The Emirates Association for Women Entrepreneurs hosted the Women’s Day Forum under the theme “Together, We Celebrate the Fifty,” along with the accompanying Emirati Radiance Exhibition recently, at the Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Shafiqa Al Ameri, Chairwoman of the Emirates Association for Women Entrepreneurs, stated, “The organization of this conference is a tribute to Emirati Women’s Day, recognizing the efforts and contributions of women towards the growth and development of the United Arab Emirates. This is largely due to the support and encouragement from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ who has always dedicated all resources to enhancing women’s status in society and developing their capabilities, thus enabling them to hold significant and high-ranking positions alongside men in the journey of sustainable development.”
Dr. Al Ameri highlighted that the UAE has introduced numerous initiatives to support women in the economic sector by enhancing their skills and capabilities. Currently, approximately 23,000 Emirati women entrepreneurs manage projects worth over 60 billion Dirhams and occupy 15% of the boards of directors in the country’s chambers of commerce and industry.
According to Dr. Al Ameri, “Women comprise around 66% of the workforce in the government sector, with 30% in leadership roles related to decision-making. Emirati women make up 25% of the workforce and represent 30% of employees in small and medium enterprises, highlighting their active economic participation in the country.”
She added, “Emirati Women’s Day serves as an important occasion to showcase the achievements and milestones reached by women in various sectors, contributing to the growth and development of the UAE.”
Dr. Al Ameri further emphasized that, thanks to the support of wise leadership and the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, women in the UAE have been able to occupy leadership roles, including significant governmental, ministerial, and diplomatic positions across diverse fields, demonstrating their capacity to contribute to the nation’s development and sustainable growth.
Over the past three years, the Emirates Association for Women Entrepreneurs has organized 105 training courses attended by 3,100 women, participated in 135 events both locally and internationally with the presence of 3,200 women entrepreneurs, and signed 12 agreements with various governmental and non-governmental entities. Additionally, 8 exhibitions were organized with the participation of 206 entities.
Dr. Al Ameri expressed gratitude to all governmental and private organizations supporting the Emirates Association for Women Entrepreneurs, enabling the organization to carry out such a large number of events and activities and represent women entrepreneurs in various activities within and outside the country.
The forum featured enriching panel discussions, a workshop, an entrepreneurs’ exhibition, along with various competitions and awards.