Abu dhabi: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed that the UAE continues to consolidate a development model centered on investing in people and elevating national competencies across sovereign sectors. At the heart of that model stands Emirati women as active partners in nation-building and a core component of national security and sustainable development.
According to Emirates News Agency, in an interview with Zayed Military University Newspaper, Al Hashimy discussed the rapid geopolitical shifts, changing balances of power, and evolving forms of conflict, including cyber, media, and intelligence warfare. These dynamics have strengthened the interconnection between military, economic, and political power, necessitating the preparation of leaders capable of strategic analysis, decisive decision-making, and understanding evolving international policies.
Al Hashimy emphasized that military education in the UAE plays a crucial role in shaping women's leadership and decision-making. It offers an integrated training environment distinct from traditional educational paths, focusing on the level of readiness required and the nature of preparation.
Since the founding of the UAE, leadership has prioritized the role of Emirati women, recognizing their central contribution to national development and ensuring empowerment across fields, including the military. Emirati women have demonstrated distinguished presence and high competence, reflecting responsibility and belonging.
The establishment of Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School as the Gulf's first women's military college marked a pivotal step in strengthening women's roles in national defense and international peacekeeping. H.H Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, has significantly advanced women's education and empowerment.
Zayed Military University's integration of male and female cadets within a unified military training environment is viewed as a regional milestone. This integration enhances leadership efficiency by cultivating participatory leadership and fostering team spirit, communication skills, and confidence.
Investing in the education of Emirati women within military and security tracks is a strategic choice, reflecting the need to build a strong, qualified human capital base. Women bring new intellectual frameworks enhancing security and military institutional readiness.
Emirati female leaders significantly enhance the UAE's presence in international humanitarian and development actions. They lead strategic planning and field implementation effectively under challenging conditions, contributing to the UAE's support for the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Female graduates of Zayed Military University are not merely officers but leaders with strategic mindsets, contributing to a modern defense system based on analysis, risk management, and sustainable thinking.
Looking ahead, Emirati female leadership is set to have a strategic, cross-sectoral impact, characterized by multidisciplinary leadership, active international engagement, and institutional competence. This reflects the maturity of the UAE's institutional experience and readiness to make confident decisions in complex environments.