Values of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak honoured on International Women’s Day 

Abu Dhabi, 8 March 2018:   Taking place between March 22 to 31 and organised by The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Mother of the Nation Festival is set to mark International Women’s Day by paying tribute to the values and extensive contributions of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the General Women's Union, President of the Family Development Foundation, and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. This year marks a special edition of the festival, which is taking place during Year of Zayed, dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Sheikh Zayed who was at the forefront of championing a more inclusive role for women in the Emirati society. 

Observed in the UAE and around the world on March 8, International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates women’s achievements and calls for more gender equality across various sectors. Since its establishment 46 years ago, the UAE has made great strides in advancing women’s journey of development and empowerment in all community affairs. The late Sheikh Zayed’s vision was instrumental to achieving progress in this area and presenting women with opportunities to meet their ambitions.   The UAE’s founding father ordered the establishment of a women’s union in 1975. Since then, HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak was, and continues to be, a supporter of Emirati women, and has contributed to directing and improving their position in the local community and in the world.

Marking International Women’s Day is part of the festival’s overall aim of celebrating and honouring the contributions of Emirati Women to the development and success of the nation. Given her role in empowering women and calling for their wide recognition, the festival aims to pay tribute to HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak who has established values and principles that support the advancement of women in society and highlight their regional and international stature and leadership. In recognition of their growing role in building the nation, HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak announced August 28 as the Emirati Women Day to celebrate the importance of women and their pivotal role in the community back in 2015.

Celebrating Emirati women who have participated in the UAE’s progress as mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, the festival’s Mother of the Nation Pavilion will highlight Emirati women’s historical achievements. One of the festival’s most popular in previous years, the Pavilion is located at the heart of the festival and explores the impact that Emirati women have had on the country throughout history. The showcase traces the visionary thinking of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and how her initiatives helped shape the eminent position that UAE women enjoy in the society, economy and government today.

The Pavilion will also present examples of Emirati women who exemplified ambition, dedication and commitment as they build their communities and nurture the new generation of citizens who uphold the values and meanings of loyalty to their country.

The third edition of the Mother of the Nation Festival extends over Abu Dhabi Corniche, offering an exciting range of events and activities with more than 100 workshops, performances and activities. In addition to the Mother of the Nation Pavilion, cultural and entertainment events will take place across four areas namely, the Happiness Zone, Progress Zone, Beach Dining and Souq.

The entry price is AED25 per adult, AED15 for children aged from 2 to 12, while children under two-years-old, seniors over 60 and People of Determination are admitted for free.