Emirati Women’s Day 2025 celebrates 50 years of progress and empowerment under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years”. The UAE reaffirms its support for women’s development across all sectors.
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates proudly marks Emirati Women’s Day 2025, celebrating five decades of remarkable achievements and milestones under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years”. This year honours the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union, established by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, widely known as “The Mother of the Nation”.
The annual celebration recognises the significant role Emirati women have played in national development, thanks to forward-thinking leadership and supportive legislation. The UAE has become a global model for gender equality, with women occupying 26% of ministerial positions, 50% of Federal National Council seats, and 63% of leadership roles in the federal government.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, praised the continued leadership of H.H. Sheikha Fatima and emphasised the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development through empowering women. Emirati women have been instrumental in sectors ranging from education and business to space and diplomacy.
The UAE ranked 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index. Federal laws such as Decree-Law No. 27 of 2018 and Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 have guaranteed equal pay and fair labour practices.
Today, over 25,000 Emirati businesswomen own more than 50,000 commercial licences, representing over AED60 billion in investments. In science and technology, women account for 46% of STEM graduates and 50% of the national space workforce.
The UAE continues to expand its influence globally through initiatives like the Sheikha Fatima Women, Peace and Security initiative and the Arab Women’s Economic Empowerment Observatory. These efforts reflect a commitment to fostering inclusive growth and advancing gender parity worldwide.
