Abu Dhabi - 4 Sep 2026 - 11:59 AM
Abu Dhabi, 4 September 2026: Rabdan Academy celebrated Emirati Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better” through an event held at the Academy’s campus in Abu Dhabi. Attended by officials, experts, faculty and staff members, and students, the event honoured the remarkable journey and achievements of Emirati women while highlighting their role in leadership, strengthening national resilience and shaping a safer and more sustainable future.
The ceremony opened with a video highlighting the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for the empowerment of women and his firm belief in their essential role as partners in building the nation and shaping its future.
Sheikha Dr Moza bint Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the opening remarks. She emphasised that this year’s theme reflects an enduring national journey that began with the establishment of the UAE and firmly established women as integral partners in the country’s development.
Sheikha Dr Moza bint Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan said: “The theme ‘We Emerge Stronger and Better’ is not a phrase associated with a passing occasion. It is a genuine expression of a national journey spanning more than five decades, founded on the firm belief that women are essential partners in building the nation and strengthening its ability to address challenges. Today, Emirati women continue to write new chapters in this journey through their influential presence in leadership, diplomacy, security, defence, science, space and the industries of the future.”
She praised Rabdan Academy’s female students for choosing to pursue studies in safety, security, defence and crisis management, noting that Emirati women’s participation in these vital and strategic fields reflects their confidence in their abilities and readiness to assume national responsibilities.
Her remarks addressed several defining stages in developing successful women, beginning with the family’s role in instilling discipline, integrity and ambition, followed by the school’s role in encouraging self-discovery and building confidence, and extending to the importance of university education and continuous professional development. She also encouraged students to view their university degrees as the beginning of a lifelong learning journey and to transform their future aspirations into clear and specific personal goals that contribute to achieving the UAE’s national visions.
The event also featured a keynote speech by Reem Al Anbari, Vice President of ADNOC Group Local Taxation and Chief Financial Officer of Abu Dhabi Offshore Power Transmission. She shared insights from her professional experience and the lessons that helped shape her leadership journey, emphasising the importance of self-confidence, continuous learning, initiative and creating impact.
Al Anbari said: “Professional success is not built on a job title alone, but on a constant readiness to learn, the ability to take initiative, accountability for decisions and the capacity to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. The more a woman invests in her knowledge and skills and broadens the scope of her experience, the better prepared she becomes for leadership opportunities and the more capable she is of creating a positive and lasting impact within her organisation and community.”
Al Anbari shared five key messages to help young women build successful careers: believe in themselves and take pride in their abilities and achievements; continuously invest in developing their knowledge and skills; seize opportunities and take the initiative to propose ideas and solutions; establish credibility and earn the trust of others through commitment and achievement; and strive to become role models and positive changemakers within their professional and social communities.
The event featured a panel discussion titled “Leading through Uncertainty: Emirati Women Redefining Resilience and Leadership”. The panellists were Dr Amal AlGhafri, Associate Dean at Rabdan Academy; Dr Asma AlNuaimi, Assistant Professor; and Dr Khawla Al Hattawi, Assistant Professor. The discussion was moderated by Dr Mona Al Hammadi, Director of Vocational Education Affairs at the Academy.
The panel explored the role of Emirati women in navigating crises and change, leading teams in complex environments, and demonstrating resilience, adaptability and sound decision-making under pressure. The speakers also discussed women’s contributions to embedding a culture of preparedness across institutions and communities, the leadership lessons inherited from mothers and grandmothers, and how these values can be further developed to respond to contemporary challenges.
The programme also included a Rabdan Academy students’ panel discussion titled “UNITAR-Ureka Award for Transformative AI-Driven Social Impact”. The panellists were Hissa Hamed Mohammed Butti Al Hamed, Amna Ali Mohammed Khalifa Al Dhaheri and Shaikha Ali Ahmed Bin Amro. The discussion was moderated by student Meena Saqr Salem Hamdan Al Mansoori.
During the session, the students shared their experience of using artificial intelligence to develop solutions and ideas with social impact. They reflected on the skills they gained in innovation, teamwork and problem-solving, as well as their experience in translating academic knowledge into practical applications that serve the community. The discussion also addressed the role of Emirati female students in leading future-focused projects that harness advanced technologies and connect innovation with the community’s real needs.
The students’ participation reflected Rabdan Academy’s commitment to empowering a new generation of young female leaders who can combine academic knowledge, professional competence and advanced technologies while contributing to the development of solutions that support preparedness, resilience and sustainability.
The event concluded by affirming that the achievements of Emirati women cannot be confined to a single day. Rather, they represent a continually evolving national journey reflected across family life, education, the workplace, innovation and decision-making. The accomplishments of Emirati women embody the UAE leadership’s confidence in their capabilities, their pride in their identity and heritage, and their readiness to contribute to building a future in which the UAE emerges stronger and better.