August 29, 2025 | Abu Dhabi, UAE: Emirati women have driven UAE national development for over five decades, playing a crucial role across social, economic, and political fields. Their contributions are celebrated every year on Emirati Women’s Day, under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years.” 

This event highlights the essential role Emirati women have played in shaping policy, driving innovation, and promoting community welfare, all of which have strengthened UAE national development and continue to inspire future generations.

Leadership, Legislation, and Representation

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that Emirati women are at the core of UAE national development. The Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision, launched during the annual celebration, reinforces the UAE’s commitment to gender-balanced growth. Among the key legislative milestones boosting UAE national development are:

• Federal Decree-Law No. 27 of 2018, which guarantees equal pay in the federal government.
• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, mandating equal pay in the private sector.
• Emirati women holding 50 percent of seats in the Federal National Council.
• The country’s rank of 13th globally on the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index.

These legal and political advancements ensure that Emirati women actively shape governance, policy, and therefore UAE national development at the highest levels.

Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship

The entrepreneurial spirit of Emirati women has significantly fueled UAE national development. Currently, over 25,000 Emirati businesswomen hold more than 50,000 commercial licenses, with investments exceeding AED 60 billion. 

This entrepreneurship boom has led to thousands of new jobs, aiding economic diversification far beyond traditional sectors like oil and gas. Supported by government funding programs and private-sector mentorships, Emirati women are launching successful startups in technology, tourism, healthcare, retail, green energy, and social impact sectors. These enterprises not only enhance economic growth but also support sustainable and inclusive UAE national development.

Educational Achievements and STEM Leadership

Education is a key driver of UAE national development, where Emirati women excel notably. They make up 46 percent of all STEM graduates in the UAE and represent half of the national workforce in the space sector. Their involvement in advanced space programs such as the Emirates Mars Mission and lunar explorations underscores their critical role in advancing technology and innovation vital to UAE national development. 

Specialized scholarships and research grants encourage more women to pursue studies in AI, robotics, and data science, ensuring Emirati women’s growing influence in cutting-edge fields.

Community Welfare and Cultural Enrichment

In addition to economic and educational contributions, Emirati women strengthen social cohesion and cultural preservation, pillars of UAE national development. The General Women’s Union, founded by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, leads vital projects in health, family welfare, and cultural heritage. Initiatives include mobile health clinics serving remote areas, early childhood education centers, and cultural festivals celebrating Emirati traditions. 

Moreover, women-led NGOs actively address domestic violence, mental health, and disability support, reinforcing the social fabric integral to sustainable UAE national development.

Global Advocacy and International Partnerships

Emirati women also extend UAE national development onto the world stage. The Sheikha Fatima Women, Peace, and Security programme promotes women’s roles in peacebuilding and diplomacy. The Arab Women’s Economic Empowerment Observatory fosters entrepreneurship across Arab countries. 

Emirati women lead delegations at international forums such as the UN Commission on the Status of Women, advocating for policies that further gender equality worldwide. These initiatives enhance the UAE’s global leadership in women’s empowerment and reinforce its vision for comprehensive UAE national development.

Over the past fifty years, Emirati women have been driving forces behind UAE national development through strong leadership, groundbreaking legislation, entrepreneurial achievements, educational excellence, and resolute global advocacy. Their ongoing contributions ensure a prosperous and inclusive future for the Emirates. 

As the UAE marks this milestone in women’s empowerment, it reaffirms its vow to cultivate and support the next generation of Emirati women, securing the nation’s advancement and UAE national development for decades to come.

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