Registration Opens for Emirati Women’s Forum 2026, Strengthening Women’s Empowerment Under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed
Dubai: The Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) has officially announced the opening of registration for the second edition of the Emirati Women’s Forum 2026, scheduled to take place on 27 August at Madinat Jumeirah. This year’s forum is held under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment, and is also the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
The Emirati Women’s Forum coincides with the UAE’s celebrations of Emirati Women’s Day, which this year adopts the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better.” This theme was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the ‘Mother of the Nation,’ who is the Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The partnerships announced for the forum enhance the collaboration between the Dubai Women Establishment and various government, semi-government, and private-sector organizations. These partnerships underscore a collective commitment to fostering an empowering environment for women across different sectors, thereby contributing to the UAE’s global leadership and competitiveness.
Registration for the forum is now open, allowing participants to sign up for panel discussions and other activities through the designated registration link.
Key partners for the forum include the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as the Strategic Partner, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority as the Cultural Partner, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) as Key Partners. Additionally, Dubai Media Incorporated serves as the Media Partner, while the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the Dubai Business Women Council are recognized as Supporting Partners, with Hills Advertising designated as the Advertising Partner.
Focus on Emirati Women’s Contributions
The forum will feature panel discussions and workshops attended by senior officials, decision-makers, and business leaders, focusing on the contributions of Emirati women to comprehensive development. Topics will include their roles in specialized and future-oriented fields, as well as the initiatives and policies that support the UAE’s vision for the future.
Representatives from participating organizations expressed their pride in supporting the forum, which reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to advancing women’s roles and recognizing their contributions across various sectors.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), emphasized that the authority’s support for the Emirati Women’s Forum 2026 aligns with national initiatives that spotlight the contributions of Emirati women. He noted that the forum serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and success stories that illustrate the growing role of women in the UAE’s comprehensive development.
Commitment to Empowerment
Al Tayer remarked that Emirati women have shown their ability to excel and take on responsibilities across diverse sectors, significantly contributing to government, economic, and social development. He highlighted that the RTA is dedicated to providing a supportive workplace for Emirati women, investing in their professional and leadership development, and creating opportunities for their involvement in strategic projects.
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, stated that the Emirati Women’s Forum 2026 reflects the limitless ambition of Emirati women and their crucial role in the UAE’s development since the establishment of the Union. He expressed pride in DEWA’s role as the Strategic Partner of the forum, particularly during the ‘Year of the Family,’ and reiterated the importance of empowering women in various sectors.
Advancing Women’s Roles in Society
His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, noted that the prominent position of Emirati women today is a result of the leadership’s vision that has championed women’s empowerment and equal opportunity since the UAE’s founding. He affirmed that the Emirati Women’s Forum is a leading platform for promoting women’s empowerment and their contributions to sustainable development.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Women Establishment, highlighted that the partnerships formed for the forum reflect strong collaboration between government and the business community to enhance Emirati women’s participation across sectors. She emphasized that expanding women’s participation and ensuring equal opportunities are vital for sustaining the UAE’s achievements and enhancing its global competitiveness.
Cultural Contributions and Future Aspirations
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, stated that the Emirati Women’s Forum serves as an essential platform to celebrate the contributions of Emirati women and their impact on society and the UAE’s global competitiveness. She reiterated the commitment to empowering women and enhancing their roles in cultural sectors.
Dr. Adnan Chilwan, Group Chief Executive Officer of DIB, remarked that the influence Emirati women have achieved across sectors reflects a national vision that has consistently supported their capabilities. He emphasized the importance of partnerships that align with the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023–2031, which aims to invest in Emirati female talent.
Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Founder and President of the Dubai Business Women Council, expressed pride in being a Supporting Partner of the Emirati Women’s Forum 2026, recognizing it as a key platform that celebrates the achievements of Emirati women and their contributions to the UAE’s economic and social development.
Feryal Ahmadi, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), highlighted the importance of enabling women to succeed and lead in advancing Dubai’s long-term economic ambitions. She noted that initiatives such as the Women in Law workshop aim to create practical opportunities for women to contribute and progress in leadership roles.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-08-22 13:35:00 • By the Editorial Desk

