Carrying the national theme of “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years,” Emirati Women’s Day this year commemorates five decades since the founding of the General Women’s Union in 1975. The twin observance highlights the country’s “Year of Community” ambition and underscores Emirati women’s evolving roles across sectors.
Emirates Islamic’s souq offered a curated platform for small‑scale businesswomen and artisans to connect with a wider audience, aligning with broader trends in institutional support for gender‑conscious economic inclusion. Through the initiative, the bank reaffirmed its alignment with national efforts to facilitate community engagement and empowerment.
Central to this year’s observance is the focus on deepening social cohesion while honouring the legacy of Emirati women’s empowerment. Since its inception, the General Women’s Union—under the guidance of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak—has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s roles in national development, fostering identity, solidarity and partnership as core values.
Parallel events have reinforced the celebratory spirit across the UAE. In Dubai, a community walk‑run was held at Dubai Mall under the “Mallathon” initiative to promote wellness and commemorate women’s strides in society, consistent with royal directives and community health priorities.
The broader narrative of celebration is rooted in progress on representation and legal reform. Emirati women have increasingly taken leadership positions in governance, law, economy and education, reinforcing their place as central contributors to national growth.
The “Pearls of the Nation” initiative stands out as a striking example of private sector partnership in public commemoration. By showcasing entrepreneurship and tradition in a communal setting, the programme not only celebrated creative innovation but also demonstrated how financial institutions can foster women’s economic agency.
At its core, Abu Dhabi’s “Year of Community” reflects a vision of collective advancement—one where empowering women is synonymous with strengthening society. The souq, as a site of exchange and cultural affirmation, manifested that principle by bringing a diverse array of Emirati women’s talents into the spotlight.
Across these events, themes converge: recognition of historical progress, encouragement of active participation, and reinforcement of women as co-architects of the nation’s future. As Emirati Women’s Day unfolds under the banner of historic milestone and communal unity, institutions like Emirates Islamic and national organisers alike are weaving celebratory expression with institutional empowerment in ways that extend beyond symbolism.
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