“Emirati women are a continuous source of giving, contributing to the building and development of society.”

Emirati women have succeeded in playing effective roles in developing the society and building the country

Saeed Al Tayer

On Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate this year under the theme ‘Women emulating Zayed.’ Today, we remember the achievements of Emirati women and their role in the development of the UAE. This is because of the unlimited support provided by the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Our wise leadership is continuing this approach to empowering women, which was established by our Founding Father, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was a strong supporter of women and who encouraged them to play a role in the nation’s development.

We celebrate Emirati Women’s Day in the Year of Zayed, as the daughters of Zayed have made greater successes and achievements in all areas. Today, Emirati women are actively and efficiently working in all sorts of roles. These include space research, renewable energy, nuclear energy for peaceful use, manufacturing and launching satellites, aviation technology and other industries. The UAE ranked first in the Arab world and among developed countries in women’s rights, according to the annual report of the Arab Women Studies Centre of the Arab Women Foundation 2017. The report commended the UAE’s leadership and its approach to women’s empowerment, noting that Emirati women have become key partners in leading sustainable development, and that they have a strong presence in Arab, regional and international feminist activities.

‘Emulating Zayed’ is a message that obliges us to follow in the footsteps of late Shaikh Zayed. Since the establishment of the UAE, he believed that the development of our society is achieved by empowering women, encouraging their participation, and giving them opportunities. He also believed that all efforts should be made to enable women to perform their roles to the fullest. During the declaration of the unification of our nation, the late Shaikh Zayed once said, “Nothing pleases me more than seeing Emirati women assuming their role in society and achieving their rightful position. Nothing should hinder the march of women’s progress. Like men, women have the right to assume the highest positions according to their abilities and qualifications.” We appreciate and acknowledge the effective role of women in developing society and building the UAE. This is why Dewa (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) plays a key role in empowering women in the workplace, so that they empower society as a whole. We do this by providing our female staff with a positive and inspiring workplace, enabling them to achieve a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. This gives them full confidence to harness their potential to achieve success, excellence and contribute to building the nation and preparing future generations.

On Emirati Women’s Day, we thank and appreciate every Emirati mother, sister, and daughter, and are proud of the mothers and wives of our martyrs who are the finest examples of giving to their homeland. They have proven that Emirati women are a continuous source of giving, effectively contributing to the building and development of society, serving the nation and maximising the achievements,upholding the name of the UAE in all walks of life. Happy Emirati Women’s Day.

■ Saeed Al Tayer is managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.