UAE-Kuwaiti Women's Forum To Strengthen Dialogue On Women, Family And Society

The first UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum will run from 29 January to 3 February, bringing Emirati and Kuwaiti leaders together to discuss women’s roles in development, family stability and social cohesion. The event combines formal sessions and an exhibition, and is designed to deepen cooperation between the two Gulf states.

The forum will use a hybrid format, combining in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi with virtual participation from both countries. This structure is intended to widen access, encourage joint discussion on policy and practice, and support long-term dialogue on women’s empowerment programmes that benefit families and communities.

The initiative is organised by the General Women's Union in partnership with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The forum reflects directives from the UAE leadership to celebrate the close bonds with Kuwait across all emirates through structured, institutional cooperation.

Organisers link the "Mother of the Nation Vision 50:50" with "New Kuwait Vision 2035". The first vision positions women as central to the family, society and national development. The second places people and empowerment at the centre of growth, highlighting alignment in how both countries view human capital.

The forum aims to highlight how Emirati and Kuwaiti women strengthen historic brotherhood and the wider bilateral partnership. It offers a shared platform where women leaders discuss priority topics, exchange perspectives and design joint initiatives that support quality of life and social resilience in both states.

Sessions will focus on practical recommendations that can be translated into programmes and projects. Themes include women’s participation in economic life, support for families, social protection, and knowledge exchange on institutional frameworks. The forum is presented as a strategic space for sustained Gulf-level cooperation on women’s empowerment.

Cultural and economic dimensions of the UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum

An accompanying exhibition at the General Women's Union headquarters will showcase models of women’s economic and social empowerment. Exhibitors will include supporting institutions, productive families, and small and emerging businesses. The exhibition is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber, and Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

The exhibition will also present handicrafts, traditional foods and Emirati and Kuwaiti traditional clothing. These displays are intended to show women’s role in protecting heritage and converting cultural skills into sustainable value. The approach highlights cultural exchange as part of broader social and economic empowerment for women in both countries.

Organisers describe the UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum as a significant step in strengthening institutional coordination between the two states. By launching joint initiatives, they expect progress in women’s empowerment programmes and expanded cooperation across priority sectors, with anticipated benefits for families and communities in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

With inputs from WAM