Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

In line with DWE’s vision to pioneer distinction amongst working women, the Establishment’s mission is to champion women in driving the socio-economic future of Dubai through influencing policies, sharing knowledge and leading initiatives. Through its ongoing work, DWE aims to increase the number of Emirati women joining the workforce and enhance their representation in decision-making positions. DWE’s strategic plan is built on four key pillars, which encompass providing recommendations to shape policies; conducting in-depth research and studies, data profiling and knowledge exchange to drive engagement; fostering strategic partnerships across the public and private sectors; and developing customized, interactive programs with leading institutions across the world to enhance the skills and capabilities of Emirati women, and foster the next generation of women leaders.

Naeema Ahli

CEO of Dubai Women Establishment

Since the founding of the Dubai Women Establishment in 2006, by decree of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Establishment has been dedicated to enhancing and refining the skills of Emirati women in the workforce. This initiative reflects His Highness’s commitment to empowering women, building on the solid foundations laid by the UAE's founding fathers. The unwavering support and encouragement from the UAE’s wise leadership underscore the importance of investing in women's capabilities, recognising them as crucial partners in driving the nation's growth and prosperity.

Under the visionary leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Estbalishment has successfully contributed to advancing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Through targeted initiatives and projects, DWE has contributed to elevating the status of women, increasing their participation in the labour market and economic life in Dubai, and developing their professional and leadership capabilities. These efforts have significantly enhanced their quality of life and prepared them to tackle current and future challenges.

As Dubai Women Establishment continues its successful role, it is dedicated to contributing effectively to the goals of the Dubai government. This includes improving the government work system and attracting top talent across various fields, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

Through the Establishment’s strategic vision, we aim to position Dubai as a pioneering global model for women-friendly cities. We strive to align with Dubai's goal of being the best global destination for living by leveraging practical practices, supportive infrastructure, and legislation while collaborating with government agencies and private sector institutions.

The Establishment prioritises building and strengthening local and global partnerships within its work strategy. We ensure our projects add value by supporting women’s economic and social participation, enhancing their roles in international forums, and developing their technical capabilities to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This commitment contributes to Dubai’s comprehensive development and global competitiveness.

We are pleased to welcome you to the Dubai Women Establishment website, where we showcase the projects and programs we are implementing to achieve our goals and highlight critical initiatives over the past and recent years.