Arab Observatory Gains Praise As GWU Leads First Phase Of Women's Economic Development Project
The Arab Economic and Social Council highlights the UAE’s role in regional women’s empowerment, after praising the General Women's Union for leading the first phase of the Arab Observatory for Women's Economic Development, a new Arab system that supports women’s participation in sustainable economic growth across member states.
The recognition comes during the Council’s 117th ordinary session at the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo, where delegates acknowledge that the Observatory project strengthens joint Arab action on women’s economic inclusion and encourages structured cooperation between governments and institutions.
Eng. Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of Strategic and Developmental Affairs at the General Women's Union, presents the first phase results, explaining that the Observatory is designed to link women entrepreneurs, expand access to investment opportunities, and support knowledge exchange to raise women’s productivity and economic independence across Arab economies.
| Area of work | Focus |
|---|---|
| Economic participation | Supporting women’s entry and retention in labour markets |
| Investment opportunities | Improving access to capital and projects |
| Training and development | Building skills and business capabilities |
| Target markets and sectors | Identifying priority industries and geographies |
| Virtual council and digital library | Providing dialogue platforms and knowledge resources |
Al Mannai notes that the Observatory’s scope includes economic participation, investment, training and development, and target markets and sectors, supported by a virtual council and digital library that help decision makers analyse data, coordinate programmes, and share case studies between Arab countries and relevant regional stakeholders.
The General Women's Union participates in the Council as part of the UAE delegation led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, with Al Mannai representing the Union and outlining how the first phase established operational structures, governance mechanisms, and management tools for the Observatory.
The initiative’s executive plan begins in 2024, following approval at the Arab Women Committee meeting and subsequent endorsement of the UAE proposal during the 33rd Arab Summit, then presentation at a high-level meeting of permanent delegates before the Executive Committee’s first session to supervise pilot operations.
Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the "Mother of the Nation," the Council thanks the United Arab Emirates, represented by the General Women's Union, stating that the initiative confirms the UAE’s status as a reliable partner in Arab cooperation and reflects a vision that supports sustainable prosperity for Arab societies.
With inputs from WAM
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