As he celebrates 10 years as the ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed has praised His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for backing women.

In an article titled Ten Years of Empowerment Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of UAE Gender Balance, and President of Dubai Women Establishment, lauded Sheikh Mohammed for his support to Emirati women.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has supported women in the region

The Sheikha, who is the wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, highlighted how the Dubai ruler has enabled women in the region to play an effective role in serving in the UAE.

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“The only preoccupation of Sheikh Mohammed, the father and leader, is with how to empower his country, people and government to achieve excellence. It is no wonder because he was raised by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum who gave his son the spirit of leadership and courage to confront hardships and even turn them into success,” she said.

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The Sheikha Manal, who went to a school led by Sheikh Mohammed, added that she was privileged to be taught dedication and determination – “It was more than raising a child… It was the process of preparing leaders who are capable of shouldering responsibilities and leading development, a top priority for him.”

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Sheikh Mohammed has be instrumental in smashing the glass ceiling in the Middle East, in 2015 alone the UAE government appointed their first female speaker while an Emirati woman was also appointed a position in the UN.

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We definitely feel with the help of rulers like Sheikh Mohammed, 2016 is the year for women in the region.

For inspiration here are five of the UAE’s most inspiring women:

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi 

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi

The UAE’s first-ever female cabinet minister is also ranked at position 42 on Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women 2015 list because of her philanthropic endeavors.

 

Reem Al Hashimy

Reem Al Hashimy

Minister of State and Managing Director of the Dubai World Expo 2020 Bid Committee and is also chair for charity Dubai Cares.

 

Nayla Hayek

Nayla Hayek

Lebanese-born Nyala splits her time between Dubai and Switzerland, working as the chairwoman for Swatch and the CEO for Harry Winston. She is also an international Arabian horse judge.

 

Fatima Al Jaber

Fatima Al Jaber

COO of UAE’s construction company Al Jaber Group. She is also a speaker at business conferences and an ambassador for women in the workplace.

 

Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed

Emirati politician and President of Dubai Women Establishment.

 

Images: Getty

Main image: Model