UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebration

The UAE will celebrate Emirati Women’s Day tomorrow, 28th August, highlighting the country’s longstanding journey of women’s empowerment and achievements, with Emirati women playing an active role in building the nation, shaping its future and embodying its values of leadership, giving and excellence.

Held this year under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better”, the celebration reflects the UAE’s ambition to build on its achievements and pursue further progress.

The occasion will extend nationwide from 28th August to 28th September 2026, serving as a platform for action, launching initiatives, recognising achievements and highlighting inspiring role models, while reaffirming that Emirati women’s success is an integral part of the nation’s journey.

H.H. 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), holds a prominent place in the journey of empowering Emirati women.

Her efforts have contributed to institutionalising women’s work since the establishment of the General Women’s Union and strengthening its presence and role in supporting women, families and society, guided by a vision that balances the requirements of modern life with preserving national identity and Arab and Islamic values.

The beginnings of organised women’s work in the UAE date back to 1973, with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Women’s Association as the country’s first women’s association. This was followed by the establishment of women’s associations across the Emirates, culminating in the creation of the General Women’s Union in 1975 as an umbrella organisation for women’s work and a foundation for a continuing journey of empowerment and achievement.

This journey has been reinforced by a legislative and institutional framework that established the principle of equal opportunities for women and men and strengthened women’s rights in employment, education and services, culminating in legislation enshrining equal pay for both genders.

Emirati women today hold senior positions across state institutions and decision-making bodies. Women occupy 50 percent of the seats in the Federal National Council and account for a significant proportion of Cabinet members, while holding around 63 percent of leadership positions in the government sector.