Sheikha Latifa Opens Emirati Women’s Forum 2026 in Dubai

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), on Thursday inaugurated the Emirati Women’s Forum 2026, held as part of the UAE’s celebrations of Emirati Women’s Day.

The forum is being held under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” announced by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

Organised by the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), the second edition of the forum was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of the Dubai Women Establishment.

Sheikha Latifa attended several main sessions and toured accompanying activations highlighting the UAE leadership’s support for Emirati women and recognition of their contributions to the country’s development and future.

She was accompanied by Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, and DWE CEO Naeema Ahli.

On the occasion, Sheikha Manal expressed her appreciation to President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for their continued support for Emirati women and encouragement for them to pursue excellence across various fields.

She also congratulated Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and praised her pioneering initiatives in supporting and empowering women, describing her lifelong contributions as a lasting source of inspiration for Emirati and Arab women.

Sheikha Manal said the theme of this year’s Emirati Women’s Day reflects the evolving ambitions of Emirati women and their confidence in their ability to contribute to the country’s development.

She emphasized the importance of continued investment in women leaders and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and capabilities required to respond to emerging changes and contribute to future-focused sectors.

Sheikha Manal noted that, for the second consecutive year, the Emirati Women’s Forum has served as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaboration across sectors, supporting policies and initiatives that strengthen women’s role as key partners in the UAE’s growth and prosperity.

She added that the forum translates the DWE’s vision into action by preparing qualified women leaders, strengthening capacity-building and fostering innovation and excellence.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Women Establishment, highlighted the achievements of Emirati women and the UAE’s distinguished global standing.

She said the success of Emirati women was closely linked to the UAE’s development model, which has placed people at the centre of national progress and recognised women as essential partners in building the country’s future.

Al Marri praised the role of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak in supporting generations of Emirati women and said this year’s theme reflected her vision of building on achievements as a foundation for further success.

She further highlighted the importance of the UAE’s long-term vision, institutions and supportive legislation in enabling Emirati women to play active roles in workplaces, leadership and decision-making.

In her opening address, DWE CEO Naeema Ahli said this year’s Emirati Women’s Day carried special significance as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the establishment.

Ahli highlighted the organisation’s achievements over the past two decades in advancing the role of Emirati women and strengthening their contribution to national development. She said the DWE was established not only as an organisation dedicated to women but also as a platform for creating opportunities, developing talent and enabling Emirati women to help shape the future.

The forum, which serves as the Government of Dubai’s main annual official event marking Emirati Women’s Day, brought together around 2,000 senior officials, experts, academics and industry professionals from government, semi-government and private-sector organisations across the UAE.

The event featured seven main sessions and six specialised workshops, with 18 leaders, government officials and industry professionals participating as speakers.

Discussions focused on the achievements of Emirati women across diverse fields and explored ways to expand their participation in vital and future-oriented sectors. Sessions also highlighted policies, initiatives and institutional practices aimed at strengthening women’s contribution to national development and future planning.

Held at Madinat Jumeirah, the forum brought together prominent figures from government, business, culture, education and other sectors.

The specialised workshops were organised in cooperation with entities including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Culture, DIB Academy, Dubai Media Academy, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the New Economy Academy.

The workshops addressed women’s roles and achievements in areas including sustainability, innovation, finance, media, negotiation, entrepreneurship, culture and the arts.