UAE marks 44th National Day; Reports on Progress

Women’s participation in the electoral bodies (colleges) throughout the country reached 48%, confirming the leadership’s commitment to the process of enabling women to take on leading roles in all activities in the country. Since the first FNC elections in 2006, women’s participation has remained remarkable. Nine women now represent their country in the Council, while in November, 2015, one, Dr. Amal Al Qubeisi, was elected as the Council’s Speaker, a first in the Arab world. The UAE Federal Government currently has four female ministers, while other women serve as ambassadors, judges, consuls-general and high-ranking police and army officers.

The UAE Government has established the UAE Gender Balance Council which aims to enhance the role of women as key partners in building the future of the nation. The Council works to provide equal opportunities in all sectors and ensure gender balance in all decision-making agendas to enhance the position of the UAE in global indices and indicators related to the gender gap. The Gender Balance Council is also mandated to provide support in enabling women to fulfil their roles and duties in the best possible manner.

The role of Emirati women in economic development is prominent, with more than 12,000 UAE women running around 18,000 enterprises with a capital of US$12.5 billion. This led to the formation of UAE Business Women Council, a comprehensive network of businesswomen, professionals and women from the academic world that is supported by the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Council provides support to business women, offering advice and undertaking feasibility studies for women keen to start their own business.

UAE Youth

The UAE leadership has prioritised its youth from the early days of the Federation and spares no effort in empowering them with access to scientific knowledge and advanced facilities. The UAE is committed to establishing advanced educational institutes and attracting the required academic talents and experts to work in the country. The leadership seeks to provide the nation’s youth with knowledge and skills to take active part in the process of sustainable development.

The UAE government works strategically to provide best-in-class education to Emirati youth, qualifying them for the job market. The government also encourages employment of Emiratis in the private sector due to its importance in social and economic development.

A number of initiatives have been launched to support the youth and their ambitions. The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Awards for Young Business Leaders to reward and acknowledge distinguished young entrepreneurs. In addition to honouring individuals for their contributions toward the local community, the award also recognises organisations that contribute to the development of business leaders and entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Takatuf, a national volunteering programme, is another initiative that targets the UAE youth. The initiative is supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and offers youth the opportunity to volunteer in a number of social and humanitarian programmes.

The Kafa’at Youth Leadership Programme is an initiative that aims to discover and harness leadership potential and help the youth identify their chosen career path. The initiative has evolved as a successful youth model for joint programmes with key partners and stakeholders to offer long-term effective solutions. It is today well known for career development projects that help inspire young Emiratis and enable them to select their preferred educational disciplines based on their future career choices.

All of these programmes and allied initiatives have contributed to the consolidation and unity of the UAE people based on the leadership’s vision. They have contributed to the people of the UAE standing by their country at all times and in every circumstance. This solidarity was clearly evident in the brave stance and sacrifices of the UAE’s soldiers and the patriotic approach of the martyrs’ families. The people of the UAE have clarified that they will go all the way in safeguarding their country and nation.

Humanitarian initiative

The UAE strives to support the needs of people in areas affected by conflicts and catastrophes. The UAE ranks first among donor countries in relation to donation size as a percentage of the national GDP. The UAE is keen to ensure security, stability and development in the region. The country realises its responsibility in the Arab world and has continually made great efforts in providing support to Arab countries and the wider region.