Special women-only afternoon tea hosted in Dubai for Emirati Women’s Day
UAE celebrates five decades of women’s empowerment and progress
DUBAI is marking Emirati Women’s Day with a special afternoon tea at L’Apéro, Sofitel Dubai Downtown.
Today, from 2pm to 6pm, the Parisian-inspired restaurant will be privatised exclusively for women.
Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling Arabic-inspired Karkade mocktail and can indulge in savoury dishes such as chicken musakhan with saleeg rice bites and poached salmon with cream cheese and sumac. Sweet offerings include pistachio madeleines with pink rose chocolate and date and walnut scones with clotted cream and fig jam. The experience is priced at Dh200 for two.
For reservations, guests can call +971 (4) 503 6666 or book via the Sofitel Dubai Downtown website.
Emirati Women’s Day
This year, Emirati Women’s Day is observed under the theme “Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years”, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the General Women’s Union. The occasion underscores the legacy of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the Union, who is recognised as the pioneer of the women’s movement in the UAE.
Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Union, highlighted that the day reflects the vision of the leadership and embodies half a century of achievements, with Emirati women excelling in social, educational and economic fields.
The UAE ranked 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index. Milestones included legislation on equal pay, the UAE National Strategy for Women Empowerment 2023–2031, and the landmark decision granting women 50 percent of seats in the Federal National Council. Currently, women hold 26 percent of ministerial positions, with leadership in climate change, community development and education.
Where do Emirati women stand today?
Emirati women represent 71 percent of nationals in the public and private sectors, with 63 percent in federal government leadership roles and 13 percent serving as ambassadors abroad. More than 25,000 Emirati businesswomen own over 50,000 commercial licences, with investments exceeding Dh60 billion. Women also account for 46 percent of STEM graduates and 50 percent of the national space sector workforce.