Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the UAE’s leadership for supporting women. She acknowledged their commitment to enhancing women’s roles in development and nation-building.
UAE’s Leadership in Gender Equality
The UAE has made remarkable strides in gender balance. It ranks first in the region and seventh globally in the 2024 Gender Equality Index by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Sheikha Manal credited this success to visionary leadership and global partnerships.
She stated,
“As the Global Women’s Forum convenes for its third edition in Dubai, it continues to fulfil its founding mission set eight years ago, aiming to galvanise international efforts in women’s empowerment and advance gender balance. This underscores the UAE’s distinguished position in this area, highlighted by its remarkable progress in global competitiveness indicators. The UAE remains committed to furthering these achievements. It strives to reach the highest levels of excellence by reinforcing women’s influential and pivotal role in society.”
Focus Areas of the Forum
The Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 will take place on November 26–27 at Madinat Jumeirah. It will focus on three key themes:
- Future Economies, Future Societies – This will highlight women’s roles in driving economic and societal progress.
- Collective Engagements, Collective Actions – Discussions will share strategies to enhance women’s participation.
- Impactful Technologies, Impactful Innovations – Sessions will examine how technology fosters development.
The event aligns with Sheikha Manal’s vision to empower women and boost their contributions to society.
High-Profile Speakers and Sessions
The Forum will host over 130 sessions, featuring more than 250 speakers from 65 countries. Notable participants include:
- H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who will speak on cultural diplomacy.
- H.H. Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who will share insights from her equestrian journey.
- Emine Erdogan, First Lady of Turkiye.
- Saida Mirziyoyeva, Assistant to the President of Uzbekistan.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Forum boasts support from prestigious global partners like the World Bank Group, UNDP, and OECD. These organizations will host workshops on entrepreneurship, gender balance, and policy-making.
Local sponsors include DEWA, Emirates Airlines, and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, among others. Media partners such as CNN Business, Sky News Arabia, and Forbes Middle East will cover the event.
UAE’s Commitment to Women
The Forum will also showcase UAE initiatives that promote gender balance and empower women. It highlights how the UAE continues to lead in creating opportunities for women both locally and globally. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the UAE reinforces its position as a leader in women’s empowerment.