UAE, 27 August 2019:   “Emirati women play a pivotal role in local and global societies, thanks in part to the strong support provided by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who enabled women to play active roles in the UAE’s development and progress. Today, Emirati women retain  the support and confidence of the wise leadership, led by the vision of H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; his brother H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and Rulers of the UAE.

By the efforts of our beloved country, the UAE has been building a safe and conducive environment where women can thrive and be a proactive contributor to local society’s prosperity and development. The celebration every year of Emirati Women’s Day coincides with the foundation day of the General Women’s Union, which was established in 1975 to empower female Emiratis, reinforce their presence in various fields of development, and enhance their national participation alongside their male counterparts. Today, we celebrate their achievements through which they have been able to prove their ability and competence to hold various positions and assume with confidence all roles entrusted to them.
 
Many Emirati women now hold leadership positions and other high-level roles across fields and areas, including medicine, engineering, education, humanitarian works, economy, and the armed forces. They have become a symbol of success, will, and perseverance. Women have also taken on all types of technical and vocational jobs - especially in the traditionally men-dominated maritime sector – contributing to their respective sectors’ global advancement. 

Today, Emirati women have become a vital part of the UAE’s maritime community, where they hold key administrative and technical positions. With their presence in the maritime industry, they have proven their capacity to perform their tasks and duties creatively and excellently. In recognition of their achievements and successes in the maritime field, we will shed light on their contributions on the global stage during the World Maritime Day in Colombia. Our efforts will be timely given that this year’s World Maritime Day will focus on women empowerment in the maritime sector. The global theme aims to promote women’s vital maritime contributions and expand their professional role across all maritime segments. We are proud to work alongside women, who are our true partners in shaping the future of the maritime sector in the country. We applaud their commitment to help develop the domestic maritime sector, a key economic pillar, and enhance the national economy.