Dubai: Shaikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stressed the indispensable role of women as an active driving force in the nation’s sustainable development.

“As the UAE is marking the second Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, I would like to highlight three main pillars demonstrating the authenticity and value of Emirati women as strategic partners of their male counterparts in achieving sustainable development. First, women in our beloved country have delivered remarkable successes thanks to God and the encouragement by the loyal leadership and support of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the UAE General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, for women’s issues and aspirations. Second, Emirati woman have proved their merit in professional, political, health, security, social, economic and educational spheres and other fields with strength and excellence. Third, UAE woman are willing and certainly ready to offer sacrifices and show loyalty in the service of the nation out of their loyalty to the leadership and the homeland,” Shaikha Hind said.

In a statement ahead of the event, Shaikha Hind extended warm congratulations to Shaikha Fatima (Mother of the Nation) on the observation of the second Emirati Women’s Day under the theme ‘Women and Innovation’.

Shaikha Hind said, “UAE women have become a key partner in leading the sustainable development and are now assuming senior leadership roles in the sovereign, executive and legislative authorities, including the presidency of the Federal National Council. The UAE women boast of having the highest representation in ministerial portfolios in the Arab region.”

Thanks to their qualifications and leadership skills, she noted, UAE women have taken up jobs in the judiciary, public prosecution as well as other sectors that require highly educated and trained professionals such as renewable energy, space, engineering, civil and military aviation, air defence, and ministry of interior, to name a few.

“They are gold chapters in the wall of humanity that shows the highest, exceptional standing UAE women have reached thanks to God and the wise and loyal leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Mohammad and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,” she added.

She noted that this year’s theme of the celebrations fits well with the government’s strategy to promote the values of quality, innovation, creativity and excellence.

August 28 was declared Emirati Women’s Day. The date marks the creation of the General Women’s Union in 1975, and is considered a chance to celebrate Emirati women’s achievements since the union was founded.