UAE Gender Balance Forum Highlights Nation's Leadership in Gender Equity
Under the directives of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the forum showcased the UAE's achievements in gender balance and its collaborative efforts with international partners.
In her keynote address, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina emphasized the critical role of equal opportunities in economic and social progress, citing Latvia's policy reforms as a global model. She praised the UAE's advancements, particularly its top rankings in international gender balance indices, including first place regionally and seventh globally in the Gender Equality Index 2024 by the UNDP.
H.H. Sheikha Manal highlighted the UAE's progress in gender equity, attributing success to strategic policies, public-private partnerships, and robust legal reforms. She reaffirmed that gender balance remains a national priority, noting that women now hold 50% of the Federal National Council seats and one-third of ministerial positions. Additionally, 57% of STEM graduates in the UAE are women, one of the highest rates globally.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stressed the significance of deliberate policy-making in achieving these milestones. Huda Al Hashimi, Assistant Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, underscored the importance of gender-inclusive policies in strengthening the economy and national development.
The forum featured a high-profile panel discussion with regional and global experts, including officials from the UAE, Bahrain, and UN Women, who explored legislative advancements and best practices in gender equity.
The UAE Gender Balance Council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusivity and driving global change, positioning the nation as a leader in gender balance and sustainable development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
12 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE leaders congratulate Indonesian President on Independence Day
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar congratulatory messages to the Indonesian President.
Gulf Today
14 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Emiratis living in Hatta to get retail spaces in Sustainable Waterfalls project free of charge for a year
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta has launched 14 new investment and commercial opportunities at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. These opportunities, offered through Dubai Municipality, aim to empower local citizens, creating job opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic and social development in the region. All retail spaces at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will be allocated to Emiratis residing in Hatta, free of charge, for a one-year period — providing a springboard for small businesses and productive families to grow within one of the UAE's most scenic and culturally rich destinations. The initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Hatta Development Master Plan, and the objectives of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta by creating investment opportunities for citizens. It also supports both the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aim to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for tourism, while fostering inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability. Spanning a total area of 750 square metres, the new investment opportunities include: four restaurants, four retail stores and six food and beverage kiosks. The spaces will offer a variety of experiences including Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional cuisine, as well as local cafes, equipment rentals, and souvenir and gift shops. These projects aim to stimulate tourism, support local culture, and promote economic self-sufficiency for Hatta residents. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, 'For the first time, investment and commercial opportunities are being introduced in the Hatta Dam area, specifically at the Sustainable Waterfalls. This marks a significant step in strengthening the local economy and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs. The initiative creates a supportive business environment that generates unique job opportunities for citizens, fosters new projects, and enables productive families and residents to expand their small businesses. These opportunities will drive Hatta's economic development and open the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.' Dubai Municipality invites all citizens residing in Hatta to submit applications at Selection will be based on clear eligibility criteria set by the evaluation committee. The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls is a major tourist attraction within the Hatta Dam area. It features cascading water from the upper dam of the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant flowing over a mosaic mural — the largest of its kind in the world — depicting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The mural spans 2,199 square metres and comprises over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble. WAM
Al Etihad
16 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Supreme Committee for Development of Hatta launches 14 new investment opportunities for citizens at Sustainable Waterfalls project
17 Aug 2025 13:45 DUBAI (WAM)Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta has launched 14 new investment and commercial opportunities at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls opportunities, offered through Dubai Municipality, aim to empower local citizens, creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable economic and social development in the retail spaces at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will be allocated to Emiratis residing in Hatta, free of charge, for a one-year period — providing a springboard for small businesses and productive families to grow within one of the UAE's most scenic and culturally rich initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Hatta Development Master Plan, and the objectives of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta by creating investment opportunities for citizens. It also supports both the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aim to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for tourism, while fostering inclusive economic development and environmental a total area of 750 square metres, the new investment opportunities include: four restaurants, four retail stores, and six food and beverage spaces will offer a variety of experiences, including Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional cuisine, as well as local cafes, equipment rentals, and souvenir and gift projects aim to stimulate tourism, support local culture, and promote economic self-sufficiency for Hatta of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, Bader Anwahi, said, 'For the first time, investment and commercial opportunities are being introduced in the Hatta Dam area, specifically at the Sustainable Waterfalls. This marks a significant step in strengthening the local economy and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs. The initiative creates a supportive business environment that generates unique job opportunities for citizens, fosters new projects, and enables productive families and residents to expand their small businesses. These opportunities will drive Hatta's economic development and open the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.'Dubai Municipality invites all citizens residing in Hatta to submit applications at Selection will be based on clear eligibility criteria set by the evaluation Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls are a major tourist attraction within the Hatta Dam area. It features cascading water from the upper dam of the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant flowing over a mosaic mural — the largest of its kind in the world — depicting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The mural spans 2,199 square metres and comprises over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble.
