Athletic prowess centre stage at Yas Mall parade

Women take part in the Emirati Women's Day parade at Yas Mall in 2015. Antonie Robertson/The National

ABU DHABI // Hundreds of residents turned out for the first Emirati Women’s Day parade on Friday.

Held at the Yas Mall to escape the hot and humid conditions, the inaugural event drew women, children and men from across the emirate as part of a national day of celebration of the vital role that women play in UAE society.

As well as the parade, visitors to the busy mall on Yas Island were also treated to a display by female members of the UAE Jiujitsu federation, organised by the National Olympic Committee.

An area in one of the mall’s courtyards was cleared, with mats placed on the floor so the athletes could demonstrate their martial arts moves safely during the hour-long event.

“Emirati women are doing very well in sports, though we started very late,” said Omar Abderrahman Al Ali, executive director of NOC.

“Within a short span of time we have made some great achievements. Today our football team ranks 73rd across the world. We are very proud of our sportswomen.”

Mr Al Ali urged Emirati parents to support their daughters in sport so that they can represent their country on the world stage.

Talal AlHashemi, director of technical affairs sports at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the UAE is proud of the achievements of its women in every field, not just sports.

“Today, we have women leaders all around us. They are ambassadors, engineers, doctors, ministers – they are doing wonders everywhere.”

The UAE has become a role model in empowering women through nation building and the renaissance of communities, said Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, earlier this week.

“This day proves the essence and pillar of our nation’s development, which is now leading in all areas, that there is no discrimination or bias between the children of the nation, both men and women.”

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, announced the event would be marked on August 28 from this year on. The day corresponds with the establishment of the General Women’s Union in 1975.

Sondos Abdullah, who made the journey down Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai along with her friends especially for the parade, during which women walked through the mall brandishing Women’s Day flags, said she felt proud to be Emirati.

“Our leaders have given us so many opportunities that any girl can only dream of,” said the 16-year-old, who hopes to one day work as a lawyer. “I am so blessed that I belong to a nation that truly values its daughters.”

Ahmed Mohammed Al Jarwan, speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated Sheikha Fatima on the occasion of the first Emirati Women’s Day, reported Wam the state news agency.

“The day pays homage to the Emirati women working in the Armed Forces for their precious sacrifices towards their homeland,” said Mr Al Jarwan. “It also celebrates Emirati women’s achievements in all walks of life.

“The Emirati woman is today holding senior political, executive and legislative positions,” he said.