The Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF) has announced a remarkable 41 percent increase in the number of Emirati women registered with the Fund from both the government and private sectors in Abu Dhabi since its inception until the first half of 2024. This surge underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati women across all sectors.

In an official statement released in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, the Fund revealed that the total number of Emirati women insured by the Fund since its establishment has reached 61,408, constituting 52 percent of the total insured citizens in the Emirate. This marks a significant rise from the mere 11 percent at the Fund’s inception in 2000.

The data indicates that as of June 2024, 39,791 of these women are employed in the government sector, while 21,617 are in the private sector. Notably, the percentage of Emirati women working in the private sector and registered with the Fund has increased by 13 percent over the past three years, reflecting the growing presence of women in diverse economic roles.

Additionally, the Fund reported that 5,350 Emirati women have retired, representing 30 percent of the total retirees registered with the Fund. The average length of service among these retirees is 20 years, with the average retirement age being 48 years, compared to 55 years for men.

The statistics further highlight a significant rise in the number of Emirati women with over 25 years of service, which reached 1,438 by June of this year. This trend is a testament to the dedication and commitment of Emirati women to their nation, balancing their professional responsibilities with familial duties.

According to the Fund’s data, Emirati women have made their mark across a wide array of sectors, not limited to specific economic areas or professions. Leading fields include healthcare, social services, and education, followed by finance, insurance, and information technology. This diverse participation is a clear indication that Emirati women have become key contributors across all sectors in Abu Dhabi.

He affirmed that the exceptional achievements of Emirati women are the driving force behind transforming dreams into reality and the foundation upon which the future of the nation is built.

Al Nuaimi emphasised that the unwavering support from the nation’s wise leadership is a testament to the vital role women play in building a strong and prosperous society, with their accomplishments reflecting their willpower and profound dedication to the nation.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce: Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced the launch of a new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Label to promote sustainable business practices.

Coinciding with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ and developed by the chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business, the label is designed to help organisations evaluate their ESG readiness and maturity levels, gain recognition and foster business growth.

A thorough assessment was conducted by globally recognised ESG experts as part of the development process, which examined global and regional regulatory landscapes and reporting frameworks to identify the critical factors in determining an organisation’s ESG maturity. The business community was also consulted during the development phase to help shape the framework, which is aligned with global best practices and meets the local and international baseline for ESG reporting and preparedness.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented, “The Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label addresses the need for a holistic approach to sustainable business practices that benefit society and the environment, while also supporting our mission to promote good governance and ethical business practices. By shifting the emphasis from corporate social responsibility to ESG labelling, we aim to encourage businesses to adopt comprehensive strategies that embed sustainability into their core operations and decision-making processes.”

Organisations of all sizes that have been established for at least two years are eligible to apply. Companies that successfully apply for the label will benefit from alignment with ESG best practices, enhanced brand image and reputation, and added value for potential investors. The framework promotes ESG ownership within organisations by benchmarking ESG practices against key parameters and peer companies in the region and globally.

Participating organisations receive a feedback report highlighting any areas for improvement, together with a maturity level score based on their overall ESG rating. Once awarded, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label certificate is valid for a period of one year.

ESG has emerged as a strategic priority for organisations of all sizes, creating a need for companies to integrate sustainability goals into their core business practices and operations. This includes adopting transparent reporting standards, reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility initiatives, and ensuring governance practices align with ethical principles.

WAM