(Dubai) – H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, opened the third edition of the Arab Women Leadership Forum. The inaugural session of the two-day Forum, organised by the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), was chaired by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid, the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Chairwoman of the DWE.
The events started with the playing of the UAE national anthem, which was followed by screening of a documentary film depicting the pivotal role of women in the building of the nation. The film also highlighted the support provided by the country’s supreme leadership for the empowerment of women in the effort to make them prime partners in the country’s comprehensive development and welfare.
The Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), Mohammed Ahmed Al Mur, then addressed the Forum, praising the relentless efforts of the country’s leadership to strengthen women’s role in all walks of life on an equal footing with man. The forum is one of the initiatives launched by the DWE to boost Emirati women’s efforts in development. It is held this year under the theme: ‘Board of Directors leadership and the importance of diversity’.
The event attracts topwomen leaders from throughout the region. For two days, they will discuss practical ideas on how to encourage women to play their role in the boards of directors of companies, which are usually dominated by men. Participants will also discuss positive governance practices in the Middle East.
