Dubai Chamber,Ministry of Economy mark Emirati Women's Day

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in co-operation with the UAE Ministry of Economy, hosted a special ceremony on Sunday to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day 2017, which was held under the theme "Women in Business and Community."

Emirati Women’s Day was initiated in 2015 by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.

The event, held on the Chamber’s premises, was attended by Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Under-Secretary for Economic Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Economy, Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Member of the Executive Committee of the Dubai Chamber and President of the Dubai Business Women Council, senior Chamber officials and staff, as well as women leaders representing the UAE’s public and private sectors.

Commenting on the special occasion, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, said: "The women of the UAE have proven their efficiency in accomplishing various tasks entrusted to them within different workplaces in the public and private sectors. This reflects the wise vision adopted by the UAE to empower women and maximise their role in shaping a bright and prosperous future. We are proud of what they have accomplished."

Al Mansouri explained that Emirati Women’s Day is an occasion for the UAE to commemorate the pioneer of women’s work in the country, H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, who declared 28th August as Emirati Women’s Day. He said that the country has been set aside an annual occasion to review the major achievements of women and the current opportunities to further develop their role in society and advance the strategic objectives and directions of the country.

Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Chamber, said, "Emirati Women’s Day is a celebration of the status of women and their valuable contribution to the UAE’s society and economy. Emirati women have made great strides in various fields, and they have also contributed greatly to the UAE’s achievements and progress."

During his opening remarks, Al Shehhi highlighted the fact that the UAE is the first country in the Arab world to order the mandatory appointments of women onto corporate boards.

He explained that the seminar provided a unique platform for reviewing the contributions of women in society and discussing major opportunities for expanding their roles in the future.