Every year on August 28, the United Arab Emirates proudly observes Emirati Women’s Day—a national tribute to the strength, resilience, and contributions of Emirati women across all sectors of society. Established in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the day commemorates the founding of the General Women’s Union in 1975 and symbolizes the nation’s ongoing journey toward gender equality. More than just a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in shaping the UAE’s past, present, and future.
1. Origins & National Significance
Emirati Women’s Day is observed annually on August 28, commemorating the establishment of the General Women’s Union (GWU) on that date in 1975. The GWU, founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak—widely celebrated as the Mother of the Nation—became a pivotal institution in advancing women’s welfare, education, and rights in the UAE.
Launched in 2015, the holiday pays tribute to the foundational role of Emirati women in nation-building. The first celebration recognized women in the UAE Armed Forces, honouring their bravery and sacrifice.
Since then, August 28 has evolved beyond a commemoration—it has become a vibrant national celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political contributions.
2. Founding Vision & Objectives
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Under Sheikha Fatima’s leadership, the General Women’s Union articulated clear goals for this day:
- Celebrate the strengthening of gender equality in the UAE, from the workforce to legislative arenas.
- Honor the achievements of Emirati women across sectors.
- Raise awareness about ongoing challenges and promote dialogue.
- Inspire future generations by sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership.
By spotlighting both achievements and obstacles, the day serves as a catalyst for progress, ensuring passion turns into policy and inspiration into action.
3. Annual Themes: A Reflection of Vision & Progress
Emirati Women’s Day carries an annual theme—declared by Sheikha Fatima—that captures national priorities, challenges, and aspirations. Notable recent themes include:
|
Year |
Theme |
Focus |
|
2015 |
Inaugural – Women in the Armed Forces | Military service |
| 2016 | Women and Innovation |
Tech & creativity |
|
2017 |
Partners in Giving | Charity & community |
| 2018 | Women on the Course of Zayed |
Honouring founding values |
|
2019 |
Women, Icons of Tolerance | Inclusivity |
| 2020 | Preparing for the Next 50 Years: Women as the Support of the Nation |
Vision 2021 |
|
2021 |
Ambitions & Inspiration for the Next 50 Years | UAE Jubilee |
| 2022 | Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future |
Sustainability & leadership |
|
2023 |
We Collaborate for Tomorrow | Sustainability & COP28 |
| 2024 | We Share for Tomorrow |
Sharing, giving, unity. |
|
2025 |
Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years |
These themes reveal a clear trajectory: from honoring service and innovation to sustainability, collaboration, and now fostering national cohesion. The 2025 theme aligns with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s designation of this as the “Year of Community,” emphasizing partnership with Emirati women in nation-building.
4. Empowerment & Milestones
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Education & Employment
- Women hold ~66% of public sector jobs; 30% are in leadership roles.
- Female graduates represent ~70% of all graduates, and 56–61% of STEM degrees are women.
- UAE’s literacy rates stand at 95.8% for women.
- Female labour force participation has risen from ~22% in 2005 to 52.4% (2019) and 57.5% (2020).
Leadership & Governance
- 50% representation in Federal National Council since 2018; 30% of Cabinet ministers are women.
- Female diplomats comprise 30% of UAE foreign-service staff; Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh was the first female Permanent Representative to the UN.
- Emirates are appointed to senior judiciary and diplomatic roles dating back to 2008.
Pioneers & Role Models
- Military trailblazers like Major Mariam Al Mansouri, first fighter pilot, and Aisha Al Mansoori, first female Emirati commercial airline captain, often marked milestones on Emirati Women’s Day.
- STEM leaders: Dr. Hoda Alkhzaimi in cybersecurity, Sarah Al Amiri in the Space Agency, Salma Al Hajeri, Alia Al Mansoori, Nora Al Matrooshi (first Arab woman astronaut)
Entrepreneurship & Economy
- Over 21,000 female entrepreneurs, making UAE the GCC leader
- Financial reforms include equal pay mandates (2021), board-gender quotas, and strong legal protections, earning top regional rankings in WEF and World Bank indices.
5. Legislative & Policy Progress
From legal reforms to corporate governance changes, the UAE has strengthened women’s rights and opportunities:
- Fundamental constitutional guarantees (2016) and labour-law reforms offering equal pay (2021.
- Strengthened personal-status protections: removal of marital obedience clauses (2016–2019) and honor-killing provisions (2020).
- Domestic-violence laws enhancing safeguards for women and families.
- Introduction of boardroom gender quotas and public sector hiring objectives.
At the federal and emirate levels, multiple institutions—including the Gender Balance Council, Family Development Foundation, and Ministry of Community Development—drive these frameworks.
6. Celebrations & Events
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Emirati Women’s Day is celebrated through a variety of engaging events:
- Government-led forums and seminars: facilitate dialogue on education, leadership, and female entrepreneurship.
- Corporate events: by entities like ADNOC, du, Gulf News × Being She, and Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council—offer panel discussions, TED-style talks, awards, and pledges.
- Community and cultural events: e.g., the Abaya Rally (all-female race), exhibitions at Expo City Dubai’s Women Pavilion, and UN partnerships with OCHA and Etihad Airways.
- Retail promotions and discounts: show appreciation across restaurants and shops.
- Media campaigns: share inspiring stories and achievements via social and traditional platforms.
7. Cultural Conversations & Critical Reflections
Although widely celebrated, Emirati Women’s Day prompts deeper societal dialogue:
- Balancing tradition and modernity remains central, especially as more women enter the workforce and higher education.
- Debates around identity, gender roles, and cultural expectations highlight evolving norms, as Emirati women reshape both personal and professional landscapes.
These discussions elevate the day from celebration to platforms of reflection—acknowledging continuity and change alike.
8. Global Standing & National Pride
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- UAE ranks #1 in the Arab world, #11 globally on the UNDP Gender Inequality Index, and leads regional gender parity according to WEF.
- The country earned the highest regional score (82.5%) in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law report.
- International commitments—such as ratifying CEDAW in 2004 and participation in multiple UN frameworks—demonstrate UAE’s leadership.
Emirati Women’s Day plays a vital role in showcasing national identity, projecting soft power, and building global influence—affirming that empowering women is central to modern nationhood.
9. Looking to the Future
As the GWU celebrates 50 years, Emirati Women’s Day 2025 sets a futuristic tone:
- Embracing the “Hand in Hand” theme underlines collective action across genders and sectors.
- Continued reforms, female representation, and global engagement signal ongoing momentum.
- Broader participation in STEM, creative arts, policymaking, and entrepreneurship reflects a society poised for innovation and equity.
The day serves as both compass and catalyst—showing the view ahead while sparking ongoing action.
10. In Summary
Emirati Women’s Day stands as a powerful symbol of national pride, social progress, and future-facing empowerment. From a founding commemoration in 1975 to modern themes centred on sustainability and collaboration, it has grown into a multi-faceted movement encompassing law, policy, culture, and dialogue.
With women now at the helm of education systems, corporate boards, pioneering professions, and public policy, the UAE reveals a lesson: investing in women is investing in a nation’s prosperity and resilience.
Emirati Women’s Day is not merely a celebration—it is a declaration: of empowerment, collective purpose, and unity. As Emirati women continue to shape the UAE’s trajectory, August 28 remains an inspiring testament to what has been achieved and what lies ahead.
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1. What is Emirati Women’s Day and why is it celebrated on August 28?
Emirati Women’s Day is a national annual celebration in the UAE to honor Emirati women’s contributions and achievements. It is held on August 28 to commemorate the founding of the General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the Nation”.
2. When was the first Emirati Women’s Day celebrated?
The inaugural Emirati Women’s Day took place in 2015, marking 40 years since the GWU’s establishment. The day was initiated by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to spotlight Emirati women’s growing role in national developmen.
3. Who founded Emirati Women’s Day and what was her vision?
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak launched the day with the aim of raising awareness of women’s achievements, empowering Emirati women, and advocating for gender equality in public, private, and community spheres.
4. How does Emirati Women’s Day differ from International Women’s Day?
While International Women’s Day on March 8 is global, Emirati Women’s Day focuses specifically on Emirati women, recognizing their cultural, historical, and social contributions within the context of the UAE.
5. What are some recent themes of Emirati Women’s Day?
Each year features a unique theme reflecting national goals. Recent themes include:
- 2022: “Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future”
- 2023: “We Collaborate for Tomorrow”
- 2024: “We Share for Tomorrow”
- 2025: “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years”
6. How is Emirati Women’s Day celebrated across the UAE?
Celebrations include a mix of official and community activities:
- Government events: forums, seminars, and award ceremonies
- Corporate initiatives: panel discussions and employee recognition (e.g., by ADNOC, Gulf News × Being She, du)
- Cultural programs: exhibitions, Abaya Rally, Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai
- Social campaigns: stories, discounts, and appreciation gestures targeting Emirati women
7. What impact has Emirati Women’s Day had on women’s empowerment?
The celebration highlights Emirati women’s strides in education, employment, and leadership:
- Women make up 66% of public-sector jobs, with 30% in leadership roles
- Over 21,000 female entrepreneurs now operate in the UAE
- Women hold 50% of Federal National Council seats and significant ministerial positions and STEM role
8. What institutions and laws support women’s empowerment in the UAE?
Several frameworks champion gender equality:
- The General Women’s Union (GWU) conducts advocacy and research
- The Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) promotes leadership and board quotas
Constitutional and legal reforms include equal pay, domestic violence protection, and gender safeguards
