Dubai Customs celebrated the Emirati Women’s Day, which is marked on 28th August every year, under the theme "Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation". The event took place through a video conference with the presence of HE Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, and a number of executive directors, heads of departments and female employees. The event was added to Dubai Customs calendar to boost the recognition of women in the region and highlight their pivotal role in the community.
During the event, HE Ahmed Mahboob Musabih congratulated female employees and thanked them for their dedication and hard work.
“The Emirati women have played a pivotal role in the social, political, cultural, scientific, and economic progress of the UAE. Our country is one of the several countries where women are blessed with boundless opportunities. The Emirati women wear many hats. Their expertise and knowledge are showcased in all areas – be it Medicine, Arts, Business, or Politics” Said Musabih.
He added:
“With our preparations for our nation’s 50th anniversary we have to say with pride that women in the UAE have always been equal to men in their rights and roles working together to achieve sustainable development. This is a materialization of the dream and vision of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who believed women can be a great source of change and development in all walks of life.”
“Women in the UAE take up senior positions in government and private sectors, and Dubai Customs is fully committed to empower and support them. There are 754 women working at Dubai Customs, which makes 25% of the total workforce, including 255 women who have field and security jobs. They have contributed significantly in turning the vision of Dubai Customs to become the world’s leading administration department a reality. Dubai Customs launched also Al Thurayya Award to recognize female employees and their significant role in advancing customs.”
Musabih pointed out the UAE has put legislations and policies in place to empower women and ensure gender equality. This has been evident in the high ranking the UAE reached on the world’s competitiveness indexes.
On her part, Mariam Khalifa Al-Shamsi, Head of the Women's Committee at Dubai Customs said:
“The UAE prides itself on its comprehensive experience, clear vision and sustainable goals for women empowerment. This aligns with the national strategy for empowerment of Emirati women for the years 2015-21. The aim is to enable women’s creativity in all sustainable and developmental fields.”
The event included a psychological health awareness lecture delivered by Dr Asma bin Huwaidi, from Midclinic Hospital.