Today, August 28, 2020, marks the fifth annual Emirati Women’s Day which was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the nation in 2015.

Honouring women across the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued a message.

Posting a video to his 10.3 million Twitter followers which paid tribute to Emirati women, he expressed his pride towards every female from the UAE.

“To the Emirati women, you worked hard, you accomplished and prove to the world who you are,” he said. “[We are] proud of you, proud of your partnership in the development process, we raise our heads with your achievements. Every year you are better and more beautiful.”

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also shared a message of “gratitude” towards women on Emirati Women’s Day.

“On Emirati Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to all mothers, sisters and daughters for their contributions to our nation, and their instrumental role in the frontline response to COVID-19,” he said. “We congratulate and honour you, and we remain committed to the empowerment of all women.”

This year the theme of the day celebrating UAE women is “Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation”, as announced by the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima, back in May.

This mantra is in line with the nationwide goals of the UAE, after it was announced at the end of 2019 that 2020 would be a year that marks a year of preparation. This is to ready the nation for the UAE’s Golden Jubilee next year.

To mark this incredible day, Emirates Woman spoke to 11 influential women about their pride to be Emirati, how they believe things have changed for women through the years and how they have been supported by other women.

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Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter