UAE Women’s Dialogue at Expo 2025 Osaka
In a significant stride toward showcasing the UAE’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment on a global stage, the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) successfully hosted the “UAE Women’s Dialogue” at the UAE National Pavilion during Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This event underscored the nation’s leadership role in empowering Emirati women and highlighted the key themes driving progress in gender equality, cultural preservation, governance, and sustainability.
The dialogue featured prominent Emirati leaders and visionaries who shared insights into the UAE’s evolving approach to fostering women’s participation across all sectors of society. It also offered a platform for discussion on how women’s empowerment aligns with broader national strategies for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
DWE’s Commitment to Women’s Empowerment on Global Platforms
The UAE Women’s Dialogue was organized under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Her Highness’s visionary leadership and unwavering support have played a pivotal role in positioning the UAE as a model country for women’s empowerment.
During the opening session, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of DWE, welcomed attendees and set the tone for the dialogue, emphasizing the critical importance of continuous efforts toward gender equality. She highlighted how DWE’s participation in Expo 2025 aligns with its mission to elevate the role of Emirati women on the global stage.
The keynote address by Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi further illuminated the historical and ongoing contributions of women in the UAE’s development. Her remarks underscored the nation’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for women to thrive, both socially and economically.
Key Themes: Gender Balance, Cultural Identity, Governance, and Sustainability
The dialogue centered around four fundamental themes that represent the pillars of the UAE’s approach to women’s empowerment.
Firstly, gender balance remains a cornerstone of the country’s national vision. The UAE has made remarkable strides in closing gender gaps across education, employment, and political participation. The dialogue highlighted that this progress is not only about representation but also about ensuring meaningful involvement of women in decision-making processes that shape the nation’s future.
Cultural identity was also a focal point of the discussions. Emirati women’s empowerment is deeply rooted in the preservation and celebration of the UAE’s rich heritage and values. The dialogue illustrated how the UAE’s cultural framework supports women’s advancement without compromising traditional values, creating a unique model that respects heritage while embracing modernization.
Governance and policy frameworks were explored extensively, demonstrating how the UAE has instituted comprehensive laws and initiatives to protect women’s rights and promote their participation in all facets of life. The integration of gender considerations into public policy has been essential in creating an inclusive society where women can contribute fully and safely.
Lastly, sustainability and the green economy were emphasized as emerging areas where women’s leadership is vital. The dialogue reflected on how Emirati women are increasingly participating in green innovation and sustainable development projects, aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and economic diversification.
Celebrating Decades of Achievements and Leadership Support
Sheikha Manal highlighted that the UAE’s success in empowering women stems from a legacy initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision laid the foundation for inclusive development. The continued dedication of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the Nation,” has been instrumental in sustaining momentum toward gender equality.
She expressed profound gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, whose unwavering support and strategic vision have mobilized resources and policy frameworks that empower women in every sector.
This leadership backing has propelled the UAE to the forefront of global competitiveness rankings on gender balance and women’s empowerment. The country’s achievements serve as a benchmark for other nations seeking to replicate its model of sustainable and culturally coherent advancement for women.
Prominent Voices and Contributions in the Dialogue
The event featured influential figures who shared their expertise and perspectives, enriching the dialogue’s depth.
Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, spoke on the role of culture and arts in shaping societal attitudes towards women and reinforcing their empowerment.
Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, emphasized the strategic alignment of women’s empowerment with national economic and social objectives, reflecting how gender balance enhances governance outcomes.
Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Government Communications at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), highlighted women’s contributions to the sustainability sector, showcasing examples of female leaders driving innovation in green technologies.
The session was moderated by Maryam Altayer from the Dubai Future Foundation, an organization dedicated to pioneering future-ready initiatives. The presence of senior leaders such as Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President at TECOM Group and Board Member of DWE; Fahima Al Bastaki, former CEO at Dubai Financial Market and Board Member of DWE; and Naeema Ahli, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment, underscored the collaborative spirit fueling women’s empowerment in the UAE.
The Role of Expo 2025 Osaka in Global Women’s Empowerment Dialogue
Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a crucial international platform for countries to showcase innovations, culture, and policy initiatives. The UAE National Pavilion, hosting the UAE Women’s Dialogue, offered a unique opportunity to communicate the country’s achievements and ongoing commitments in empowering women.
Through this engagement, the UAE not only celebrates the successes of Emirati women but also inspires global partnerships and knowledge exchange to promote gender equality worldwide. The dialogue reiterated the importance of international collaboration to address common challenges and leverage collective strengths in advancing women’s rights.
Looking Forward: UAE’s Vision for Women’s Empowerment
The UAE continues to set ambitious goals for women’s empowerment, integrating it as a central pillar of national development strategies. Future initiatives focus on enhancing educational opportunities, expanding women’s participation in emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy, and fostering entrepreneurship among women.
Moreover, the UAE is committed to maintaining a balance between rapid modernization and the preservation of cultural identity, ensuring that women’s empowerment respects and enriches the country’s social fabric.
The UAE Women’s Dialogue at Expo 2025 Osaka exemplifies this balanced approach, demonstrating how visionary leadership, robust policy frameworks, and cultural values come together to create an enabling environment for women to succeed.
This comprehensive dialogue and strategic engagement reflect the UAE’s continuing leadership role in shaping a future where women’s empowerment is a driver of sustainable growth, social cohesion, and international cooperation.
