Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Today the UAE marks the Emirati Women’s Day, offering an opportunity to highlight the achievements of many talented women. A cross-section of UAE business community shared their candid views with Gulf Today.

They paid rich tributes to the visionary leadership of the country for providing freedom, facilities and supporting women empowerment initiatives.

Sheikha Hind Bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), said Emirati Women’s Day this year marks a special celebration of honourable achievements of UAE’s female citizenry in realising the nation’s developmental goals over the past 50 years.

 As the nation consolidates its vision for sustainable and diversified progress for the next five decades, their evolving responsibility as equal partners in development only increases, given their proven track record of success in the UAE’s history.


Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

“Emirati women have always gained strength and inspiration from the forward-looking vision of our wise leadership in the UAE and Sharjah. It is due to the patronage and strategic support of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Royal Patron of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), that women have always succeeded in Sharjah, especially in their professional endeavours. In the empowerment and continued success of female entrepreneurs and businesswomen across the UAE, I see the fruits of the consistent efforts made since the formation of the Union,” she added.

Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), underscored that the UAE’s female citizens have created an honourable model of partnership and self-development, which has seen them work hard to acquire the necessary skillsets to partake equally in realising the UAE’s vision and ambitions, and enable national progress. She also noted that Emirati women have done pioneering work across vital sectors, particularly as entrepreneurs and humanitarians.

 “Looking back, Emirati women should be proud of what they have accomplished, for themselves and for our great nation over the past 50 years. Today is a day to celebrate our leadership’s support, which the nation’s exemplary women leveraged to capitalise on the myriad opportunities they are offered. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation’ and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of NAMA, for their consistent support, which has enabled Emirati women to shine at every level – local, regional and global,” BinKaram added.

Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), affirmed that Emirati women will continue to play a pivotal role in the world’s pursuit for economic, educational, social and cultural excellence and transformation.

“One of our core principles and values to sustain growth, success and development for Shurooq and for Sharjah is to ensure that we offer women a supportive ecosystem that enables them to venture into new markets and contribute to Sharjah’s future and growth. This is a responsibility that reflects our values, guided by the directives and vision of our nation, and of His Highness  Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, who have positioned the emirate as a role model for supporting women across all social and economic fields locally and globally, reinforced with a wide range of women empowerment institutions, councils and programmes, giving Emirati women in Sharjah and the UAE a voice that echoes their success stories to the world,” Al Sarkal added.

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), said: “The Emirati Women’s Day is a significant occasion to remember and celebrate their local and global achievements and impacts in the fields of socio-economic, cultural and educational sectors. We are proud to be part of nation that is home to some of the most successful Emirati women leaders locally and globally.”

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), said: “The UAE has taken great strides towards the advancement of the society, relying on its most important asset – human capital. Since the formation of the UAE, the leadership has prioritised women empowerment, ensuring the presence of women in all sectors, and enabling them to play their roles effectively and with confidence.”

Amin Al Zarouni, CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions, said: “The celebration of Emirati Women’s Day is a reflection to our nation’s commitment to supporting, developing and nurturing an inclusive ecosystem where women can lead, achieve and succeed in the UAE.”