Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has praised the contribution of women to Emirati society and highlighted their "instrumental role" in the UAE's fight against Covid-19.
Speaking on Emirati Women's Day, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces said the nation was fully committed to empowering women.
Sheikh Mohamed said female frontline workers, including nurses and doctors in medical centres across the Emirates, have given countless hours to treating patients and helping to stem the spread of the pandemic.
Emirati Women's Day was established by Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, in 2015.
"On Emirati Women's Day, we extend our gratitude to all mothers, sisters and daughters for their contributions to our nation and their instrumental role in the frontline response to Covid-19," Sheikh Mohamed said.
"We congratulate and honour you and we remain committed to the empowerment of all women."
Messages of support were delivered from senior UAE figures on Thursday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted a video tribute acknowledging women's partnership with men in the country’s development.
“We lift our heads with your achievements,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikha Fatima, Mother of the Nation, said the UAE was sparing no effort to provide every opportunity for Emirati women to prosper.
The comments were read out on her behalf at an event organised by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) to mark Emirati Women's Day.
She added the UAE had made remarkable progress in female empowerment, as well as praising the efforts of Emirati women in the fight against Covid-19.
Mariam Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, hailed the nation's women for laying firm foundations for future generations.
"On Emirati Women’s Day, my message is that they are the pride of the nation, have made history and are creating the future with their hard work and giving, to pave the way for generations to come in the journey towards further development and prosperity," Ms Almheiri said.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, said Emirati women were key partners in building the country's future, reported state news agency Wam.
"Every year, August 28 is the day on which we salute the Emirati mothers, sisters, daughters, housewives and mothers of martyrs," he said.
"On this day we glorify their roles in all walks of life and domains where they are full partners to men with competence, excellence and success.
''Emirati women will always be the pillar of stability and solidarity and together we will work to place our country among the top 25 countries on the Gender Balance Index by 2021 to achieve the UAE Vision 2021."
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, tweeted on Emirati Women's Day that he had met with female graduates from the Dubai Police Academy.
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Emirati Women's Day: Inspiring stories from the women who help shape the UAE
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Rania R Saeed, left, and Futtaim Beljaflah have recently completed their personal training certification and are now teaching cycling classes at Crank, Al Quoz. Courtesy Crank -
Brigadier Nabeel Abdullah Alrida, Deputy Director of Operations, honours Lt. Khatoon Ali Al Balooshi who has been serving the force in Dubai since 1977. Wam -
Fahima Falaknaz hits the pads with UAE national team coach Mohammed Al Shebli. Pawan Singh / The National -
Laila Al Dhaheri. Courtesy: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation -
Badreya Al Marzooqi. Courtesy: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation -
Amal Al Nuaimi. Courtesy: Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation -
Noran Al Bannai followed her dreams by opening up her own coffee shop. Khushnum Bhandari for The National -
Dana Al Hosani has turned her passion for volunteering into her vocation. Antonie Robertson/The National -
Amal Al Mansouri records an Arabic language voiceover for a cartoon for local television. Victor Besa / The National -
Mariam Othman, Emirati Founder and CEO of Rashid Centre for People with Determination. -
Kholoud Al Kendi, founder of Retaj Design, is a young Emirati entrepreneur who left her job as a banker to follow her passion for graphic design Reem Mohammed / The National -
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Shaima Al Jabry, 39, at her home in Baniyas, is the first Emirati to attain a licence as a life coach on October 17, 2018. (Khushnum Bhandari/ The National) -
DUBAI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , MAY 9 – 2018 :- Abeer Al Shahi , First Emirati to specialise in sign language during the event held at Meydan hotel in Dubai. ( Pawan Singh / The National ) For News. Story by Ruba Haza -
Engineering graduates topped the Ministry of Education study called Majors in Demand. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
One of Emirate Airline's youngest pilots, Bakhita Al Muhairi, 23, an Emirati, is pictured in the cockpit alongside a colleague.
