DUBAI – On the occasion of the United Arab Emirates’ 54th anniversary of its formation, known as Eid Al Etihad, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC) and President of the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), asserted that the nation continues its determined trajectory toward strengthening its prominent global standing across all sectors. She emphasized that the UAE’s development approach, underpinned by the directives of its leadership, consistently inspires the international community by achieving exceptional rankings across diverse global competitiveness indices.
The annual celebration, themed “United” this year, serves as a poignant reminder of the core values and foundational milestones established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, alongside the other Founding Fathers. According to Her Highness Sheikha Manal, this enduring legacy fostered a modern state built on unity, tolerance, and the crucial empowerment of its citizenry. She noted that the current leadership has sustained this vision by prioritizing the people as the primary force driving a competitive, sustainable economy and a consistently prosperous society.
People as the Nation’s Most Valuable Asset
Under the guidance of the nation’s leadership, the UAE has strategically focused on human capital, recognizing individuals as the country’s most valuable resource. This philosophy has enabled an ambitious development journey marked by outstanding achievements across future-focused strategic domains.
Key areas where the UAE has achieved global excellence include:
- Advanced Technologies: Significant investment and progress in Artificial Intelligence and the knowledge economy.
- Sustainability: Leadership in global renewable energy initiatives.
- Space Exploration: Pioneering regional programs that elevate the country’s scientific profile.
These collective efforts have positioned the UAE among the world’s leading nations regarding quality of life, human development metrics, and, significantly, gender balance and women’s empowerment.
Advancing Gender Balance and Inclusion
Empowering women has been a foundational commitment of the UAE since its establishment. The leadership has consistently provided support and opportunities, ensuring Emirati women become essential partners in progress and decision-making throughout the nation’s development.
Her Highness Sheikha Manal highlighted that the UAE Gender Balance Council (UAE GBC) plays a crucial role in advancing the country’s ranking as a global leader in gender equity, aligning its efforts with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By collaborating closely with federal ministries, the Council has implemented pioneering initiatives that substantially increased the representation of Emirati women in leadership positions.
Looking ahead, the next phase of the UAE’s journey will focus on integrating women even further into crucial future-oriented sectors. Her Highness Sheikha Manal stressed the importance of increasing women’s participation in the green economy and advanced technological fields, reinforcing their integral role in shaping the nation’s future development.
The UAE’s continued success on the global stage, as celebrated through Eid Al Etihad, demonstrates a robust model where human development, strategic vision, and commitment to unity translate directly into outstanding national and international achievements. This enduring commitment positions the UAE not just as a regional leader, but as a global benchmark for inclusive and rapid development.