H.E. Ali Salem Al Kaabi Commends Emirati Women's Achievements on International Women’s Day
His Excellency Ali Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), marked International Women’s Day by highlighting the strength, resilience, and accomplishments of Emirati women and their global counterparts. He emphasized that this day stands as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role women play in society and celebrates their ongoing contributions to development, progress, and nation-building.
H.E. Al Kaabi expressed his profound gratitude towards the UAE’s wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for its continuous efforts to empower women and provide them with unparalleled support to achieve remarkable milestones in various sectors. He credited the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, for laying the foundation for gender equality and women’s empowerment, which continues to shape Emirati women’s success stories today.
Commitment to Women Empowerment
In his statement, H.E. Al Kaabi said: “International Women’s Day is a significant occasion that honors the strength, resilience, and unwavering determination of Emirati women, as well as their counterparts around the world. This day also reflects the remarkable efforts of the UAE’s leadership, which have empowered women to overcome challenges, access leadership roles, and significantly contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation.”
He further emphasized that Emirati women have continuously proven their capabilities across diverse sectors, including business, technology, education, and government leadership, standing as shining examples of creativity, strength, and determination. He attributed these achievements to the unwavering support from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
Role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak
H.E. Al Kaabi praised Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her unmatched dedication towards women’s empowerment in the UAE. He highlighted how Her Highness’s vision and leadership have facilitated Emirati women’s growth across key sectors, enabling them to become key contributors to economic and social development.
"Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak has been a pioneer in driving the women’s empowerment agenda, and her legacy has inspired generations of Emirati women to rise and make remarkable contributions both locally and globally. Under her guidance, women have established themselves as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers, ensuring that their impact is felt across all fields of life," stated H.E. Al Kaabi.
Championing Gender Equality and Inclusion
Reflecting on the UAE’s historical progress in gender equality, H.E. Al Kaabi reiterated that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a pivotal advocate for eliminating discrimination and violence against women while ensuring equal opportunities in the workforce. He emphasized that the UAE has enacted progressive policies and legal frameworks aimed at fostering gender equality, enabling women to take leadership positions, and promoting their inclusion across all sectors.
"The UAE’s leadership has continuously worked towards ensuring that women have equal opportunities in leadership, innovation, and decision-making roles. Today, we witness the tangible outcomes of these efforts as Emirati women lead in various fields, champion innovation, and actively contribute to the nation's sustainable development," he said.
Women’s Role in the Nation’s Progress
Highlighting the immense contributions of Emirati women to the nation’s development, H.E. Al Kaabi stated that International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder to honor women’s role in civilization, education, economic development, and nation-building. He commended the ongoing efforts of the UAE government in providing platforms for women to thrive, further boosting their participation in emerging economic sectors, leadership roles, and entrepreneurship.
"The continuous contributions of Emirati women across various fields have propelled our nation towards economic and social prosperity. Their role in nurturing future generations, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable development remains instrumental to achieving the UAE’s long-term vision," said H.E. Al Kaabi.
He further highlighted that the increasing women’s participation in high-level leadership roles, business sectors, and social development initiatives reflects the success of the UAE’s inclusive policies. He emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum and ensuring that women continue to lead, innovate, and drive progress in the years to come.
Global Recognition and Future Outlook
H.E. Al Kaabi concluded his statement by calling on global communities, government institutions, and private sectors to remain committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. He emphasized that promoting inclusive growth, educational opportunities, and economic participation for women is essential to building resilient and progressive societies.
"As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to supporting women’s success in leadership, education, and business. By empowering women, we are shaping a future where sustainable development, equality, and prosperity can thrive, benefitting everyone across generations," H.E. Al Kaabi stated.
