On August 28th, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates Emirati Women’s Day that annually recognizes and honors the contributions as well as achievements of Emirati women.
Under this year’s theme of ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 years’, the Day reflects Emirati women’s five decade-long, sustained achievements and community partnership. This year, it also marks the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union.
Recent figures quoted in the Emarat Al Youm newspaper reveal that the number of Emiratis working in the private sector has grown by 325 percent, while women now make up 66 percent of the government workforce. Women now represent 46 percent of the total labour force, with a 30 percent increase in Emirati women working in the private sector. And women’s participation in the UAE’s industrial sector has grown by 21 percent.
Ranked 13th globally and the 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index, the UAE’s key milestones include the 2018 Cabinet approval of the first legislation on equal pay, notably Federal Decree-Law No. 27 of 2018 on equal pay for men and women in the federal government, and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labour relations in the private sector, which mandates equal pay for equal work or work of equal value.
Based on this, the UAE National Strategy for Women Empowerment 2023–2031 was launched. Currently women hold 50 percent of the Federal National Council seats, placing the UAE among the top countries for gender-balanced parliamentary representation. While 26 percent of ministerial positions are occupied by women, leading key portfolios in sectors including education, climate change, community development and family affairs, Emirati women also represent 71 percent of UAE nationals in the public and private sectors, 63 percent of leadership roles in the federal government, and 13 percent of the country’s ambassadors abroad.
Emirati women’s contributions in the entrepreneurial landscape is immense with 25000 plus businesswomen owning over 50,000 commercial licences and investments exceeding AED60 billion.
Amina Taher, Emirati Businesswoman and Chief Marketing Officer at Wio Bank, said: “Progress is never built alone – it’s achieved hand in hand, through collaboration and shared ambition. Emirati Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come, while recognizing the responsibility to keep moving forward. At Wio, we’re proud to stand beside women by giving them the tools, trust, and confidence to shape their financial future, build thriving businesses, and create lasting impact for generations to come.”
Mona Walid, Chief People Officer & Head of Strategic Partnerships at Wio Bank, said: “Emirati Women’s Day is not just a date on the calendar – it is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the promise of tomorrow. At Wio, we believe empowerment begins when women feel secure in their future and confident in their voice. It is not only about wealth, but about worth; not only about progress, but about possibility. By opening doors, nurturing inclusion, and cultivating a culture where women rise and thrive, we honour the footsteps that paved the way and invest in the generations who will carry the torch forward.”
Women already play a significant role across Wio’s customer base. Female-led enterprises account for 26% of Wio Business customers, with the segment growing 50% over the past year. Meanwhile, women represent 31% of Wio Personal customers, underscoring their influence in driving financial innovation and adoption across the UAE.
To mark Emirati Women’s Day, National Bonds, the UAE’s leading Sharia-compliant savings and investment company, has announced the launch of the “Ahed Program”—an emergency fund savings plan designed exclusively for Emirati women.
The initiative is aimed at helping women build a financial safety net that empowers them and their families to manage unplanned expenses, ranging from urgent healthcare needs and sudden repairs to other unforeseen financial obligations. In its first year, the program seeks to empower 10,000 Emirati women by offering practical tools and flexible savings plans reflecting National Bonds’ commitment to supporting women and reinforcing their role in family and community stability. It also aims to equip participants with the knowledge and financial skills needed to manage their resources wisely, ensuring long-term confidence and resilience in the face of challenges.
Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group CEO of National Bonds, stated: “Emirati women place their families’ wellbeing above all, striving to ensure their comfort and security first. With this in mind, we designed ‘Ahed Program’ to be more than just a savings account—it is an emergency fund that grants women reassurance and confidence, making them more prepared for any situation life may bring, while knowing their future is in their hands. This initiative is not merely about money—it is about peace of mind, protecting those we love, and building a more secure and stable future.”
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates, has also announced that over 180 women have joined the company since Emirati Women’s Day 2024, including 96 UAE nationals.
EGA currently employs 714 women in the UAE, including 445 UAE Nationals. More than 330 women work in operational roles at EGA, over 50 per cent of them Emiratis.
EGA continues to drive gender diversity progress across UAE industry through the Challenger Programme. Launched in 2023, the programme brings together leading industrial companies to promote gender diversity in industry by addressing shared practical challenges.
Additionally, more than 46 percent of women are STEM graduates and about 50 percent of them are part of the national workforce in the spaces sector. Women also represent 55 percent of the overall labour force.
Weaam Alhadhrami, Emirati Sales Consultant at Crompton Partners shares, “I feel truly empowered in my work with Crompton Partners. As an Emirati woman, my presence significantly contributes to facilitating the experience for Emirati clients.”
She continues, “To Emirati women considering a career in this sector, I say that real estate has become one of the most important fields that the country currently focuses on. There are many initiatives that support the empowerment of Emirati women, such as women’s entrepreneurship programmes and access to real estate financing.”
Symbolizing the immense participatory spirit which is the embodiment of UAE’s vision of women’s empowerment, this year’s theme reaffirms its commitment to continue advancing through collaboration across all segments of society.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, the first Emirati woman to serve as Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) said: “This year’s Emirati Women’s Day, celebrated under the theme ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’, reflects a lasting partnership that embodies five decades of empowerment and collective progress. The achievements of Emirati women extend beyond social and economic participation, reaching vital fields that shape the future of the nation and the world, such as science, innovation, and sustainability.”
Dr. Alzaabi added: “At the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), we witness every day the contributions of Emirati women in advancing food security and agricultural prosperity, as well as in strengthening water security and building resilience to climate change. Emirati women scientists and researchers have demonstrated that empowerment translates into practical solutions that serve society, align with the UAE’s vision for sustainable development, and reinforce the nation’s position as a global hub for agricultural innovation.”
Dr. Tarifa concluded: “On this national occasion, we celebrate the ability of Emirati women to combine personal ambition with national duty, and we reaffirm that the UAE’s sustainable and prosperous future will be built on the equal contributions of both women and men, working side by side.”
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, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), is recognised as the pioneer of the women’s movement in the UAE. She established the General Women’s Union with a vision that embraces modernity while safeguarding Arab and Islamic traditions.
On this occasion, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of GWU, said that Emirati Women’s Day is a cherished national occasion to recall the accomplishments of Emirati women, who have proven over fifty years their ability to lead, give, and contribute effectively to the nation’s development journey.
The GWU Secretary-General told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the occasion embodies the leadership’s vision, affirming that empowering women is essential to advancing sustainable development and fostering a cohesive and prosperous society.
She added that the efforts of H.H. Sheikha Fatima have been pivotal in empowering Emirati women and strengthening their role across social, educational and economic fields, underscoring the importance of cooperation between society and institutions in shaping a national model that values women’s contributions to nation-building.
Noura Al Suwaidi noted that Emirati Women’s Day embodies half a century of achievements that shaped the history of Emirati women and laid strong foundations for genuine national partnership.
H.H Sheikha Bodour Al Qasmi, Chairperson Sharjah Book Authority, President American University of Sharjah, Chairperson Sheraa said: “With strength, pride and dignity, Emirati women are every day turning dreams into legacies and challenges into achievements.On Emirati Women’s Day, we honour their inspiring journey and enduring vision as they chart a powerful path for future generations in the UAE and the region. Their contributions transcend borders and defy expectations to tell a story of resilience, innovation and leadership that should uplift every woman. Today is a call to reflect on their achievements and to reaffirm our collective responsibility to support and celebrate their part in building a brighter tomorrow.”
