The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has organised a series of health, cultural and community initiatives as part of Emirati Women’s Month.
The programme is being held under the 2026 theme “We Emerge Stronger and Better” and is intended to recognise the contribution of Emirati women while addressing health, knowledge and social issues that affect women in the workplace and the wider community.
Activities included a panel discussion with Ayesha Mohammed S. Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Emirates Businesswomen Council.
Female employees of the foundation also visited the Women’s Museum in Dubai, linking the programme to the documentation of women’s history and social contribution in the UAE.
The foundation provided specialised health consultations to female employees at its headquarters, adding a practical wellbeing component to the programme.
Khawla Ahmed Bahlooq, Assistant Executive Director of the Excellence Sector at the foundation, said the organisation wanted its participation to go beyond a ceremonial celebration.
She said the initiatives were designed to encourage dialogue, exchange experience, raise awareness of the national journey of Emirati women and address factors supporting health and quality of life.
Bahlooq also said Emirati women now participate across a wide range of professional and development fields, supported by access to education, opportunity and institutional support.
During the panel discussion, Al Mulla said the conversation around Emirati women has moved from empowerment alone toward the impact women are making across family life, workplaces and social, economic and political activity.
She attributed that progress to a combination of national legislation, opportunities, institutional support and women’s own ambitions and achievements.
Al Mulla also highlighted the role of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
The foundation’s programme reflects a broader shift in many Emirati Women’s Day initiatives from recognition ceremonies toward activities that combine professional development, health awareness, cultural memory and public discussion.
For employers, the health-consultation element also draws attention to workplace wellbeing and the value of providing employees with access to preventive information and specialised advice.
The panel and museum visit add a second dimension by connecting current professional participation with the longer history of women’s contribution to the UAE’s development.
The foundation said it intends to continue providing a supportive environment for women and programmes that strengthen professional and intellectual participation.
The immediate outcome is a month-long programme combining dialogue, health and community engagement. Longer-term impact will depend on how such initiatives translate into sustained workplace support, professional development and wider participation.
