Emirati Women’s Forum 2026 Opens Tomorrow, Strengthening Leadership and Opportunities for Women
Dubai: The Emirati Women’s Forum 2026, hosted by the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), is set to commence on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Madinat Jumeirah. This significant event will convene ministers, senior government officials, leaders from the private sector, and national experts to discuss pivotal issues surrounding leadership, artificial intelligence, education, and future opportunities for Emirati women.
The forum aligns with the UAE’s celebration of Emirati Women’s Day 2026, which carries the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better.” This theme was inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, recognized as the “Mother of the Nation,” who serves as 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.
The event is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment. Sheikha Manal is also the wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Platform for Dialogue and Future Opportunities
Sheikha Manal emphasized that the forum exemplifies the UAE’s enduring commitment to empowering women and enhancing their roles as essential contributors to national development. She noted the critical importance of investing in women’s knowledge, skills, and capabilities to equip them for opportunities in emerging sectors.
The forum is designed to serve as a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas, building upon the achievements of Emirati women while forging new pathways for future success.
Seven Sessions and Six Workshops
The agenda for the forum includes seven keynote and panel sessions alongside six specialized workshops. These sessions will spotlight the contributions of Emirati women across various sectors and showcase exemplary institutional practices, policies, and initiatives.
Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of Dubai Women Establishment, remarked that the forum unites decision-makers, leaders, and national talent to explore avenues for expanding Emirati women’s participation and influence in strategic sectors.
Her Excellency Naeema Ahli, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment, highlighted that the UAE leadership’s unwavering support for women’s empowerment is enabling Emirati women to achieve new heights of leadership and impact across diverse fields, including technology, artificial intelligence, space, and renewable energy.
High-Profile Speakers
The forum will feature several distinguished speakers, including Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the first Emirati woman to serve as a government minister in the UAE, who will share her insights and experiences.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, will address the role of education in cultivating future-ready talent. Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet, will discuss how national policies and legislation have facilitated women’s advancement.
Additionally, His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, will examine the implications of artificial intelligence and future technologies on women’s careers and opportunities.
Focus on Leadership and Future Cities
Panel discussions will delve into women’s leadership across critical sectors, workplace practices that support female talent, and the role of governance and human capital development in nurturing future leaders.
A session titled “Dubai… The City of Ambition and Opportunities” will feature Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, who will discuss Dubai’s global success story and the integral role of Emirati women in enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness.
The forum will also explore the future of urban development and quality of life, featuring discussions with Eng. Sanaa Al Aleeli from Dubai Municipality and Eng. Shaikha AlShaikh from the Roads and Transport Authority.
Specialised Workshops
Six workshops, organized in collaboration with strategic partners, will focus on various aspects of women’s empowerment and leadership development. The Emirati Women’s Forum is supported by a diverse array of government and private-sector partners, including DEWA, Dubai Culture, RTA, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Islamic Bank, Dubai Media Incorporated, DMCC, and the Dubai Business Women Council.
Source: www.emirates247.com
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-08-25 18:16:00 • By the Editorial Desk
