Emirati women lead the UAE’s journey from Parliament to space.
The UAE will mark Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, celebrating the country’s longstanding commitment to women’s empowerment and recognising the achievements of Emirati women. They continue to play a vital role in nation-building, shaping the country’s future and reflecting the values of leadership, generosity and excellence.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, highlighting the UAE’s determination to build on its achievements while continuing to advance and achieve greater progress.
The celebrations will take place across the UAE from August 28 to September 28, 2026, providing a platform to launch new initiatives, recognise achievements and spotlight inspiring Emirati women. The month-long programme will also reaffirm that the success of Emirati women is an essential part of the UAE’s ongoing national development journey.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has played a pivotal role in advancing the empowerment of Emirati women.
Her efforts have helped establish and strengthen women’s institutions since the founding of the General Women’s Union, expanding its role in supporting women, families and the wider community. Her vision seeks to balance the demands of modern life with the preservation of the UAE’s national identity and Arab and Islamic values.
Organised women’s work in the UAE began in 1973 with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Women’s Association, the country’s first women’s association. Women’s associations were later established across the Emirates, leading to the formation of the General Women’s Union in 1975 as a national umbrella body for women’s initiatives and a key platform for their continued empowerment and progress.
The UAE’s efforts have been supported by a strong legislative and institutional framework promoting equal opportunities for women and men and protecting women’s rights in areas including employment, education and public services. These efforts have also culminated in legislation guaranteeing equal pay for both genders.
Today, Emirati women hold prominent positions across government institutions and decision-making bodies. Women occupy 50 per cent of the seats in the Federal National Council, make up a significant share of Cabinet members and hold around 63 per cent of leadership positions in the government sector.
The UAE has also maintained strong rankings in international gender equality assessments. It ranked first in the region in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 and second globally for women’s parliamentary representation in the 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The UAE’s women’s empowerment efforts have translated into measurable outcomes, with female labour market participation rising by 101.92 per cent between 2021 and 2025. Women also represented 74 per cent of all beneficiaries of the Nafis programme, highlighting their growing participation in the workforce.
Women have also made significant strides in entrepreneurship. According to 2025 data, more than 25,000 Emirati businesswomen own over 50,000 commercial licences, with combined investments exceeding Dh60 billion. The figures reflect the expanding role of Emirati women in driving economic activity, creating opportunities and leading businesses and investments.
Their presence is also growing across science, technology and other future-focused sectors, supported by national policies and initiatives promoting women’s participation in STEM, artificial intelligence, innovation, renewable energy and space exploration.
In the space sector, women make up around 50 per cent of employees in the UAE National Space Programme and nearly 80 per cent of the scientific team behind the Hope Probe, underscoring their growing contribution to the country’s scientific and technological ambitions.
Women now account for more than 46 per cent of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and around 70 per cent of university graduates in the UAE, highlighting their growing contribution to knowledge-driven and advanced technology sectors.
The country is also expanding opportunities for women in strategic areas such as cybersecurity and food security through initiatives including the Cyber Pulse Initiative for Women and Family and the Empowering Women Farmers initiative. Training programmes in artificial intelligence, programming and entrepreneurship are further helping women prepare for changes in the digital economy and evolving labour market.
The UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment has also been reinforced through the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision, which seeks to strengthen the country’s position as a global model for women’s participation in future-focused sectors, including technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, supporting the transition towards a competitive and sustainable knowledge economy.
The UAE has also extended its efforts beyond its borders through initiatives such as the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative, which promotes women’s participation in fostering dialogue and peace while contributing to security, stability and sustainable development.
Building on this commitment, the General Women’s Union, under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, launched the Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Digital Leadership for African Women. The initiative reflects the UAE’s efforts to extend its women’s empowerment experience globally by developing women’s skills and strengthening their participation in the digital economy and sustainable development.
Together, these initiatives highlight the growing importance of investing in women’s capabilities as part of a broader development vision. They aim to create societies better equipped to address future challenges by expanding opportunities for women in leadership, science, technology, the economy, climate action, peace and security.
