Dubai: The second edition of the Emirati Women's Forum 2026, organised by the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), will open tomorrow (Wednesday, 26/08/2026) at Madinat Jumeirah, bringing together ministers, senior government officials, private-sector leaders and national experts.The forum coincides with the UAE's celebration of Emirati Women's Day 2026, which is being observed under the theme "We Emerge Stronger and Better", launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the "Mother of the Nation", Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.The event is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of Dubai Women Establishment, and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.Platform for dialogue and future opportunitiesSheikha Manal said the forum reflects the UAE's long-standing commitment to empowering women and strengthening their role as key partners in national development.Her Highness highlighted the importance of investing in women's knowledge, skills and capabilities to prepare them for opportunities in emerging and future-focused sectors.She added that the forum serves as a platform for dialogue and the generation of ideas that build on the achievements of Emirati women while creating new pathways for future success.Seven sessions and six workshopsThe forum's agenda features seven keynote and panel sessions and six specialised workshops, focusing on Emirati women's contributions across various sectors and showcasing leading institutional practices, policies and initiatives.Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of Dubai Women EstablishmentHer Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Chairperson and Managing Director of Dubai Women Establishment, said the forum brings together decision-makers, leaders and national talent to explore ways to expand Emirati women's participation and impact across strategic sectors.Her Excellency Naeema Ahli, CEO of the Dubai Women EstablishmentHer Excellency Naeema Ahli, CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment, said the UAE leadership’s continued support for women’s empowerment is enabling Emirati women to reach new levels of leadership and impact across sectors, including future-focused fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, space and renewable energy.High-profile speakersThe event will feature a number of prominent national figures, including: Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, who will share her experience as the first Emirati woman to serve as a UAE government minister.Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, who will discuss the role of education in developing future-ready talent.Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet, who will examine how national policies and legislation have supported women's advancement.His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, who will explore the impact of artificial intelligence and future technologies on women's careers and opportunities.Focus on leadership and future citiesPanel discussions will also address women's leadership in vital sectors, workplace practices supporting female talent, and the role of governance and human capital development in creating future leaders.Another session titled "Dubai... The City of Ambition and Opportunities" will feature Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, who will discuss Dubai's global success story and the role of Emirati women in strengthening the emirate's competitiveness.The forum will also examine the future of urban development and quality of life through a discussion featuring Eng. Sanaa Al Aleeli from Dubai Municipality and Eng. Shaikha AlShaikh from the Roads and Transport Authority.Specialised workshopsSix workshops, organised in cooperation with strategic partners, will focus on:SustainabilityInnovationFinanceMediaNegotiation skillsEntrepreneurshipCulture and the artsThe Emirati Women's Forum is supported by a wide range of government and private-sector partners, including DEWA, Dubai Culture, RTA, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Islamic Bank, Dubai Media Incorporated, DMCC, and the Dubai Business Women Council.
