The highly anticipated "Emirati Women and Future-Making" conference launched on August 28, 2024 — Emirati Women's Day — marking another milestone in the UAE's recognition of women's leadership. Organised under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, the event highlighted the achievements of Emirati women across diverse professions and their contribution to the country's future.
Conference Overview
The conference was hosted by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and officially inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Among the prominent speakers was Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, alongside other distinguished figures from public and private sectors.
Session 1: Emirati Women and Modern Technological Achievements
The first session focused on the role of women in advancing the UAE's technological progress. Speakers included Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi, Director of Cybersecurity Governance Risk Management at the Dubai Electronic Security Centre; Najla Al Midfa, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre; and Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre.
Session 2: Promoting Tolerance and the Culture of Coexistence
The second session explored how Emirati women are building a culture of tolerance and coexistence in the UAE. Participants included Layla Al Hayas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at the Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi; Fatima Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairperson of the NHRI; and Hana Al Rostamani, CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Honouring Emirati Pioneers
The conference also paid tribute to pioneers who have been instrumental in advancing women in Emirati society. Sheikh Nahyan presented awards to distinguished figures including Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan and Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, recognising their outstanding contributions.
Sheikha Fatima's Enduring Legacy
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted the significance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak's sustained commitment to the conference's goals. He noted that her decades-long dedication to women's rights has earned her international recognition and continues to play a pivotal role in the achievements of Emirati women across all sectors.
