Under the directives 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 General Women’s Union (GWU) has announced the launch of the Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Councils in friendly nations. This strategic initiative is designed to create a global platform for economic and developmental empowerment, fostering collaboration in entrepreneurship, investment, and women-focused development programmes between the UAE and its international partners.
A Bridge To Global Markets
The councils aim to build a dynamic global network of female leaders, reflecting the “Mother of the Nation 50:50” vision to enhance the presence of Emirati women in the global economy. Each council will operate under a co-chairmanship between the UAE and the host country, with supervision from the GWU and in coordination with UAE embassies and relevant economic entities. The core mission is to activate institutional cooperation between official, economic, and academic bodies to serve women’s economic empowerment. This includes organising joint conferences, exhibitions, and forums to promote women-led projects, exchange economic expertise, and develop cross-border partnerships that support innovation and sustainable business environments.
Inaugural Council Launched in China
The GWU has already launched the initiative’s first council in the People’s Republic of China, marking its first practical application. The launch was accompanied by a two-week training programme titled “Emirati Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Business Environment in China,” coordinated with the UAE Embassy in Beijing. The programme targets a select group of Emirati entrepreneurs, offering an immersive experience into the Chinese economic landscape with a focus on e-commerce, digital transformation, innovation, and SME management. The delegation will visit four major cities—Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Yiwu—and engage with global tech giants such as Alibaba, ByteDance, JD, and Amazon, alongside workshops with Chinese academic and economic institutions.
Strategic Vision For Empowerment
Noura Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, stated that the councils are designed to be a bridge connecting Emirati women entrepreneurs with their counterparts globally, facilitating the exchange of experiences and the development of joint ventures. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader goals for achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality, economic growth, and international partnerships. By showcasing the UAE’s model for women’s empowerment, the councils aim to solidify the role of Emirati women as active and influential partners in international development and create new avenues for trade and investment.
About The General Women’s Union
The General Women’s Union (GWU) was established in 1975 under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation.” As the primary national mechanism for female empowerment in the United Arab Emirates, the GWU is dedicated to advancing the role of women across all sectors of society. It develops policies, launches strategic initiatives, and fosters partnerships to ensure women are active participants in the nation’s sustainable development.
Source: Al Khaleej
