’s Economic Empowerment Observatory, and comprehensive programs supporting rural women across Africa.
As noted by Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, Emirati Women’s Day serves as “a cherished national occasion to recall the accomplishments of Emirati women, who have proven over fifty years their ability to lead, give, and contribute effectively to the nation’s development journey.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, beautifully captured the essence of this celebration, describing women as “the soul of the homeland” and celebrating their roles “as a nurturer of generations, a planter of values, and a partner in the journey of development.”
The launch of the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision during this golden jubilee year represents the UAE’s unwavering commitment to gender parity and inclusive development, ensuring that the next 50 years will build upon this remarkable foundation of empowerment and achievement.
From redefining digital banking and driving renewable energy projects to leading breakthroughs in healthcare, aerospace, and artificial intelligence, Emirati women continue making extraordinary impacts across every sector of society, embodying the UAE’s vision for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
As the UAE celebrates this historic milestone, it stands as a global model of women’s empowerment, demonstrating how progressive policies, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment can transform societies and create lasting legacies that inspire the world.
