UAE Celebrates Emirati Women’s Day with Vision for Next 50 Years

The United Arab Emirates is proudly celebrating Emirati Women’s Day 2025, a day dedicated to honoring women’s achievements and shaping their future. This special occasion, held on August 28 each year, was established in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation.”

This year is especially important. It marks 10 years of Emirati Women’s Day and 50 years of women’s empowerment in the UAE since the founding of the General Women’s Union in 1975. The celebration reflects on past achievements while launching a bold vision for the next five decades.

In a heartfelt message shared on his official X account, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, highlighted women’s role as a foundation of the nation’s development. His words not only honored women’s past contributions but also celebrated their place at the heart of the UAE’s future.

Origins of Emirati Women’s Day

Emirati Women’s Day was born from the vision of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who has been a lifelong supporter of women’s rights and opportunities. In 2015, she declared that every year on August 28 the country would pause to celebrate women’s role in society.

Her vision built upon the work of the General Women’s Union (GWU), which she established in 1975. The GWU became a key institution in promoting education, leadership, and equality. Through it, Emirati women gained stronger representation in public life, access to education, and opportunities in business and government.

From those early steps, Emirati Women’s Day grew into a national symbol of progress. It is now a yearly reminder that women are central to the UAE’s story of growth and success.

Sheikh Mohammed’s Inspiring Message

This year, Sheikh Mohammed’s message on Emirati Women’s Day carried deep meaning. He reminded the nation that women are more than supporters—they are equal partners in shaping the UAE’s journey.

He said the UAE celebrates women as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. At the same time, women are also seen as the makers of generations, the instillers of values, and the drivers of change. They are the soul of the nation, companions on the path of development, and leaders of progress.

By framing women in such diverse and powerful roles, his words reflected the UAE’s broader philosophy: women are not only part of society but also at the center of the country’s advancement.

The Launch of the 50:50 Vision

One of the key highlights of this year’s celebration is the introduction of the Mother of the Nation 50:50 Vision. This is a comprehensive plan designed to guide women’s empowerment in the UAE for the next 50 years.

The initiative focuses on three main areas. The first is Family and Identity, which emphasizes women’s role in preserving traditions and supporting family life while embracing modern progress. The second is Governance and Strategy, which seeks to strengthen women’s participation in politics, leadership, and decision-making. The third is International Partnerships, which positions Emirati women as role models on the global stage by promoting cooperation with other nations.

The 50:50 Vision also highlights the importance of women in future-focused industries. From artificial intelligence and climate change to space exploration and advanced technology, Emirati women are expected to play a leading role. This long-term plan ensures that women remain central to the UAE’s growth story for decades to come.

Fifty Years of Empowerment

This year’s Emirati Women’s Day is especially symbolic. It not only marks a decade of this celebration but also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union. Together, these milestones show just how much progress has been made in five decades.

The UAE has moved from a time when women had limited roles in public life to today, where women lead in politics, science, business, and culture. This transformation has been guided by strong leadership and consistent reforms aimed at equality.

Women’s Role in Politics and Leadership

Emirati women today occupy some of the highest positions in the government. The UAE has become a global leader in gender balance within politics. Women now make up 50 percent of the Federal National Council, ensuring their voices are fully represented in lawmaking. They also hold 26 percent of ministerial positions in the government, covering important areas such as international cooperation, climate action, and advanced sciences.

This level of representation places the UAE among the top countries worldwide for gender equality in governance. It is also proof that women are trusted leaders in shaping national policy.

Women in Business and the Economy

The contribution of women to the UAE’s economy continues to grow each year. More than 25,000 Emirati women are business owners, leading projects in sectors ranging from retail and technology to energy and finance. Collectively, their businesses are worth more than AED 60 billion, showing the powerful role women play in building the economy.

Women also hold significant numbers of commercial licenses and are active in entrepreneurship. Their participation not only strengthens the private sector but also brings innovation and fresh ideas to industries across the UAE.

Women in Science, Innovation, and Space

One of the proudest achievements of the UAE is the progress of women in science and innovation. Nearly 46 percent of STEM graduates in the country are women. In the space sector, they make up half of the national workforce.

One shining example is Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female astronaut from the Arab world. Her journey symbolizes the aspirations of many Emirati women who are breaking boundaries in technology, engineering, and exploration.

The strong presence of women in these advanced sectors reflects the UAE’s focus on preparing for the future. It also ensures that women will play a central role in solving global challenges.

Celebrations Across the Country

Emirati Women’s Day 2025 was marked with vibrant celebrations across the UAE. Communities, schools, and businesses came together to honor women’s achievements.

One of the most popular events was the Dubai Mallathon, a large community walk and run organized to promote health, unity, and empowerment. It drew participation from families, leaders, and organizations, showing strong national support for the cause.

Government leaders also joined the celebration. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed praised Emirati women for their impact on the nation’s progress. Cultural programs highlighted stories of inspiring women, while companies across the UAE launched campaigns to support women in the workplace.

The celebrations demonstrated that Emirati Women’s Day is not just a government initiative. It is a true national event embraced by the entire community.

Key Government Reforms

Over the years, the UAE has passed several important reforms to support women.

• In 2018, the government guaranteed equal pay for women in the public sector.
• In 2021, equal pay laws were extended to cover the private sector.
• In 2023, the National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment (2023–2031) was introduced.

These reforms have placed the UAE at the forefront of gender equality in the region. In fact, in 2025 the UAE ranked 13th globally in the UNDP Gender Equality Index.

Voices of Inspiration

Emirati women leaders often share how far the nation has come. Afra Al Hameli, a leading diplomat, explained that five decades ago it was hard to imagine Emirati women as astronauts, ministers, or innovators. Today, those dreams are reality.

Her words reflect how Emirati Women’s Day is more than a symbolic occasion. It is a recognition of real progress, achieved through years of effort and vision.

The Future Ahead

The UAE’s future vision for women is clear. The 50:50 Vision ensures that the progress made so far will continue into the next half-century. Women will have greater opportunities in decision-making, global partnerships, and advanced industries. At the same time, family values and cultural identity will remain at the core.

This balance between tradition and progress is what makes the UAE’s model unique. Women are encouraged to lead in science and technology while also preserving the social and cultural fabric of the nation.