Emirati Womens Day

History of Emirati Womens Day

Her Highness announced the first Emirati Women’s day celebration on August 15, 2015. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is a member of the Mubarak family. The General Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates was founded on this day in 1975. Her Royal Highness Sheikha Fatima is the U.A.E’s Founding Father’s wife. She is the President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, as well as the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. She is known as the Mother of Sheikhs and the Mother of the United Arab Emirates. She publicly stated at the end of the 1990s that women should be allowed to serve on the Federal National Council of the Emirates.

Sheikha Fatima is also a supporter of adult literacy initiatives and the provision of free public education for girls. She has always been a strong supporter of female athletes. Sheikha Fatima unveiled a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security on March 30, 2021, the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (G.C.C.). By supporting U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325, the strategy aims to empower and encourage women around the world.

U.N. Women, an international humanitarian organization, honored Sheikha Fatima in 2017 for her efforts in the U.A.E. to promote female equality and empowerment. The Emirati Women’s day initiated by her highness is commemorated to recognize Emirati women’s contributions and to honor their dedication, fortitude, and accomplishments in shaping the country.

Emirati Womens Day timeline

1975

U.A.E.'s General Women's Union

The General Women's Union of the United Arab Emirates is founded on August 28.

2015

First Emirati Women's Day Celebration

Her Highness announces the first Emirati Women's Day celebration.

2017

United Nations Women

U.N. Women, an international humanitarian organization, honors Sheikha Fatima for her efforts in the U.A.E. to promote female equality and empowerment.

2020

Fifth Anniversary

The fifth-anniversary celebration of Emirati women's day occurs.

Emirati Womens Day FAQs

When is Emirati Women's Day?

Emirati Women’s Day 2026 falls on Friday, August 28, a day dedicated to celebrating the invaluable contributions of women across the United Arab Emirates.

What is the significance of August 28 for Emirati Women's Day?

August 28 marks the anniversary of the founding of the General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975, an organization established by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak to advance women’s rights and empowerment in the UAE. This date was chosen in 2015 to commemorate this pivotal moment.

How many women are in leadership positions in the UAE?

The UAE has made significant strides in female representation, with women holding 50% of the seats in the Federal National Council (the UAE’s parliamentary body) as of 2019. This commitment to gender balance extends across various sectors, including government and business.

Who founded Emirati Women's Day?

Emirati Women’s Day was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ in 2015. Her vision was to create a dedicated day to acknowledge the immense contributions of Emirati women to the nation’s development.

How to Observe Emirati Womens Day

Use social media to celebrate women

Share tales about yourself, the women in your life, and the Emirati women who inspire you on social media. Use this day to show how incredible women can be.

Make donations

You can take advantage of this day to implement simple fundraising ideas and donate to a women's shelter or women's shelter. You can also aid women-owned businesses and small enterprises by patronizing them or donating to them.

Read about notable Emirati women

Read about the remarkable U.A.E. women who are making a difference in their fields. Allow their experiences to motivate you. Don't forget to tell others about their experience so that they can be inspired as well.

5 Facts About Emirati Women

Female entrepreneurs in U.A.E.

In the U.A.E., there are over 20,000 female entrepreneurs, accounting for at least 10% of all Emirati business owners.

Governmental position occupied by women

In the United Arab Emirates, women hold 66% of government occupations, with 30% of those in top decision-making positions.

Increased literacy of U.A.E. women

Emirati women's illiteracy has decreased from 89.8% in 1970 to only 7.3% in 2017.

Female high school graduates

In the U.A.E., 95% of female high school graduates pursue higher study at the university level, compared to 80% of male high school graduates.

U.A.E.'s diplomatic corps

Women make up about 20% of the diplomatic corps in the U.A.E.

Why Emirati Womens Day is Important

It celebrates women of the U.A.E.

The day is dedicated to U.A.E. women. It recognizes, celebrates, and makes their accomplishments more visible! It also empowers and motivates women all across the world.

It raises consciousness

Emirati women's day contributes to the elimination of gender bias and discrimination by raising awareness of the urgent need to address these issues through meaningful narratives, resources, and activities. Emirati women's day celebrates women's skills to complete jobs and achieve great things.

It promotes gender equality

Gender bias, whether intentional or unconscious, makes it difficult for women to advance. Emirati Women's Day is a worldwide event that honors women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and serves as a call to action for achieving gender parity sooner rather than later.