Emirati Women in 2024: Milestone Achievements in “Political Empowerment”

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The UAE concludes 2024 with remarkable accomplishments in the political, diplomatic, and parliamentary empowerment of women, alongside progress in various other fields.

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These achievements strengthen the role of the “Daughters of Zayed” in contributing to national development, achieving strategic goals, and promoting the UAE’s message of tolerance, peace, and human fraternity worldwide.

Just days before the end of 2024, a cabinet reshuffle on December 8 increased the number of female ministers to 10 with the establishment of a new ministry called the “Ministry of Family.”
This reshuffle followed Amira Obeid Al-Hafiti’s swearing-in on November 26 before UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking her appointment as the UAE ambassador to the Netherlands. This came a month after Dr. Sagheera Wabran Hamad Al-Ahbabi was named ambassador to Paraguay, furthering the diplomatic empowerment of women.

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In August, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security by graduating another cohort of the “Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women’s Empowerment in Peace and Security.” This highlights the UAE’s pivotal role in supporting the global Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

On the parliamentary front, Emirati women secured significant positions, including chairing the Parliamentary Women’s Forum within the Mediterranean Parliament during elections held in May 2024.

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These successes were widely acknowledged, with the UN commending the UAE’s efforts on December 19. The UAE ranked 7th globally and 1st regionally in the UN’s Gender Equality Index for 2024.

With unwavering support from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE accelerates towards its vision of becoming “the best country in the world” by its union’s centennial in 2071.

This commitment is evident with women holding 10 ministerial positions, occupying 50% of parliamentary seats, and making up 43% of the workforce in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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These figures, among the highest worldwide, underscore the UAE leadership’s trust in women and their role in decision-making, fostering development and prosperity.

10 Female Ministers

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a staunch advocate for women, championing their success as key partners in development, following the legacy of the late founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Under his leadership, multiple cabinet reshuffles have consistently enhanced women’s representation. The latest reshuffle, announced on December 8 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, introduced the “Ministry of Family” led by Sana bint Mohammed Suhail and rebranded the Ministry of Community Development to the “Ministry of Community Empowerment,” under Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrouei’s leadership.

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In July, another reshuffle appointed Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, a newly created portfolio.

These adjustments reflect the UAE leadership’s trust in women’s capabilities to build a better future.

With 10 female ministers comprising 26% of the government, the UAE continues to lead the Arab world in women’s participation in decision-making bodies and leadership positions.

New Ambassadors

In the diplomatic sphere, efforts to strengthen empowerment within the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue, making it a model to emulate in this regard.

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In recent weeks, several new ambassadors and diplomats have been appointed. On November 26, Amira Obaid Al-Hafiti was sworn in before His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This followed the swearing-in, on October 15, of Dr. Saghira Woran Hamad Mubarak Al-Ahbabi as the Ambassador to the Republic of Paraguay.

Both ambassadors expressed their pride in the trust placed in them by the wise leadership and affirmed their commitment to serving the UAE’s interests with integrity and dedication.

Additionally, on September 11, a new cohort of 55 young diplomats, both men and women, was sworn in before His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

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These new diplomats join a cadre of exceptional Emirati women playing key roles in:

• Providing support and assistance to UAE citizens abroad.
• Strengthening the UAE’s foreign relations.
• Building bridges of cooperation with friendly and allied nations to serve the country’s highest interests and bolster its leading position regionally and internationally.

One of the most inspiring figures in Emirati diplomacy is Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs. She previously served as the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and became the first Gulf woman to preside over the UN Security Council. Her exceptional skills and experience have been instrumental in implementing the UAE’s policies supporting security, peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also includes two female ministers: Reem bint Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Noura bint Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Minister of State.

Security and Peace

The UAE has strengthened its full support for women’s empowerment in all areas of life, particularly in security and peace, under the leadership of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the “Mother of the UAE,” President of the General Women’s Union, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

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The “Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security,” which has trained hundreds of women from the Arab world, Africa, and Asia in leadership skills in security and peacekeeping, serves as a shining example in this field.

Last August, the General Women’s Union celebrated the graduation of the fourth military training course as part of this initiative, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and coordinated with the UN Women Liaison Office in Abu Dhabi.

This initiative is part of a broader strategic vision to enhance women’s roles in security decision-making and ensure sustainable peace.

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The fourth cohort included participants from ten countries, including the UAE, aiming to build women’s capacities in peace and security, establish networks for women working in the military and peacekeeping sectors, and increase their representation in these fields.

The UAE stands as a key partner in promoting women’s participation in security and peace, increasing the number of women qualified to work in the military sector, and achieving the strategic objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. It continues its relentless efforts to support and empower women and girls globally in these fields.

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Parliamentary Leadership

The trust in Emirati women‘s capabilities has not been limited to political and diplomatic fields but has also extended to parliamentary domains at both national and international levels. This was highlighted by the election of Maryam Majid bin Thaniah, the Second Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE, as Chairwoman of the Women’s Parliamentary Forum of the Mediterranean Parliament. This election took place last May during the 18th plenary session of the Parliament in Braga, Portugal.

The success of Emirati women through their membership in the Federal National Council and their involvement in parliamentary work demonstrates the leadership and progress achieved by the UAE in empowering women.

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Domestically, women participate in all council discussions related to draft laws, questioning government representatives, and addressing public issues. In parliamentary diplomacy, they align with the state’s orientations and priorities, presenting its positions on various matters.

They also contribute to parliamentary committees at the Gulf level, as well as Arab, Islamic, and international parliamentary unions and specialized conferences. Key issues addressed include:

• Contributing to the United Nations’ developmental goals and international efforts.
• Advocating for fundamental rights, including eliminating all forms of discrimination against women.
• Combating terrorism and extremism in all its forms, which also impact women.
• Strengthening the role of national parliaments in supporting women’s inclusion and benefiting from development programs.

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The UAE’s inspiring experience in empowering women was praised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in a report released last March titled “Women in Parliament”. The report highlighted the UAE’s leadership in gender parity, alongside Mexico and Andorra.

In October 2023, the UAE held its first parliamentary elections under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan‘s presidency, marking the fifth national elections and a historic milestone in women’s empowerment. Women’s participation in these elections reached 51%, surpassing men’s participation of 49%.

These elections also implemented, for the second time, the decision by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to raise women’s representation in the Federal National Council to 50%, first introduced in the 2019 elections. This proportion is the highest in the region and among the highest globally, cementing the UAE’s leadership in empowering women politically.

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United Nations Recognition

As 2024 draws to a close, the UAE continues to celebrate the inspiring achievements of “The Daughters of Zayed” across various fields, both locally and internationally. These accomplishments reflect the unwavering support of the country’s leadership and its commitment to empowering women in diverse areas, especially political and diplomatic, making the UAE a global model in women’s political empowerment.

This experience has garnered international recognition on numerous occasions. Most recently, Reem Al Salem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, commended the UAE’s efforts to empower women across all domains.

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Al Salem emphasized that the UAE demonstrates significant progress in promoting women’s rights and participation in all sectors, including political and economic. She noted that the UAE ranked 7th globally and 1st regionally in the UN Gender Equality Index for 2024. Additionally, the World Bank awarded the UAE an exceptional score of 82.5 out of 100 in women’s rights for 2023, highlighting its strong commitment.

Finally, she praised the vital role of institutions such as the General Women’s Union and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood in supporting and raising awareness among women, commending the various programs implemented to assist victims of violence.

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