Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development and President of Zayed University, stressed that celebrating the UAE Women's Day marks a milestone event allowing the UAE to stand tall in the international arena.

'The UAE has set itself up as a role model in the empowerment of women for the building and advancement of the nation.

This event conveys a crystal-clear message that the UAE has established itself as a pioneer in all fields of development fields as men and women shoulder their duties equally and without any discrimination," she added.

Sheikh Lubna went on to say that the 28th of August coincides with the foundation date of the UAE General Women's Union in 1975 and that this special day will always be a source of pride for UAE women. She further said that the UAE, since its establishment four decades ago, had its sight firmly set on integrating women into all sectors of life as major contributors to development efforts in our country, as well as on achieving gender balance in all development fields.

"Today, we can see that the tremendous efforts and contribution of our wise leadership have culminated in the promotion of the status of UAE women. This was only possible thanks to the tremendous contribution of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE, who, together with his brothers, members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, have spared no effort and laid strong foundations for the empowerment of women and promotion of their capacities. This was evidenced by the fact the UAE's Constitution provided for equality between men and women in all rights and obligations" she added.

The same approach has been embraced by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.

Thus, there was a succession of achievements on the part of UAE women, allowing them to take up a pioneering role in all fields regionally and internationally and holding high-profile government positions, including the posts of minister and ambassador and active members of the Federal National Council. Also, the UAE women are making increasing contributions in the education field as well as in all professional domains including advanced, specialised and technical positions. They put considerable amount of effort into areas that were once out of the reach of women like the armed forces and police. Indeed, UAE women were able to make a resounding echo and achieve notable successes in the different business and investment areas, in addition to acquiring a highly respected status.

"The historic achievements of the UAE women, and the excellent example presented to the whole world in terms of woman empowerment could not have been achieved without the unlimited support and sponsorship of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, GWU, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, FDF, and Head of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. HH has given the UAE women her utmost care and has put all efforts to pave the way for the progress of UAE women so they can positively contribute to the country's development and advancement," Sheikha Lubna added.

She concluded, "Today we are praying to the Almighty Allah to bless our visionary leadership for their dedication and support to the cause of UAE women empowerment throughout the past decades. We further express our gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for dedicating the 28th of August to be the UAE Women's Day in recognition of the role and achievements of UAE women in all fields. So, we congratulate all UAE women in this significant day and pray to the Almighty to sustain their glorious march and prosperity.'
Source: WAM