H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, stressed that the annual Emirati Women’s Day celebration, held this year under the slogan, "Woman are Partners in Giving," aims to honour women and recognise their giving and contribution to the country’s process of development.

In her speech to mark the occasion, which was held at the Bab Al Qasr Hotel, she said that the country’s wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, deserve appreciation and praise for supporting Emirati women and providing them with education and work opportunities.

She also congratulated Emirati women on this occasion, especially the mothers, wives and daughters of martyrs.

Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, UN Women, Communications Office in Abu Dhabi, delivered a speech where she conveyed to Sheikha Fatima the greetings and appreciation of Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, UN, and other officials from the international organisation, for her efforts to empower Emirati women in all areas.

She stressed that the UN Women office, which was inaugurated last year in Abu Dhabi during an event attended by Sheikha Fatima and many international officials, serves as a bridge of communication between the international organisation and Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, countries. She also noted that families, women and children in GCC countries are the top priorities of the office.

Dr. Al Shehhi praised the key role of the General Women’s Union, led by Sheikha Fatima, in launching programmes and plans to support women in all areas, as well as to facilitate the inauguration of the UN Women office in Abu Dhabi.

At the end of the event, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City honoured Sheikha Fatima and offered her a commemorative shield, which was received on her behalf by Noura Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Women’s Union, in appreciation of her efforts to support women in the UAE.

Other participating authorities were also honoured for supporting Emirati women, including the General Command of the Armed Forces, the General Secretariat of the Executive Council, the Federal Authority of Human Resources, Etisalat UAE and Brightpoint Royal Women's Hospital.

The celebration was also attended by the wives of diplomats and senior officials, and female UAE nationals and residents.