Emirati Women’s Day 2024: When and How Is It Celebrated?

In the UAE, women from diverse communities find some excellent career and business opportunities. Aside from the countless career options, the UAE is considered one of the safest places for women to work. Emirati Women’s Day was introduced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, also known as the Mother of the Nation, in 2015, to celebrate the major progresses made in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the UAE.

Read on as Wego uncovers how the UAE plans to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day this year.

What is Emirati Women’s Day?

The special day is dedicated to gender equality and women empowerment in the United Arab Emirates. It holds significance throughout the UAE as an opportunity to recognize the many achievements made by the nation’s women.

It also reminds the world of the remarkable steps the Emirates has taken concerning women’s rights and equality.

Emirati Women’s Day 2024 date

This year—its ninth iteration—is on Saturday, 28 August 2024.

Emirati Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 28 August with a unique theme each year. The choice of 28 August as the date coincides with the founding of the UAE’s General Women’s Union, which launched in 1975, on 28 August. It focuses on Emirati women – their aspirations, challenges, accomplishments, and areas of continuing progress.

Celebrating Emirati Women’s Day in 2024

The ninth edition of Emirati Women’s Day will be held on Saturday, 28 August 2024 this year.

Emirati Women’s Day 2024 event highlights

Although details regarding Emirati Women’s Day 2024 are not out yet, last year, Sheikha Fatima, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, introduced the ‘National Strategy for the Empowerment of Emirati Women in the UAE for 2023-2031,’ with the aim to enhance the legislative and regulatory framework supporting women’s quality of life and bolster their standing nationally and internationally.

The strategy was built on three pillars: establishing interdependent, cohesive and supportive families to enhance the role of women in society; integration of women in the labour market and future sectors; and developing capacities and enhancing future skills of women.

Moreover, in 2022, Orbit Events and Promotions, in collaboration with Emirates Motor Sports Organization (EMSO), hosted the ‘Abaya Rally’ in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day. The all-women car rally took place at the Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi, featuring an exciting motorcade of 100 cars all driven by women in Abayas, paraded through Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit on the evening of 28 August 2022 to mark Emirati Women’s Day.

The Abaya Rally in Abu Dhabi also had a panel discussion featuring key narratives by notable women, a Red Carpet, the Abaya Fashion show and the ‘Emirati Women of Achievement’ awards ceremony to recognize remarkable Emirati women who have made a difference in various fields.

Please note that we will update the information as and when it is released by the officials. 

Emirati Women’s Day 2024 theme

The theme for Emirati Women’s Day 2024 is yet to be announced.

Last year, in line with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s declaration of 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability,” the theme “We Collaborate for Tomorrow” was selected for Emirati Women’s Day, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to finding inventive solutions to sustainability challenges.

As the country was gearing up for COP28 in November 2023, where climate change concerns will be addressed, it’s noteworthy that over 50% of the administrative staff and two-thirds of the management team are women, making them prominent leaders spearheading this initiative.

Please note that details regarding the Emirati Women’s Day 2024 theme will be updated as and when released by the officials.