Dubai: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), on Thursday inaugurated the Emirati Women's Forum 2026. The event aligns with the UAE's celebration of Emirati Women's Day under the theme "We Emerge Stronger and Better," a theme announced by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the 'Mother of the Nation.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the Forum's second edition, organized by the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), occurred under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. H.H. Sheikha Manal is also the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of the DWE, highlighting her influential role in fostering gender equality within the UAE.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed engaged with several main sessions of the Forum and explored its accompanying activations, underscoring the UAE leadership's commitment to empowering Emirati women. Her attendance was complemented by notable figures such as Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and other distinguished guests.
On this significant occasion, H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed expressed her gratitude to the UAE leadership for their unwavering support of Emirati women. She also extended her congratulations to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her initiatives aimed at empowering women, emphasizing that her contributions remain a source of inspiration for Emirati and Arab women.
H.H. Sheikha Manal highlighted the theme of this year's Emirati Women's Day as a reflection of the evolving ambitions of Emirati women. She emphasized the importance of the supportive environment provided by the UAE leadership, which has been instrumental in offering opportunities for women to excel and contribute to national development.
The Forum served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across various sectors, reinforcing Emirati women's roles as key partners in the UAE's growth. Sheikha Manal reiterated the importance of investing in women's leadership and equipping them with the necessary skills to respond to future challenges.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Women Establishment, acknowledged the UAE's global standing and the achievements of Emirati women. She credited H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for her profound influence on Emirati women's lives and highlighted the theme "We Emerge Stronger and Better" as a testament to the UAE's long-term vision for women's empowerment.
The Emirati Women's Forum, marking the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Women Establishment, attracted 2,000 participants, including senior officials, experts, and industry professionals. The event featured seven main sessions and six specialized workshops, showcasing the achievements of Emirati women and facilitating discussions on their expanding roles in future-focused sectors.
The Forum took place at Madinat Jumeirah and featured prominent speakers, including government officials and industry leaders. Workshops organized in collaboration with various entities explored women's roles in sustainability, innovation, finance, media, and entrepreneurship, among other fields.
The Emirati Women's Forum 2026 not only celebrated the achievements of Emirati women but also reinforced the UAE's commitment to empowering them as essential partners in shaping the nation's future. The collaborative efforts of government, semi-government, and private-sector organizations exemplified the UAE's development model, supporting initiatives that develop female leaders and promote excellence and innovation.