Emirati Women Move From Empowerment To Global Leadership, Shamma Says At WEF Davos 2026

Emirati women’s leadership and its growing economic impact took centre stage during the World Woman Davos Agenda 2026, where H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan outlined how long-term policies in the UAE have shifted women from "empowerment" towards "consolidating their status" in public life, business activity, and national decision-making.

H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma detailed how Emirati women now hold a strategic economic position, stressing that institutional confidence has grown in line with their track record. She explained that their role is no longer symbolic, but tied directly to measurable financial portfolios, diversified investments, and participation in sectors linked to the UAE’s post-oil priorities.

Highlighting this change, H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma stated that Emirati female entrepreneurs currently oversee an economic portfolio valued at about $17 billion. She described this portfolio as an active part of national economic strength, with clear contributions to income diversification and resilience in the post-oil era, and as evidence of trust in women’s ability to manage risk and create value.

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H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma noted that the UAE model for women’s leadership did not emerge from slogans or short-term campaigns. According to H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma, it developed from a stable leadership vision set at the country’s founding, which guided how laws, institutions, and public policies were built to include women in all national sectors.

That vision, H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma explained, was championed by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known nationally as the "Mother of the Nation", through the establishment of the General Women’s Union. The Union became the base for Emirati women’s organised progress, supporting education, public participation, and leadership roles across successive stages of the state’s development.

Over time, H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma added, this vision turned into specific legislation, policies, and working practices. These frameworks secured Emirati women’s participation in economic and cultural decision-making bodies and promoted partnership rather than difference between men and women. As a result, women in the UAE moved beyond the phase of "empowerment" and are now focused on "consolidating their status" across institutions.

UAE women's leadership and global dialogue at Davos

The discussion on UAE women’s leadership took place during a special session hosted by the World Woman Foundation in cooperation with Forbes Middle East, as part of the global women’s agenda at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The event formed part of the World Woman Davos Agenda 2026 programme held alongside the main Forum meetings.

On arrival at the session venue, Sheikha Dr. Shamma was welcomed by Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East. The dialogue was then led by media professional Hind Khlaifat, who steered questions on how women’s leadership roles intersect with economic trends, cultural change, and decision-making at a time of constant global shifts.

The invitation to Sheikha Dr. Shamma, who chairs the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, reflected recognition of leadership that combines culture, education, and global responsibility. Participants viewed this perspective as important for current international debates on inclusive growth and human-centred development strategies.

UAE women's leadership and the role of World Woman House

The session formed part of activities at the World Woman House, a platform where global leaders gather to build long-term connections and strengthen international ties. Within this framework, discussions focus on opening new paths for growth, supporting human potential, and encouraging shared prosperity, with women’s leadership and the UAE example presented as central reference points.

The dialogue in Davos presented the UAE experience as a case study of how clear leadership vision, enduring policy frameworks, and institutional trust can shape women’s leadership and economic participation. By linking cultural foundations, education, and entrepreneurship, speakers showed how Emirati women now contribute to both national strength and wider international conversations on inclusive progress.

With inputs from WAM