Bilal Khalil, Lebanon

“I would say women are emotionally stronger than men in personal issues. An Arabic saying goes that behind every successful man is a strong woman; this saying is not unique to Arabs but to all societies. Women are able to absorb stress, and even when under stress, they remain supportive. Women are very good at multitasking. Women are also better at adapting. if they move to another country, they are more suited to adjusting to the new environment, while I believe that men struggle more at it.”

Women are hard-wired to be stronger
It’s official: Women are stronger than men

Usama Zafir and Minahil Zafir, Pakistani husband and wife

Usama Zafir: “I wouldn’t say women are emotionally or mentally stronger than men, or vice versa. I don’t think you can just generalise. Sometimes I will be able to handle something better than my wife, and there will be times where she reacts in a stronger manner. I do believe [though] that women are more resilient. I think that shows a lot of strength. I would agree with the research that women are able to handle pressure better than men, and this is from my personal experience. My wife tends not to panic in tough situations, and can take sound decisions under pressure.”

Minahil Zafir: “I would disagree that [women] are emotionally stronger than men, because in certain situations, men are stronger. When it comes to adapting and handling pressure, I do feel women are stronger as women we face all sorts of pressures which men do not. Women are more answerable, with more expectations we have to handle.

“I think we do adapt to situations better; for example, I moved to Abu Dhabi because my husband got a job.”

Dr Mohammad Naeemat, 50, Emirati businessman in Abu Dhabi

“Women today take up more challenging jobs and are capable of taking any responsibilities. Of course they are stronger that men. Even the government of the UAE pays special attention towards the empowerment of women, and now their presence can significantly be felt in all government and private sectors of the country. Of course, there are times when men are better in some situations. It’s true that [women] are mentally and physiologically capable of taking up any challenge and they have proved it by holding big positions around the world.”

Mahmoud Al Katib, 67, Jordanian businessman in Abu Dhabi

“Without women, our existence is impossible. Though duties and responsibilities of both are different. Men are men. From driving a car, piloting a plane and travelling to moon, everywhere they have proven their prowess. But [women] have upper hand in nurturing children, it can’t be done by a men. So women are mentally stronger and emotionally attached to babies better than men.”

Sunita Waghle, President, Indian Ladies Association, Abu Dhabi

“Women are stronger than men in all aspects. When the responsibility is on them, they can face any sort of challenge. Women are more resilient under pressure. They multi-task better than men. Scientifically it has been proven that women are physiologically and mentally stronger than men to handle things including children. Keeping children psychologically balanced at home is one of the biggest challenges that women meet in a beautiful manner.”