DUBAI— The second edition of the Emirati Women’s Forum will take place Thursday at Madinat Jumeirah, organized by the Dubai Women Establishment under the patronage of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The forum coincides with the UAE’s observance of Emirati Women’s Day under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” launched by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and supreme chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
The event will bring together ministers, senior government and semi-government officials, private-sector leaders and national talent. It will serve as Dubai’s main official event marking Emirati Women’s Day and will feature seven keynote and panel sessions and six workshops.
Sheikha Manal, who is president of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment, said the forum reflects the UAE’s longstanding commitment to supporting women and strengthening their role as key partners in the country’s development.
She emphasized the importance of investing in women’s knowledge, skills and capabilities to prepare them for opportunities in emerging, future-focused sectors. She also said the forum provides a platform for dialogue and forward-looking thinking that builds on Emirati women’s achievements and creates new opportunities in line with the UAE’s goals for a competitive, innovative and sustainable future.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, chairwoman and managing director of the Dubai Women Establishment, said the forum brings together decision-makers, leaders, national talent, institutions and private-sector representatives to discuss priorities that can advance Emirati women’s participation in development and expand their contributions across sectors.
She said the establishment is committed to making the forum a platform for sharing expertise, generating insights and building partnerships that support new opportunities for Emirati women.
Naeema Ahli, CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment, said continued leadership support for women’s empowerment is enabling Emirati women to achieve greater leadership and impact in fields including technology, artificial intelligence, space and renewable energy.
She stressed the importance of strengthening women’s representation in leadership, policymaking and decision-making, adding that the forum’s agenda addresses the opportunities and skills needed to expand women’s participation in emerging sectors.
The plenary session “We Emerge Stronger and Better” will feature Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the first Emirati woman to serve as a UAE government minister. She will discuss her experience and the values and knowledge needed to prepare future generations.
Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, minister of education, will speak at a session titled “Women Shaping Generations and Building the Future,” focusing on education’s role in developing national talent and nurturing innovative, future-ready minds.
Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, minister of state and secretary-general of the UAE Cabinet, will participate in a session titled “National Vision: Creating Opportunities for Emirati Women.” The session will examine how leadership, policies, legislation and government strategies have helped create an enabling environment for women.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, will address the effects of technology and artificial intelligence on the job market, as well as emerging opportunities and skills in future-focused sectors.
Other sessions will examine women’s leadership in vital sectors, Dubai’s competitiveness and global standing, and the development of future cities and quality of life. Speakers will include representatives from Dubai Islamic Bank, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.
The six workshops, held in cooperation with DEWA, Dubai Culture, Dubai Islamic Academy, Dubai Media Academy at Dubai Media Incorporated, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and the New Economy Academy, will explore women’s contributions to sustainability, innovation, finance, media, negotiation, entrepreneurship, culture and the arts.
