UAE leaders celebrate Emirati women as pillars of national progress
- Last updated: August 28, 2026 | 22:21
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, have praised Emirati women for their contributions to national development, society and future generations on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day.
The UAE celebrated Emirati Women’s Day on Friday, 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.
This year’s Emirati Women’s Day carries the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better.” For the first time, celebrations will continue nationwide for a full month, from August 28 to September 28, 2026.
Sheikh Mohamed shared a message on X celebrating Emirati Women’s Day and honouring the values and achievements of Emirati women as a source of national pride and resilience.
“On #EmiratiWomensDay, we come together to celebrate the values and achievements of all Emirati women, who represent the pride of our nation and its unwavering resilience. For the first time, these celebrations will extend to a full month this year in reflection of our gratitude for their outstanding contributions to the UAE’s continued development. Through their determination and inspiring vision for the future, Emirati women will forever remain a source of our collective strength and advancement,” Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid also took to X and wrote: “On Emirati Women’s Day ... We celebrate Emirati women as partners in development, supporters of the nation’s journey and builders of generations.”
“On this day, I remember my mother, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, may her soul rest in peace. I remember her kindness and compassion, her unwavering support for Sheikh Rashid over 40 years, and her closeness to those in need, as well as her care and support for women.
May Allah have mercy on her and grant her a place in His vast Paradise.
To all the daughters of the UAE, I say on this special day: How blessed you are to have this nation, and how blessed the nation is to have you. May you continue to shine with grace, distinction and dignity, today and every year.
And may the ‘Mother of the Nation’, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, always be blessed with health, happiness and goodness,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a message on the occasion.
Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed also shared a message on his X account, saying: “To the daughter of the Emirates... From the very beginning, you have been a contributor to the journey of the homeland, and a source of pride through your giving, your ambition and your presence in various fields. We take pride in what you achieve, and we see in your success an extension of the journey of a nation that trusts in you and opens before you wider horizons for progress and excellence. May you always be a source of pride for your nation, every year.”
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak "Mother of the Nation," Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, has said that women are the heart of society, a pillar of its progress, and active partners in shaping the nation's future.
Sheikha Fatima's remarks came in a statement marking Emirati Women's Day 2026, held under the theme "Together, We Rise Stronger and Better."
Below is the full text: "My daughters, the daughters of the UAE... You are the extension of a cherished journey, a precious trust in the nation's present, and a promise for its future. Always remain as the UAE has known you: true to your values, proud of your nation, proactive in your contributions, and confident that when ambition is paired with responsibility, it creates an enduring impact.
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi has marked Emirati Women’s Day 2026 by highlighting the generations of Emirati women whose strength, knowledge and contributions have helped shape UAE society.
"Every Emirati Women's Day, I reflect on how far we have come, and what that means for the next generation of Emirati women," Sheikha Bodour said.
She said the advancement of Emirati women has never been the work of one generation alone, but part of a longer story of women whose strength, knowledge and contributions have shaped society across generations.