Emirati Women’s Day 2024: The Mother is the teacher of all teachers
“The mother is the teacher of all teachers
—whose legacies have reached the horizons.” – Hafiz Ibrahim, Arab Poet
I begin with this verse from the renowned Egyptian poet because it perfectly encapsulates the experience of Emirati women over the past few decades. There is no better occasion than the celebration of Emirati Women’s Day to reflect on the global uniqueness of this experience.
Under the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, women were given the recognition and opportunities they deserved. His commitment to women’s empowerment is encapsulated in his words: “I’m a supporter of women. I always say this to confirm her right to work and fully participate in building her country.”
This commitment to women’s empowerment continues today under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His Highness emphasises the importance of motherhood, stating: “Appreciating women is a consistent approach we follow in the UAE. Women carry the great responsibility of rearing children and ensuring their proper upbringing. This is crucial as the UAE focuses on the qualitative leaps that set nations apart, by preparing future generations that can contribute to driving development and adding to the country’s achievements.”
Similarly, Emirati women have received unwavering support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, who eloquently said: “A woman is a symbol of happiness, sacrifice, life, equality, warmth, tenderness, and love. A woman is a symbol of everything beautiful.”
While the UAE has provided the world with exemplary models of women’s empowerment, it has also offered remarkable examples of motherhood—models whose greatest achievements are not in grand monuments but in nurturing top-tier global leaders, statesmen, economists, and diplomats who command respect and admiration. Reflecting on this reveals the profound influence of these mothers as educators.
The message of motherhood has been perfectly embodied by the Mother of the Nation and humanitarian leader, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. This enduring message has also been championed by the pioneering humanitarian, Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum.
On this special occasion, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Mother of the Nation, Emirati mothers, and the daughters of the UAE.
