WHERE WOMEN ARE IN THE FAST LANE
The UAE is firmly committed to enabling and advancing women as part of its national plans to deliver comprehensive development of the community.
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, president of Zayed University
I took on many activities at school to develop leadership skills. With time, I learned to be a leader who’s capable of making decisions and taking on responsibilities.
Nouf Abulhamid Omar, Emirati pilot
When we started the Space Agency and were recruiting staff, we always had the mindset that we give a fair chance to females to be part of the workforce.
Sheikha Al Maskari, Chief Innovation Officer, UAE Space Agency
I feel fortunate that we have such a dynamic and supportive government that believes in women and seeks to empower them.
Nayla Al Khaja, first Emirati filmmaker
Today, the UAE celebrates the fourth annual Emirati Women’s Day to honour the work they have carried out in helping advance this nation across many different sectors.
This year’s theme is ‘Women on the Course of Zayed,’ which coincides with the Year of Zayed, and aims to highlight the work the late founding father of the UAE did in supporting women’s progress in the country.
His work in promoting the advancement of women is evident in the country today, as Emirati women constitute 66 per cent of government jobs, 30 per cent of which are decision-making positions. In the private sector, more than 23,000 Emirati business women in the UAE have invested more than Dh40 billion.
Khaleej Times spoke to 10 Emirati women working in various professions across the UAE and highlighted their achievements. They also continue to thank the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in his work towards empowering women.
Sheikha Al Maskari, Chief Innovation Officer at the UAE Space Agency, said she reminds her colleagues to think of Sheikh Zayed when they are facing any kind of difficulty.
“His Highness Sheikh Zayed was the person who created the path and laid the foundation alongside Sheikha Fatima and he is, to us Emiratis, an inspiration. His story of building a whole nation from nothing is something we always want to learn from. As employees, we go through challenges every day and I like to remind everyone to remember what Sheikh Zayed went through to get us to where we are today,” said Al Maskari, who is one of the founding members of the first space agency, which was formed by an Arab nation.
Nada Al Taher, a lecturer at the Higher College Technology at the Dubai Women’s College, believes there are equal opportunities for women in the UAE today, thanks to the initiatives carried out by Sheikh Zayed.
“I think I’ve never seen a difference between men and women while being raised as a woman by my father and in the society,” she said. “I feel that this was inspired by Sheikh Zayed because he was
Sheikh Zayed was the person who created the path alongside Sheikha Fatima. I like to remind everyone to remember what he went through to get us to where we are today.” Sheikha Al Maskari Chief Innovation Officer, UAE Space Agency
23,000 Emirati business women in the UAE are investing more than Dh40 billion
raised by women, Sheikha Salma bint Butti, who really helped to raise a great leader that influenced his vision. He believed that women should work side by side with men. There are so many examples of empowering women in the UAE.”
Emirati women play a strong and active role in UAE’s government as well. The UAE government has nine female ministers. Also, so far, 24 Emirati women have obtained membership in the Federal National Council during three legislative chapters.