The maiden crew of female Emirati firefighters have been hailed for breaking new ground in the country by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with the history-making women, who have recently graduated from an all-female firefighting course in Sharjah, at Qasr Al Bahr Majilis.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces said women are "true partners" in the development of the nation.
"The UAE woman is always proving her worth in performing all the national tasks assigned to her, excelling herself in fulfilling her responsibilities and meeting her obligations," Sheikh Mohamed told the Emirati firefighters, after congratulating them on their graduation from the course.
"The UAE, under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa, set women's empowerment on top of the country's national priorities, with women now being true partners and contributors to the national developmental drive and strategic plans for the nation's present and future."
The UAE's latest batch of firefighters completed on-the-job training at both the Civil Defence Academy and the Police Academy in Sharjah, involving hands-on exercises and team building.
Sheikh Mohamed was joined at the ceremony by a host of dignitaries, including Sheikh Nayhan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.