Emirati Women’s Day in UAE 2024: Date, History, Facts about Emirati Women

Every year, Emirati Women’s Day is celebrated on August 28. In 2015, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, also known as The Mother of the Nation, established the Emirati Women’s Day. On this day, the General Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates was established, and this unique holiday is observed to recognise Emirati women’s efforts and honour their dedication, tenacity, aspirations, and achievements in shaping the United Arab Emirates. It recognises the achievements of Emirati women over the past 50 years as well as their aspirations for the future.

The background of Emirati Womens Day

On August 15, 2015, Her Highness announced the first Emirati Women’s Day celebration. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is a Mubarak family member. On this day in 1975, the General Women’s Union of the United Arab Emirates was founded. Her Royal Majesty Sheikha Fatima is the widow of the UAE’s Founding Father. She holds the positions of President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. She is known as the Mother of the United Arab Emirates and the Mother of the Sheikhs. At the end of the 1990s, she stated publicly that women should be permitted to serve on the Federal National Council of the Emirates.

Sheikha Fatima is also an advocate for adult education and free public education for females. She has always been an ardent advocate for female athletes. Sheikha Fatima unveiled the first National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in the Gulf Cooperation Council (G.C.C.) on March 30, 2021. By supporting Resolution 1325 of the United Nations Security Council, the strategy seeks to empower and inspire women worldwide.

In 2017, Sheikha Fatima was honoured by U.N. Women, an international humanitarian organisation, for her efforts to promote female equality and empowerment in the United Arab Emirates. Initiated by Her Highness, Emirati Women’s Day is celebrated to recognise Emirati women’s contributions and honour their commitment, fortitude, and achievements in moulding the nation.

5 FACTS CONCERNING EMIRATI WOMEN

There are over 20,000 female entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates, representing at least 10% of all Emirati business proprietors.

66% of government positions are held by women in the United Arab Emirates, with 30% of these occupied by women in key decision-making positions.

The illiteracy rate among Emirati women has decreased from 89.8% in 1970 to 7.3% in 2017.

In the United Arab Emirates, 95% of female high school graduates enrol in university, compared to 80% of male high school graduates.

About 20% of the diplomatic personnel in the United Arab Emirates are female.

EMIRATI WOMENS DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	August 28	Monday
2024	August 28	Wednesday
2025	August 28	Thursday
2026	August 28	Friday
2027	August 28	Saturday