In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties and champion female empowerment, the UAE’s General Women’s Union (GWU) has collaborated with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to launch the first-ever UAE-Kuwaiti Women’s Forum. The event, held under the theme “We are together… Together we are… Together we make the future,” aims to create a dynamic platform for economic and cultural partnership between women from both nations.
The forum and its accompanying exhibition are held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, 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 initiative is backed by key ecosystem enablers including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
A Platform for Economic and Cultural Exchange
The event serves as a vibrant, interactive platform designed to showcase the multifaceted role of women in national development. It provides a unique opportunity for Emirati and Kuwaiti participants to exchange expertise, build sustainable economic partnerships, and foster cultural understanding. The forum’s core mission is to support women’s empowerment by promoting entrepreneurship and community-led initiatives.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, stated that the exhibition is a practical platform to support the participation of Emirati and Kuwaiti women across various economic and cultural sectors. “It allows for the exchange of experiences and the building of sustainable partnerships that reinforce the role of women as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development,” she said.
Empowering Over 160 Businesswomen
A central feature of the exhibition is the Businesswomen’s Forum, which gathers over 160 licensed companies owned by Emirati and Kuwaiti female entrepreneurs. These businesses span six key sectors: commerce, technology and digital transformation, services, industry, real estate and investment, and transport and logistics.
To further develop entrepreneurial skills, the forum includes seven practical training workshops covering critical topics such as financing services, franchising, the role of youth business councils, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset in an era of transformation.
Spotlight on Grassroots Entrepreneurship
In addition to established businesses, the exhibition features the “Dakekin Samha” (Samha Stores) section, which hosts more than 40 productive families from both the UAE and Kuwait. This segment allows participants to display and sell their products, ranging from traditional handicrafts to local cuisine, in an interactive environment. The initiative highlights the value of the social and cultural economy while supporting women in building sustainable, home-based ventures.
Mouza Obaid Al Naseri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, emphasized the event’s role in empowering female entrepreneurs. “The exhibition is a strategic platform to empower female entrepreneurs, highlight their innovative projects, and open new horizons for expansion and growth, contributing to a diversified, knowledge-based economy,” she remarked.
About The General Women’s Union
The General Women’s Union (GWU) was established in 1975 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. It serves as the national mechanism for the empowerment and leadership of women in the United Arab Emirates, launching strategic initiatives and programs to enhance their contribution to the nation’s sustainable development.
Source: Twasl News
