The second edition of the Emirati Women’s Forum opened at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, bringing together senior officials, experts, academics and industry professionals to mark Emirati Women’s Day 2026 under the theme ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, opened the Forum.
Organised by the Dubai Women Establishment under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Forum serves as the Government of Dubai’s main official annual event marking Emirati Women’s Day. This year’s edition also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Women Establishment.
Sheikha Latifa attended several of the Forum’s main sessions and toured its accompanying activations, which highlighted the UAE leadership’s support for Emirati women and their contribution to the country’s development and future. She was accompanied by Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi and Naeema Ahli.
A Focus on Women’s Leadership and Future Sectors
In remarks marking the occasion, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed expressed her gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for its continued support of Emirati women and congratulated Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, on Emirati Women’s Day.
“The theme of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day, ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’, announced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, reflects the evolving ambitions of Emirati women. Their true strength stems from the confidence our leadership has placed in their capabilities and the supportive environment that has provided them with opportunities to learn, develop and achieve.”
Sheikha Manal said the Forum’s second edition continues to provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration across sectors. She emphasised the importance of preparing women leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to change and contribute to future-focused areas of national development.
She also highlighted the role of the Forum in translating the Dubai Women Establishment’s vision into action through capacity-building, innovation and excellence, while recognising the efforts of organisations across the UAE to create inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Women Establishment, described the achievements of Emirati women as closely connected to the UAE’s broader development story.
“The success story of Emirati women is inseparable from the success of a nation that, since its founding, has placed people at the centre of its development and recognised women as essential partners in building its future.”
Al Marri also highlighted Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s longstanding role in supporting and empowering Emirati women, describing her influence as extending across generations.
Forum Marks Two Decades of DWE
For Naeema Ahli, CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment, the 2026 edition carries additional significance as the organisation marks its 20th anniversary.
“Since its inception, the Dubai Women Establishment has sought to be more than an organisation dedicated to women. It was created as a platform to generate opportunities, develop talent and enable Emirati women to play a central role in shaping the future.”
Ahli said the Establishment is entering a new phase of ambition, building on two decades of initiatives, programmes and projects aimed at strengthening women’s participation in national development. She added that the Forum supports policy development by bringing together decision-makers, national experts and private-sector representatives to exchange experiences and best practices.
The 2026 Forum brought together 2,000 attendees from government, semi-government and private-sector organisations across the UAE. Its programme included seven main sessions and six specialised workshops, with 18 leaders, government officials and industry professionals participating as speakers.
Discussions addressed women’s achievements and participation in future-focused sectors, while workshops examined sustainability, innovation, finance, media, negotiation, entrepreneurship, culture and the arts. The workshops were organised in collaboration with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Dubai Culture, DIB Academy, Dubai Media Academy at Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and the New Economy Academy.
The programme brought together figures from areas including education, future development, tourism, finance, law, urban planning and infrastructure, reflecting the Forum’s cross-sector approach to women’s leadership and professional development.
With its focus on dialogue, skills development, policy and professional exchange, the second Emirati Women’s Forum continues to position women’s participation within the UAE’s broader national development agenda.
