Dubai: As part of its ongoing efforts to spotlight the UAE's leadership in empowering women, Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) organised the 'UAE Women's Dialogue' at the UAE National Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment.
According to Emirates News Agency, the dialogue opened with a welcoming speech by Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of DWE, followed by an opening keynote from Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi. The session featured contributions from key figures including Hala Badri, Huda Al Hashimi, and Khawla Al Mehairi, and was moderated by Maryam Altayer from Dubai Future Foundation.
The dialogue focused on the UAE's success in advancing women's empowerment, covering themes such as gender balance, cultural identity, governance, and sustainability. H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasized the UAE's global recognition in gender balance and women's empowerment, attributing these achievements to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the support of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
H.H. Sheikha Manal expressed gratitude to UAE leaders for their support and highlighted DWE's dedication to enhancing Emirati women's professional and leadership skills. Over the past two decades, DWE has launched initiatives to balance family and professional responsibilities for women, improving their quality of life.
The event was praised for showcasing a government partnership model in highlighting UAE's national achievements, with women's advancement being a key focus. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi and Mona Al Marri both highlighted the significance of the dialogue in reinforcing Emirati women's global presence and sharing their success stories on an international stage.
In her keynote, Sheikha Lubna recalled her appointment as the UAE's first female minister in 2004 and emphasized that women's empowerment in the UAE is about leading and excelling in every field. She noted the country's advanced rankings in global indices and the significant representation of Emirati women in leadership roles.
The dialogue underscored the UAE's commitment to empowering women as central drivers of national development, with clear policies turning empowerment from concept to reality. The session celebrated Emirati women's achievements and looked forward to future progress, aligning with the ambitions of Expo 2025 Osaka.