Tuesday will see the UAE celebrate Emirati Women’s Day to highlight the importance of Emirati women’s contribution and role in the country’s development.

The occasion, which was initiated by Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), which will be held under the theme “Women on the Course of Zayed” in line with 2018 being the Year of Zayed, according to Emirates News Agency WAM.

It will also reaffirm the role of late founding father Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, who played a key part in encouraging women’s growth and progress in the UAE.

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing women take their exceptional role in society, and nothing must obstruct their advancement,” he was once quoted as saying.

Sheikha Fatima, who is also President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), is herself a major advocate of Emirati women’s advancement, often launching supporting programmes that aim at empowering and involve them in the country’s overall development.

She is further credited with involving women in public humanitarian work, as well as introducing initiatives that aim to protect and provide them with overall care.

Emirati women continue to serve their nation in various positions including in the Federal Government, where nine female ministers make up 27% of the ministerial assembly. They also hold positions in the armed forces, national service, police and security among others.