UAE: ADDED, GWU join forces to empower women in economic sector
This partnership contributes to advancing sustainable development in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The agreement is part of ongoing efforts to enable Emirati women to directly contribute to strengthening the foundations of the economy and enhancing its competitiveness, which is in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE's initiatives for economic growth, diversification, and the establishment of sustainable development.
Ahmed Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, said, "We are proud to collaborate with the General Women's Union to develop the business ecosystem and empower women across various economic sectors. Over the past few years, women have achieved significant accomplishments in entrepreneurship and leading initiatives. Empowering women is a key pillar in our strategy for economic growth and diversification. We will continue our efforts to increase women's participation in the economic field, which contributes to driving Abu Dhabi's development efforts and solidifying the emirate's position as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth. Women represent a fundamental driver of the economy and are a guarantee for the continued success of Abu Dhabi.
He also praised, during his visit to the headquarters of the General Women's Union, the initiatives carried out by the Union to enhance and empower women to increase their active participation in the journey of sustainable development.
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union, emphasised the significance of strategic partnerships, like this one, in developing the skills and abilities of female professionals. These efforts support the leadership's vision to qualify and empower women across key strategic sectors by equipping them with the necessary expertise through advanced, specialized training programs.
She also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in preparing and training female talent through its initiatives and programmes, underscoring the crucial role that Emirati women play in driving sustainable economic development across all sectors.
The agreement stipulates the formation of a committee to study areas of improvement and develop proactive plans to enhance the presence of female entrepreneurs in business activities. It also establishes the policies and strategic objectives of the General Women's Union as a fundamental reference to unify efforts in highlighting the UAE's role in empowering women at the local level. Additionally, the agreement aims to promote transparency in assessing progress made in supporting women economically, enabling decision-makers to take informed and targeted steps towards strengthening women's status and expanding their opportunities.
The agreement also emphasises the importance of unifying the efforts of both parties in areas of mutual interest, to highlight the UAE's efforts in economically supporting women at both the local and regional levels. It focuses on cooperation and coordination in strategic initiatives of shared interest to achieve their goals most effectively.
Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the exchange of knowledge, training, administrative expertise, and institutional experiences, all of which contribute to enhancing human, procedural, and institutional capacities.
The areas of cooperation include the progress tracking system for women, by providing the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development with available information from the women's progress tracking system for the economic sector. This system will establish a direct electronic link between the economic license databases and the women's progress tracking system, based on specific rules and mechanisms to be agreed upon during the implementation of the linkage.
Under the agreement, both parties will work together to strengthen their efforts in building women's capacities, encouraging and preparing them to engage in non-traditional business activities where female representation is less than 50%. This will be achieved through approved training and mentorship programmes as part of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development's annual plan, in collaboration with relevant sectors and partners, as well as supporting research and development.
Additionally, the two parties will cooperate in training and developing individuals' skills in specific areas related to the sector, to enhance competitiveness and productivity.
The General Women's Union will support ADDED in coordinating with regional and international organisations focused on women to implement initiatives at both regional and international levels.
In turn, ADDED will exchange expertise and knowledge and contribute to the implementation of joint regional and international initiatives by providing consulting services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
13 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company launches Graduate Plant Operator Program
21 Aug 2025 11:12 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the entity responsible for delivering the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, has launched the Graduate Plant Operator (GPO) Program to nurture the next generation of Emirati nuclear operations leaders. This initiative reinforces ENEC's commitment to investing in national talent who will drive the country's nuclear operations to high-achieving Emirati graduates with a bachelor's degree in engineering disciplines (Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear, etc.), the programme offers a pathway to gain comprehensive knowledge, hands-on experience, and operational expertise essential for a career in nuclear energy plant operations and will begin with practical training as Local Operators at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, gaining in-depth knowledge of operational systems. After three years, successful operators will advance to SRO training — an essential leadership role responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and testing of plant Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: 'The Graduate Plant Operator Program is a strategic investment in our national human capital. By empowering today's graduates, we are building the UAE's clean energy legacy, ensuring our plant operates to the highest national and international standards of safety, security, and efficiency. Nuclear energy not only plays a critical role in energy security and sustainability, but given the life cycle of nuclear plants, it has created a sector that offers high-value careers for at least the next 100 years ahead, providing job security for decades.'The GPO Program is one of several education and training initiatives launched by ENEC to ensure a robust pipeline of skilled professionals for the safe and efficient operation of the Barakah Plant throughout its 60-year life span and beyond. It complements ENEC's Graduate Development Program (GDP), which offers 12–30 months of structured, workplace-based learning for Emirati graduates across technical and support functions. Admission criteria for both programmes are closely aligned. Since its inception, ENEC has empowered more than 1,000 Emiratis through programmes such as Scholarships, Train for Work, the GDP, the Diploma in Nuclear Technology (DNT), and Internships. State-of-the-art facilities at Barakah have enabled ENEC to cultivate a team of more than 70 Emirati SROs and ROs, forming the backbone of the plant's 190-strong SRO and RO workforce — a testament to the UAE's success in building a world-class local nuclear workforce. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
ARN News Center
2 hours ago
- ARN News Center
UAE detects 405 cases of fake Emiratisation in half-year review
A total of 405 fake recruitments to bypass Emiratisation targets have been detected at private sector companies across the UAE during the first half of this year. Releasing the numbers, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said they identified the illegal practices during field inspections and digital monitoring system. The companies were caught issuing work contracts without actually offering employment to the Emirati nationals. The ministry added that legal action has been taken against the companies. Under the UAE's Naif programme, private firms must increase the percentage of Emirati recruitment by two per cent every year to reach at least 10 per cent by 2026.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
The Media's Role in Shaping 50 Years of Emirati Women's Stories and the Next 50
As we mark Emirati Women's Day, we celebrate not only the achievements of Emirati women, but also the platforms and voices that have carried their stories to the world. Over the past five decades, the UAE has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the role and visibility of women, a transformation that would not have been possible without the power of media to document, amplify, and inspire. From the earliest days of the Union, Emirati women have been part of the national story, breaking barriers in education, excelling in public service, leading in business, and shaping our cultural identity. The media has documented these milestones, capturing the journey from the first Emirati women graduates and diplomats to the astronauts, ministers, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons of today. This coverage has not been merely observational; it has been instrumental in changing perceptions, opening minds, and creating a shared national narrative of empowerment. The media's role has always been more than just reporting, it has been about framing possibility. The stories we choose to tell, the women we put on front pages, and the voices we feature all shape public imagination. When an Emirati girl sees someone who looks like her leading a ministry, heading a newsroom, or making groundbreaking scientific discoveries, she begins to envision her own potential. A Leader Who Shaped My Path For me personally, this journey has been deeply influenced by working alongside Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, a pioneering leader in the media industry whose vision, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired me on every step of my professional path. Under her leadership, I have learned that media is not just a profession, it is a responsibility. H.E. Mona's ability to combine strategic direction with a deep respect for the power of storytelling has been a living example of what it means to lead with purpose. Working on landmark initiatives such as the Arab Media Summit under her guidance has been transformative for me. These projects did more than just expand my technical skills, they broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of the industry, and shaped my own leadership style. Through her mentorship, I have learned to approach challenges with creativity, to value accuracy and depth over speed, and to always keep the audience, and our nation's values, at the heart of every story. Her example has taught me that leadership in media is as much about empowering people as it is about shaping impactful narratives. She invests in those around her, encourages potential, and creates opportunities for others to grow, lessons that have not only enriched my professional life but also my personal outlook. The Next 50: Empowerment as a Shared Responsibility As we look to the next 50 years, the responsibility for empowerment becomes a shared one. Media must continue to evolve embracing new technologies, engaging diverse audiences, and amplifying voices from every part of society. But equally, institutions, communities, and individuals must see themselves as co-authors of this national narrative. Empowerment cannot be limited to policy or celebration days; it is a daily practice of inclusion, opportunity, and respect. The UAE's approach has always been comprehensive ensuring that women's empowerment is not a separate track, but an essential part of the nation's development. This is why Emirati Women's Day matters for all women, and indeed, for all citizens. It is a day to reaffirm that our progress is collective, and that the achievements of one group are shared by all. We are now entering a global media environment where stories travel faster, but also risk being diluted or misrepresented. This makes it all the more critical for us to take ownership of our narrative to tell our stories with authenticity and courage, and to make sure they reach the widest possible audiences. The platforms may change from newspapers to social media, from television to virtual reality but the mission remains the same: to inspire, to educate, and to connect. Carrying the Flame Forward In the decades ahead, I believe the UAE's media will continue to be a force for good documenting the journeys of our women, championing their successes, and shining a light on the work still to be done. The next chapter will require us to be even more collaborative, more innovative, and more intentional about whose stories we tell and how we tell them. As I reflect on my own journey, I am grateful for the leaders who have shown me the way none more so than H.E. Mona Al Marri, whose example continues to inspire my commitment to telling the stories that matter. Her leadership has not only shaped my career but has also shaped me as a person planting in me the values, vision, and courage to contribute meaningfully to our national narrative. This Emirati Women's Day, I am reminded of something H.E. Mona often demonstrates through her work that the true measure of leadership is not in the titles we hold, but in the horizons we open for others. It is my hope that, in the years to come, I can carry forward even a part of the vision, generosity, and dedication she has shown so that the next generation of Emirati women will not only dream bigger, but know exactly how to make those dreams a reality. Maryam Al Mulla leadership@ Maryam Al Mulla is a leading Emirati media professional and the Director of the Dubai Press Club, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the UAE's media landscape and fostering dialogue between journalists, thought leaders, and policymakers across the region. With a career dedicated to strengthening the media industry, she has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that empower journalists and enhance the role of media in driving knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development. Under her leadership, the Dubai Press Club continues to be a hub for regional and international media engagement. She oversees flagship initiatives such as the Arab Media Forum and the Arab Journalism Award, which recognize excellence, inspire innovation, and elevate Arab journalism on the global stage. Her vision has positioned the Club as a platform that bridges cultures, promotes responsible reporting, and supports the professional growth of media practitioners. In addition to her executive role, Al Mulla is a respected advocate for media innovation, youth empowerment, and the integration of new technologies in journalism. She frequently engages in regional and international forums, highlighting the UAE's leadership in media development and the importance of fostering dialogue in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Beyond her work at the Dubai Press Club, Al Mulla contributes to broader efforts in nation-building and knowledge-sharing through her participation in strategic initiatives that advance the UAE's global reputation. She is recognized as a strong voice for women in leadership, inspiring the next generation of Emirati professionals to pursue careers in media, communication, and public engagement.
