UAE ministers celebrate empowerment on International Women's Day 2018

'I hope every year, you are stronger': leaders praise the country's success in improving women's roles in society while preserving conservative values

Ministers and officials praised women's roles in the UAE's development. Reuters

Ministers, sheikhs and officials marked Thursday's International Women’s Day by tweeting encouraging messages celebrating women.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted: “March 8 (International Women's Day) is a wonderful and beautiful day for all the women of the world. The world celebrates it.. In the UAE we celebrate the raisers of generations, our partners in our development, the makers of change in the community. I hope every year, you are stronger, more beautiful, brighter and more tender.”

He wrote that 70 per cent of his business team was comprised of women. “I thank them today and every day,” he tweeted. “And if it weren't for your efforts, we wouldn't have got [this far]. I wish the officials and ministers to celebrate [women] and their efforts on this day. Every year, the Emirates are stronger and bigger [with] you.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also tweeted on the occasion: “Women’s Day is a global occasion to reaffirm the special status of women in our homeland. Women are the heart of our nation, mothers to our martyrs and partners in our development. Their notable presence strengthens our march towards development and a prosperous future.”

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Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, tweeted about the mothers of disabled people and the role they play: “It’s been a pleasure to honour the accomplishments of mothers of people of determination. They’ve been pushing the boundaries and continue to challenge norms for positive change. The support from their parents is what will lead to a more inclusive and equal future #WomensDay2018.”

Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, tweeted about the country's success in improving women's roles in society while preserving conservative values.

He said: "On International Women’s Day, the UAE’s experience of empowering women stands out as a successful and effective example of the blending of the conservative nature of society with the country’s ambition to activate the role of women in all aspects of life.

"Perhaps this achievement is one of the most important outcomes of our experience."

Riding the wave of activism that includes recent movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp, the theme for 2018 is #PressforProgress. The aim is to galvanise collective action to further advance the progress already set in motion.