Emirati women up the economic ante

Dubai: The size of investment in the UAE by Emirati women has passed the dozen billion dirhams while the number of investors is about 12,000 businesswomen, Dr. Mohammad Ahmad Al Murr, Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council, said in his keynote speech at the opening of the 3rd Arab Women Leadership Forum in Dubai.

“The growth of participation by Emirati women in economic sectors was remarkable at 25.3 per cent per annum and the total value of female investment across the UAE contributed Dh12.4 billion,” Al Murr added.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the forum, accompanied byu Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Princess Ameerah Al Taweel, Vice Chairwoman and General Secretary of Al Waleed Bin Talal Foundation.

The forum is the flagship event of the Dubai Women Establishment. It explores issues related to women’s participation in high-ranking corporate positions and supports expanding their representation further in the economy. The Establishment also helps women find work-life balance and supplies training and developmental opportunities to them. Ultimately, it seeks to foster a culture of greater respect and acceptance of women in corporate boardrooms.

Prior to inaugurating the forum, Shaikh Mohammad toured an art exhibition on the sidelines with a theme about women empowerment. The show featured eight Emirati women artists.

“The women of the Emirates have great achievements on the education, professional and political levels. They could play a bigger role in government institutions, parliament and in boosting our economy,” Al Murr added.

Furthermore, he attributed the successful role of women to the strong support of the country’s leadership and their strong conviction that women participation is the key to real development.

“We all face real difficulties along the path of empowering women as empowerment cannot be just lip service or rhetoric. It is an important process and having us all here at this forum is testament to our will to follow such path,” Princess Ameerah Al Taweel said.

“The message we want to send is that Arab women are capable of contributing to the economy, politics, education, and across most fields… and empowering women is also one of the main principles in Islam,” she added.

Attending on behalf of Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Presiddent of DWE, Mona Al Marri, Chairperson of the DWE Board, thanked Shaikh Mohammad for his role in supporting and empowering Emirati women.

“Our goal in this forum is not simply to improve our image but to accomplish tangibles that would empower women and Sheikh Mohammad has always believed that the pride of the country rests on such matters and we will prove him right,” added Mona.