ABU DHABI (WAM)

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, (Mother of the Nation) Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), on Wednesday highlighted how Emirati Women's Day is a profound reflection of the journey, achievements, and successes of Emirati women.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State, during the ceremony organised by ADNOC to mark the 10th annual Emirati Women's Day, she said, "Our wise leadership has placed great importance on women, developing strategies and plans to ensure that women are represented across all fields of education and employment. They have been given opportunities, and their energies and capabilities have been invested so that the UAE can stand as a global model in elevating the status of women and enhancing their role in achieving sustainable development goals."

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak added, "I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding progress ADNOC has made in advancing women's participation in the energy sector. The company’s leadership has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment that promotes gender balance and empowers women across all areas of work in this industry, providing them with opportunities to take their rightful place and pursue their ambitions with confidence."

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak emphasised that ADNOC’s achievements in expanding women's participation stand among the most remarkable globally, a direct result of the wise vision of the UAE leadership, coupled with the unwavering support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

H.H. also acknowledged the pivotal role of ADNOC, under the leadership of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO.

Her Highness praised the achievements of ADNOC’s women in leveraging training and development opportunities to enhance their scientific and professional capabilities, allowing them to stay ahead of technological advancements and digital transformation.

H.H. also commended the many female role models within ADNOC who have significantly contributed to productivity.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak commended the dedication and efforts of the female workforce at ADNOC.

"I must express my heartfelt congratulations for your unwavering commitment and endeavours. You have become a shining example and an inspiration for future generations who will follow in your footsteps, adopting your work ethic, dedication, and pursuit of the latest knowledge and technologies. I am confident that the impact, value, and sincere contributions you make in your careers will pave the way for future women to participate in this sector. This will further strengthen the culture of excellence, enhance work values, boost productivity, and ensure the continuation of quality performance.”

During the ceremony, ADNOC highlighted the success of its "Energy for Life" strategy, which provides a comprehensive framework to help employees balance work and family life.

This strategy has led to the organisation of numerous initiatives and the development of policies that promote work flexibility.

Through its strategic partnership with the Department of Community Development, ADNOC remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for families and fostering a supportive work environment for parents.

ADNOC also announced its intention to launch a new programme to preserve national identity.

This initiative will support parents in instilling the principles of national education in their children and teaching them Emirati customs and cultural heritage.

In his speech at the event, Dr. Al Jaber praised the unwavering support of the UAE’s leadership and H.H. Sheikha Fatima for their efforts in empowering Emirati women.

He highlighted how this support has enabled women to excel across various fields, from education and healthcare to politics, the economy, and energy, contributing significantly to the UAE’s journey of development, prosperity, and sustainable growth.

Dr. Al Jaber said, “Empowering women in the UAE is a deeply rooted approach established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continuously reinforced by our wise leadership and H.H. Sheikha Fatima. Today, Emirati women are essential partners in the nation’s renaissance, contributing with remarkable efficiency and effectiveness to the country’s present and future. In line with the leadership’s directives, we remain committed to supporting women through qualitative programmes and initiatives that develop their capabilities, further solidifying ADNOC’s position as the employer of choice for women in the UAE.”

The UAE’s celebration of Emirati Women’s Day this year, under the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow,” included ADNOC’s celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, held at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.

The event included TED-style talks, during which female employees shared their insights on how the company is enabling them to strengthen family bonds as they build successful careers and support its transformation journey to a lower-carbon future.