The strength of a nation is measured by the empowerment of its other half, women. In the United Arab Emirates, women are considered a fundamental element in the journey of development and success. The insightful vision of our leadership and its recognition of the importance of the role of women in building the community has made the Emirati woman a symbol of excellence, innovation, and leadership. With the support of the leadership and the community, Emirati women have become a driving force for change and progress in various fields of life.

In the UAE... there are no limits to what the daughters of the Emirates can achieve under an enlightened leadership that believes in the necessity and inevitability of mobilizing all the energies of society to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. Our beloved country has provided all means and possibilities to enhance women's empowerment and prepare them to take on their civilizational responsibilities in today’s advancement and the shaping of the future.

If you ask me why women in my country enjoy such importance and appreciation for their role, I would answer without hesitation that there is an enlightened leadership that believes that progress is everyone's responsibility and that positive participation is the way to development, prosperity, a society of well-being, love, and peace. This is what we read in the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State, "May God preserve him", including his saying: "Women are the pulse that runs in the veins of the homeland, and a tributary of progress, with her we can be at the forefront with what she encapsulates of possibilities and capabilities to give."

Shall I tell you about the first Emirati female astronaut soon, or her contribution to the 'Hope Probe' project, or her active parliamentary presence, or her leadership of public and private sector institutions, or operating the Barakah nuclear power stations for peaceful purposes, or her important role in hosting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change “COP 28”?

Women here in the Emirates lead and share with men, raise generations, and build the future, combining talent, strength, intelligence, courage, boldness, and above all, authenticity and faith in the traditions, customs, and heritage of the community, preserving identity and consolidating belonging.

The Emirati woman continues to lead the community, challenge stereotypes, and achieve well-being, thanks to the support she finds from the mother of love and giving, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Emirates", President of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation.

As usual, the UAE has succeeded in choosing the slogan "We Share for Tomorrow" for Emirati Women's Day 2023, expressing the cohesion among the members of the Emirati society, which has been ingrained in our genes since ancient times.

It is wonderful that the slogan also harmonizes with the state's slogan for the current year, "Today for Tomorrow", which highlights the state's innovative, responsible, and successful efforts to face the challenges of sustainability and find unconventional solutions in the fields of environment, energy, and climate change, in preparation for hosting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) next November.

Indeed, I feel proud when I see that we in the UAE celebrate our occasions with more work, giving, and foresight for the future. This is embodied in the launch of the National Policy for Women's Empowerment in the United Arab Emirates 2023-2031 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Emirates", President of the General Women's Union, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation.

Congratulations to the women of the Emirates and congratulations to the Emirati society for this national policy, which includes three main orientations for women's empowerment: building a cohesive and supportive family, integrating women into the labor market and future sectors in a balanced manner that takes into account their roles and needs, and developing capabilities and enhancing future skills for women. Thanks to the belief of the wise leadership in the importance of the role of women and thanks to the awareness of Emirati society, the UAE has topped global indicators of human development, competitiveness, and women's empowerment.

Thanks to the efforts and creativity of Emirati women, the UAE is steadily and firmly moving towards a bright future made by the hands and minds of all its sons and daughters.

The journey of Emirati women is not only a testament to their strength and determination but also highlights the unlimited support and encouragement they have received from our wise leadership. Today, women in the UAE live in a society that promotes the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect. The policies and actions taken to empower women translate into successes on the ground and indicate the realization of our vision for a more integrated and prosperous future for all. We look to the future with optimism, confident that Emirati women will continue to play a crucial role in building the national future and achieving the unlimited ambitions of the United Arab Emirates.

Salute to every Emirati woman... Salute to all the sons of the homeland.