UAE's Daughter Excels: Saud bin Saqr Celebrates her Remarkable Achievements

UAE Women's Day: Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Highlights Women's Central Role in National Development

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has emphasized the fundamental role of Emirati women in driving the nation's progress, marking UAE Women's Day with recognition of their achievements across multiple sectors. His statement underscores the UAE's continued commitment to women's empowerment as a cornerstone of its development strategy.

Leadership Recognition of Women's Contributions

In his official statement commemorating UAE Women's Day, Sheikh Saud described Emirati women as "symbols of love, giving, and goodness" who have served as essential pillars in the country's renaissance and developmental journey. The ruler's words reflect the high-level political support that has characterized the UAE's approach to gender equality since the nation's founding.

"We take pride in the achievements of the daughters of the Emirates, and we are proud of their successes and the efforts they exert to preserve national identity and enhance values, driven by knowledge, determination, and ambition," Sheikh Saud stated, emphasizing the partnership between men and women in building the country's future.

Strategic Context: Women as Development Partners

Beyond Symbolic Recognition

The timing and content of Sheikh Saud's statement reflect more than ceremonial acknowledgment. The UAE has positioned women's participation as integral to its economic diversification goals under Vision 2071, with female workforce participation rates reaching 57% as of 2023—among the highest in the Middle East region.

Comparative Regional Leadership

The UAE's approach contrasts sharply with regional trends, positioning the country alongside progressive nations like Rwanda and Iceland in terms of women's economic participation. While neighboring Saudi Arabia has made significant strides through Vision 2030, the UAE maintains its position as the regional pioneer, with women comprising 70% of government employees and holding key ministerial positions.

Economic and Social Implications

Investment in Human Capital

The emphasis on women's role in "preserving national identity and enhancing values" signals the UAE's recognition that sustainable development requires both economic progress and cultural continuity. This dual focus has proven crucial as the country navigates rapid modernization while maintaining social cohesion.

Future Economic Competitiveness

With women representing 77% of UAE university graduates and increasingly entering STEM fields, the country's investment in female education and empowerment directly supports its ambitions to become a knowledge-based economy. The ruler's reference to women being "driven by knowledge, determination, and ambition" aligns with national strategies targeting artificial intelligence, space exploration, and renewable energy sectors.

Political Significance and Continuity

Sheikh Saud's statement reinforces the UAE's federal commitment to women's empowerment across all seven emirates. As Ras Al Khaimah continues developing its tourism and manufacturing sectors, the emirate's recognition of women's contributions suggests sustained policy support for female entrepreneurship and leadership development.

The phrase "hand in hand toward a bright future" encapsulates the UAE's pragmatic approach to development—leveraging all human resources regardless of gender to maintain competitive advantage in an increasingly complex global economy. This partnership model has become a defining characteristic of the UAE's governance philosophy, distinguishing it from purely top-down development approaches seen elsewhere in the region.