Emirati way of empowering women respected worldwide

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), launched the annual cultural competition for DEWA female employees during his meeting with members of the DEWA Women's Committee.

The committee is organising the competition for the fifth consecutive year, in conjunction with International Women's Day.

This year's competition is in line with the global hashtag #AccelerateAction, which focuses on the need to strengthen efforts to achieve gender equality and accelerate progress across sectors, as well as raise awareness about the role of women in sustainable development and highlight their achievements at a local and international level.

During the meeting, Al Tayer noted that the Emirati model of women's empowerment is globally respected and recognised as an inspiring example of promoting inclusivity in sustainable development. He congratulated DEWA female employees on the occasion of International Women's Day 2025, noting that their dedication and hard work had made them inspiring role models for women in general, and working women in particular.

"The pivotal contribution of women in the prosperity and development journey is a natural result of the pioneering approach adopted by the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. This approach is further supported by the wise guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. The UAE's pioneering achievements in innovation and digital transformation, and the adoption of the latest disruptive technologies have greatly enhanced the positive role played by women in all fields, particularly in advancing climate action, biodiversity and the conservation of nature, as well as accelerating the adoption of clean and renewable energy,” said Al Tayer.

"There are 1,93 9 female employees in DEWA. This includes 579 female employees in administrative and middle-management positions, and many female employees in leadership positions. At DEWA, 37.12 % of management positions are held by female employees, which is one of the highest rates in the world. Notably, most of these positions are occupied by Emirati women,” added Al Tayer.

Fatima Al Jokar, Chairperson of DEWA Women’s Committee, gave a presentation highlighting DEWA’s achievements and activities in the field of women's empowerment in 2024.

"We support DEWA’s efforts to foster a supportive environment for female employees, enabling them to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute effectively to building the nation and raising future generations. We are committed to appreciating the competencies, capabilities and dedication of DEWA employees, highlighting their role in benefiting society in all its aspects,” said Al Jokar.

Al Jokar noted that the cultural competition encourages interaction and communication with female employees and highlights their achievements. The competition also provides female employees with the opportunity to participate in a rich cultural dialogue that reflects the importance of empowering women and their active role in achieving DEWA’s vision and strategic objectives.

The DEWA Women’s Committee organised more than 40 social and technical activities and workshops in 2024, with more than 1,400 female employees participating. DEWA’s female employees also participated in many volunteering activities, contributing more than 16,000 hours across 28 humanitarian and community initiatives. Moreover, female employee satisfaction regarding the committee's performance reached 96%.

An earlier report says Frontline Heroes Office celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, which is held this year under the theme "Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for All Women and Girls," reaffirming its deep commitment to empowering and supporting women across various fields.

Women in the UAE are a fundamental pillar of the frontline, having demonstrated their leadership across different sectors. They have been and continue to be an integral part of the country’s first line of defense, especially in facing challenges.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Emirati women have set an inspiring example of dedication and selflessness, taking the lead in the healthcare sector, medical teams, civil defence, scientific research, and humanitarian efforts.