Latest news with #SheikhaManal


Khaleej Times
24-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed's daughter mourns passing of former school principal
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, has paid tribute to Sister Samira Ayoub, the long-serving principal of Al Rashid Al Saleh Private School in Dubai, who passed away. On Saturday, Sheikha Manal, the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, shared a photo from her childhood on her Instagram account, recalling Sister Samira's warmth and guidance. In the photo, she is standing next to Sister Samira, wearing traditional Emirati dress. Sister Samira has her arm around the young Sheikha Manal. And in a in a heartfelt message, Sheikha Manal wrote: 'Deeply saddened by the loss of Sister Samira Ayoub. Her kindness and guidance will never be forgotten. May she rest in the eternal peace she so richly deserves." In 1984, Sister Samira Ayoub began her journey at Al Rashid Al Saleh Private School, the first private school managed by Catholic nuns and licenced by the Ministry of Education in Dubai. The school was founded in 1971. She remained there until 2023, leading the school with love and dedication. She was not only a principal but also a sister, a mother, and a friend to many. She devoted her life to educating generations and serving people. She was present in every part of the school and in many hearts. The school issued a statement mourning her passing: 'Farewell to a nun like no other. We will miss you in every corner, in every smile, and in every moment you were a part of.'


Hi Dubai
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Launches Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards to Recognize Female Leadership
The UAE has launched the Gender Balance Council Pledge Awards to celebrate private organizations excelling in women's leadership and gender balance. Announced by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative underscores the country's commitment to integrating gender balance into corporate structures. The awards are a continuation of the UAE's push toward gender equality, following the 2022 SDG 5 Pledge, which set a target of 30% women in leadership roles by 2025. H.H. Sheikha Manal emphasized that the new awards not only acknowledge achievements but also inspire companies to innovate inclusively and align with national priorities. The initiative highlights the UAE's growing role as a global leader in gender balance, with 71 organizations already signing the SDG 5 Pledge. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stated that the next goal is to reach 30% women in leadership roles by 2025 for the initial group and 2028 for newer signatories. With a focus on collaboration, the UAE Gender Balance Council is working with government and private sector partners to foster a culture of inclusion. Key accomplishments include a 21% increase in female labor market participation and a rise in women's representation in leadership roles to 33.8%. The launch of the awards marks a significant milestone in the UAE's gender balance journey, reinforcing the country's vision of equal opportunities for women and men to contribute and thrive. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Hi Dubai
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Strengthens Commitment to Women's Empowerment at BRICS Ministerial Meeting
The UAE reaffirmed its dedication to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment at the BRICS Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting held in Brazil. Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized the critical role of economic empowerment in driving sustainable growth and innovation. Sheikha Manal highlighted the UAE's progressive approach to gender balance, stressing the importance of inclusive policies in areas such as equal pay, parental leave, and women's full participation in the workforce. She noted that the country is also at the forefront of promoting women in climate action and green innovation, with leading roles in sustainability, solar energy, and agriculture. At the meeting, discussions revolved around empowering women through entrepreneurship, enhancing digital safety, and integrating gender equality into climate action. The UAE's strong track record in supporting women entrepreneurs was showcased, with 18% of Emirati entrepreneurs being women, many of whom are under 40. Additionally, the UAE's robust legal frameworks protect women in the digital space, combating online harassment and promoting safe, inclusive digital environments. Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, further emphasized the UAE's leadership in climate action, pointing to the country's gender-inclusive approach at COP28 and its initiatives with UN Women. The meeting, which brought together key leaders from Brazil and other BRICS nations, highlighted the shared global commitment to advancing women's rights. The UAE's participation underscores its ongoing role as a global leader in gender equality and empowerment across diverse sectors. News Source: Dubai Media Office


The National
25-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Economic empowerment of women is a national priority, says President of UAE Gender Balance Council
Gender balance is a priority for the UAE, said Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. Sheikha Manal made her comments at the Brics Women's Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, the Dubai Government Media Office reported on Friday evening. Equal pay, parental leave and the full economic participation of women are at the forefront of the UAE's strategies, Sheikha Manal told the Brics meeting. "Economic empowerment is not only a basic right for women; it is a national priority and a driver of sustainable growth and innovation," said Sheikha Manal, who said empowerment for women is a strategic priority that drives innovation and resilience. She pointed to the leadership role of women in the UAE in sectors such as in sustainability, solar energy and agriculture as proof of the Emirates' commitment to ensuring there is gender balance. Last year, the UAE has ranked seventh on a global list of nations for efforts to promote gender equality. The nation also ranked first in the region on the Gender Inequality Index, which is part of a UN human development report. The meeting in Brazil also heard about the steps taken to prevent violence against women in the UAE. 'We've enacted strong laws to combat cyber harassment, hate speech and misinformation," said Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. "But we must go further and work together internationally to create safer, more inclusive digital spaces.' The impact of Emirati women on the country's economy was also highlighted by Ms Al Marri. 'Emirati women have made a lasting impact on our national economy,' she said. 'Today, they represent 18 per cent of all entrepreneurs, and over 77 per cent are under 40. These achievements result from decades of progressive policies and leadership support.'