Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi reflected on her groundbreaking career and the enduring legacy of Emirati women during the second Emirati Women’s Forum in Dubai on August 28, marking Emirati Women’s Day.
Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the United Arab Emirates’ first female Cabinet minister, addressed a plenary session at Madinat Jumeirah, organized by the Dubai Women Establishment. Drawing from decades of government and diplomatic service, she traced the evolution of women’s roles in the UAE—from traditional family caregivers to architects of national policy—and urged Emirati women to safeguard cultural identity while continuing to drive the nation’s development.
A Historic Appointment
Sheikha Lubna’s appointment as Minister of Economy in 2004 shattered regional and global assumptions about Arab women in leadership. Speaking to attendees, she described the milestone as a moment that “challenged prevailing perceptions” of women’s capabilities across the Middle East and beyond.
“Women’s success in the UAE begins with trust, followed by opportunity and empowerment, and the support needed to fulfill their responsibilities and overcome challenges,” she said.
Transitioning from the private sector to lead a ministry of approximately 1,200 employees, Sheikha Lubna credited the backing of the UAE’s leadership and fellow Cabinet members for giving her the confidence to assume her new duties. The strong institutional support, she noted, has remained a hallmark of the country’s approach to gender equity.
Beyond the Cabinet: Historical Roots of Empowerment
The former minister emphasized that women’s contributions to Emirati society long predate the formation of the UAE in 1971. Historically, women managed households, raised children, and sustained communities while men were away for work, effectively serving as the “backbone of the family” and shaping future generations of leaders.
She pointed out that Emirati women had already established themselves in medicine, engineering, and technology before entering politics and senior leadership roles. Their ascent to ministerial positions, she argued, marked a new chapter in a journey that had evolved over decades, not a sudden shift.
Preserving Identity for Future Generations
During her address, Sheikha Lubna stressed that maintaining Emirati identity and transmitting national values to younger generations is a shared responsibility involving leadership, families, communities, and educational institutions. She identified the family as the primary influence in shaping children’s character and called on Emirati women to continue instilling a sense of responsibility, belonging, and patriotism.
“Emirati women play a central role in safeguarding national identity and values while contributing to the UAE’s development and future,” she said.
The forum comes as the UAE continues to rank among the top Arab nations for women’s empowerment, with women holding two-thirds of public-sector jobs and occupying nine seats in the Federal National Council. Sheikha Lubna’s remarks reinforce a broader national narrative: that gender parity is not merely a policy goal but a foundational element of the country’s identity.
Looking Ahead
As the UAE pushes toward its centennial goals, Sheikha Lubna’s message serves as both a reflection and a roadmap. The nation’s investment in women’s education, entrepreneurship, and political participation—rooted in the leadership’s early confidence in women’s potential—appears poised to expand.
For Emirati women, the path forward involves balancing professional ambition with the preservation of cultural heritage—a duality that the former minister embodied throughout her trailblazing career.