Today's Edition
MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
The Al Liwan Foundation for Culture organised the Emirati Women’s Conference on Wednesday under the theme “Emirati Women: A Legacy that Preserves the Family and Leadership that Shapes the Future”, under the patronage of Sheikha Salama bint Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
The conference highlighted the pivotal role of Emirati women in preserving family values, strengthening social cohesion and passing on the UAE’s national identity to future generations, while continuing to contribute to the country's development and leadership across various fields.
Discussions emphasised that the role of Emirati women extends beyond their achievements in professional and public life to encompass their contributions as mothers, educators and partners in building a cohesive society and shaping a sustainable future.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Nahyan highlighted the importance of the family as the foundation of society, describing women as a fundamental pillar of family cohesion and the preservation of national identity.
"The family is the foundation of society, and women are an essential pillar of its cohesion," he said, stressing that the family is where individuals develop their values and identity and acquire the foundations needed to shoulder responsibility and contribute to the nation's future.
Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, said she was proud to participate in the conference and celebrate the contributions of Emirati women to the nation's progress.
She stressed that women's achievements should not be measured solely through individual success, but also through the values they promote, the awareness they cultivate and the humanitarian contributions they make to society.
Emirati women, she said, play an important role in promoting peace, supporting sustainable development and preparing future generations, adding that they remain essential partners in the UAE's national journey.
Meanwhile, Rawdha Al Otaiba, former UAE ambassador and political advisor, highlighted how Emirati women's contributions also extend to representing the country internationally and advancing its diplomatic values.|
She identified cooperation, tolerance and respect as key principles underpinning the UAE's foreign policy, noting that diplomats have an important responsibility to reflect these values in their international engagements. "A successful diplomat is one who is capable of properly representing these values," she said.
Al Otaiba also highlighted the expansion of the UAE's diplomatic presence over the past two decades, noting that the country now has more than 100 embassies and consulates worldwide.
Drawing on her diplomatic experience in the United Kingdom, she highlighted the role of Emirati investment and economic partnerships in strengthening international cooperation, citing investments by companies including Masdar and Dubai-based entities.
She added that cooperation extends beyond economic interests to include diplomatic engagement, dialogue and the UAE's role in facilitating mediation between countries.
The conference also featured a recognition ceremony honouring impact partners, excellence contributors and sponsors in appreciation of their contributions and support.
