In celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day and within the context of its Cultural Season 2023,
The National Library and Archives organizes a seminar entitled “Emirati Women: International Achievements and Aspirations”

In celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day and within the context of its Cultural Season 2023, the National Library and Archives organized a seminar entitled “Emirati Women: International Achievements and Aspirations”, given its national and social responsibility. The seminar was also conducted in recognition of women’s efforts and role in building the society as they contributed to the achievement of the NLA’s objective, preserving the Nation’s memory.
H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, opened the seminar with a speech appreciating the role of women who enriched the UAE’s cultural and historical heritage while taking care of their families and fulfilling their duties. They efficiently succeeded in embodying the vision of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayan for building the society. He emphasized that women are an active partner in the march of development.
His Excellency said “Working side by side with men, the Emirati women proved that they are capable of achieving anything and that they are able to assume the responsibility in any position they occupy. Under the UAE’s wise leadership that empowers the Emirati women, the future holds great promises as women are engaged in examining the prospects of the future. They spare no effort in building the present; and they are a principal partner in the Nation’s march towards the next fifty years.”
The seminar, which was held at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall at the NLA’s headquarters, was started by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NLA, who was a speaker as well. She said “The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayan honoured women and devoted attention to their education, given his belief that this would promote the level of development. He also believed in the importance of gender balance. In accordance with his directives, H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, began the Emirati women empowerment journey, providing an excellent model for how well the Emirati women can represent the UAE. Indeed, under the UAE’s wise leadership, the Emirati women were able to prove their competence and get involved side by side with men in the march of development and giving in our homeland. They had an honorable role abroad as well. Dr. Aisha pointed out that women took part in safeguarding and transferring the heritage, values and traditions to the new generations.”
The research advisor welcomed the speakers of the seminar, which was held in celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day under the slogan “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”.
Ms. Aisha Al Romaithi, Director of Research and Advisory Department at Trends Research and Advisory Center, spoke about the journey of the Emirati women empowerment. She highlighted the stages they went through starting from foundation. The prudent leadership considers building the human without discrimination as the Nation’s real wealth. Women and men are main partners in the march of development and building pursuant to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision and belief in women’s ability and competence. That is why the wise leadership opens the door wide for women to perform their role in leading and implementing development programs. They have become an essential element in the empowerment stage. H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bin Mubarak “Mother of the Nation” is the greatest supporter of the Emirati women; Her Highness has introduced many initiatives and made enormous efforts to promote the status of the Emirati women and empower them.
Thanks to the sincere national efforts, the UAE ranked first regionally and 11th globally in the UN’s Gender Inequality Index. The UAE ranked at the top of the Arab and Islamic countries in the Women, Peace and Security Index for 2022.
Ms. Fawzia Mohammed Faridoon from Dubai Sports Council shed the light on the Emirati women’s role in development, giving and achievement. She indicated that the slogan of the Emirati Women’s Day emphasizes the fact that promoting sustainability requires collaboration between all society members and that the Emirati women are a strategic partner due to their main role in their families as well as their professional and societal roles. She, then, tackled their role in the field of sports and how the wise leadership supported women sports since the infrastructure of such sports requires certain type of privacy. She presented the incentive women sport awards, most prominently Sheikha Fatima Bin Mubarak’s award and mentioned names of some Emirati players who contributed to the UAE accomplishments in this vital field.
Ms. Asma Al Mammari, Professor of Islamic Studies, Society and National Identity at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, concluded the seminar by talking about women during Sheikh Zayed era and about H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak as a model of the Emirati women. She noted that one of the main aspects of development in the UAE is the role of women in public life. This started long ago when Sheikh Zayed and the rulers of the emirates showed interest in girls’ education just like the boys’, which laid a strong foundation for women’s advancement.
She added that Sheikh Zayed’s interest in women development is reflected by his directives to establish the first women association in the UAE in 1973 under the name of Abu Dhabi Women Association, which succeeded in attracting many women. One of its main objectives was promoting literacy.
Furthermore, Al Mammari highlighted aspects of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak’s life, including her academic qualifications, titles and achievements in terms of women education and development, which led the Emirati women to be become an impressive example to be followed.