The doors are open for national women to prove themselves and contribute to society, said Sheikha Manal, daughter of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

National women are already contributing to the development of society, but more is required of them, she said. Women should not let themselves be frustrated by the work environment which sometimes gives priority to men. The government is supporting women more than ever before, said Sheikha Manal, Chairwoman of the Ladies Club.

Sheikha Manal, who is in her early 20s, was speaking after an Iftar meal she hosted for staff of the centres for children with special needs and mothers of some disabled girls.

Sheikha Manal is known to the public for her gentle yet strong style of writing through the letters she wrote during the Dubai Shopping Festival 2000 on the theme "Mother".

She is also known for her humanitarian efforts and the unlimited support she gives to centres for disabled children. In her early 20s, Sheikha Manal has a strong interest in art and is fond of sports, especially horse riding.

Despite her youth, she spoke with confidence and humour on the occasion, answering questions from the press, mainly about the issue of national women. She said that women were playing a bigger role than in the past, and some occupied senior positions in society. There were women doctors, lawyers, directors and some who have their own businesses.

But national women should never allow themselves to become self-satisfied. They should continue to strive to play bigger and bigger roles since they have "proved no less capable than their counterparts elsewhere."

She said: "Ambition and success have no limits."

"National women should be determined. They should not give up in the face of obstacles. Determination is the tool that will help us prove our abilities. And now, unlike any time before, we are supported by the government," she said.

Since the early days of the federation, His Highness President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum supported the education of women.

Now Sheikh Zayed and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, "are supporting the work of women who are given an equal work opportunity with men."

She said: " My father is giving women a golden opportunity." Ministerial posts are now open to them.

"The establishment of organisations to help women play a better role would be welcome. This could include a council in which women's work-related issues can be discussed. We are looking into increasing the activties of the Ladies Club to provide cultural and social services that will develop women's skills and capabilities," she said.