UAE Kuwaiti Women’s Forum Opens In Abu Dhabi To Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

The first UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum is bringing Emirati and Kuwaiti women leaders together in Abu Dhabi, using both physical and virtual participation. Running until 3 February, the forum focuses on strengthening historic ties, exchanging experience, and discussing women’s roles in national development, peace, technology, climate action and other strategic areas relevant to both countries.

The event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the "Mother of the Nation", Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF). Organised by the GWU with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it coincides with the ‘UAE-Kuwait: Brothers Forever’ Week from 29 January to 4 February.

During the opening, Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, delivered a speech on behalf of H.H. Sheikha Fatima. The address said the forum expresses the UAE’s commitment to joint work and integrated efforts for a more prosperous future, following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and supports shared priorities in women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

The speech described long-standing links between the UAE and Kuwait, presenting the UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum as a bridge between a common heritage and a jointly planned future. It stressed the connection between the "Mother of the Nation 50:50" vision and the new "Kuwait 2035" vision, noting that investment in people underpins stable, prosperous societies, while also commending the contribution of Kuwaiti women to national progress.

The GWU highlighted that the UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum marks a qualitative stage in cooperation, improving institutional coordination and enlarging opportunities for joint action on women’s issues and sustainable development. Two main sessions structure the programme, addressing future-making, advanced technology, peace and security, women’s sport, and women’s participation in media, tourism, logistics, supply chains, climate action and renewable energy.

The five-day accompanying exhibition at the GWU headquarters runs alongside the UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum, displaying women-led projects and initiatives from both countries. It features Productive Families, small and emerging businesses, and cultural and heritage collections, underlining women’s roles in protecting shared heritage and turning cultural assets into lasting economic and social value that supports wider development strategies.

According to Al Suwaidi, the UAE–Kuwaiti Women’s Forum enhances dialogue among Emirati and Kuwaiti women leaders on priority topics, challenges and opportunities. By combining in-person and online formats, it broadens participation, strengthens fraternal relations between the UAE and Kuwait, and supports sustained cooperation across institutions concerned with women, development and the future of both societies.

With inputs from WAM