Since its foundation in 1971, the Union State has devoted a great deal of attention to empowering Emirati women who are considered one of the main actors in the country’s construction and development process.
In this context, steps on this path were accelerated by the issuance of many decisions, legislation, and regulations that enhance women’s position in society, becoming a partner in national development in all fields: economic, social, scientific, cultural, and others, at all levels.
The involvement of women in military work was one of the most important aspects of these empowerment efforts and a boost for the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, aimed at putting the country at the forefront of the world, which requires mobilizing all national human resources and promoting investment in the human element. Hence, it is not only a matter of empowering women but empowering society through the empowerment of women, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said in this regard.
The beginning of Emirati women’s participation in the military field was with the establishment of the Khawla Bint Al-Azwar Military School in 1990, which is the first military school for training women in the country and the GCC, which was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Emirates” to encourage women to engage in military action, believing in the ability of Emirati women to play a distinguished role in various fields and levels as well as do many jobs that were the preserve of men.
Federal Law No. 6 regarding the National and Reserve Service of 2014, which approved compulsory conscription for males and optional for females, was an opportunity for Emirati women, to confirm their multiple roles in society, and to document the full partnership with men in carrying out national tasks, and their willingness to bear the trouble and hardship of working in the military institution.
Emirati women will succeed in this experience because they eagerly look forward to serving and protecting their homeland, defending its interests, preserving its security and stability, as well as standing by men in this sacred national duty.
Emirati military women have proven their competence in carrying out their duties in all military, administrative, medical and other fields, and have obtained all their rights in light of equal opportunities, ascended to leadership and administrative positions, and attained the highest military ranks.
Women in the United Arab Emirates are still storming various fields to enrich the country with their achievements, keep pace with the times, inspire Arab women, and live with confidence and power, armed with science, knowledge, experience, and determination, to enhance their role in supporting the sustainable development process that the country is witnessing.
