Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | DEWA organises 6th Emirati Women’s Forum online

On Emirati Women’s Day which is held this year under the slogan ‘Preparing for the next fifty years: Women are the support of the nation,’ Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised the 6th Emirati Women’s Forum via video conference in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; HE Maryam Bin Theneya, member of the Federal National Council; and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Assistant Professor Family Medicine at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and doctor of the Emirati Astronauts.

“I am pleased to welcome you all to the Emirati Women’s Forum organised by DEWA for the sixth consecutive year to celebrate the role of Emirati women in building the nation and elevating its position. Emirati Women’s Day is especially important this year ‘2020: Towards the Next 50,’ where we mobilise all resources and capabilities to continue the journey of development by our Founding Fathers which started 50 years ago. We also strive to enhance this development journey instilled by the greatest supporter of women’s rights – our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace. He was supported by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's  Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (Mother of the Nation). Under the wise leadership that focuses on human resources, the unlimited support by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has resulted in enhancing women’s role in the UAE Centennial 2071 to make the UAE the best country in the world. Zayed’s daughters have become key partners in shaping life in the UAE for the next 50 years and consolidating the country’s achievements. The UAE has entered the space and nuclear energy fields, and its accomplishments are widely praised,” said Al Tayer in a video speech.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum once said, ‘Women have a special status in our society and should therefore occupy a more prominent position. They deserve to be honoured and occupy the positions they have earned.’ To achieve this, DEWA is committed to providing a positive and inspiring environment to ensure our female employees achieve a balance between their personal and professional lives, for a stable and cohesive family. We aim to develop your skills and experiences to consolidate the country’s economic position. DEWA currently has 1,949 female employees across its divisions, including 671 in the technical and engineering divisions. 80.5% of the female workforce at DEWA are Emirati women, and 32% of the R&D’s workforce are Emirati women as well. This includes women with high academic degrees in engineering and scientific majors. DEWA is committed to empower women in all positions, from the managerial to the technical positions. DEWA is one of the largest government organisations to employ women in technical positions within the energy sector in Dubai,” added Al Tayer.

“At this historic stage of the UAE, we pledge to provide all the ingredients for success; to motivate, empower and support the women and men of our nation. Our women are key supporters in preserving our gains and creating new achievements. This will ensure a resilient and agile UAE Government, ready to adapt to change for social and sustainable development. On this day, we would like to congratulate and salute Emirati women as our role models in the nation’s journey and prosperity, to prepare a qualified generation to carry on the mission and achieve leadership and excellence regionally and internationally. May God bless your efforts and protect you as our beloved nation’s wealth and source of pride,” said Al Tayer.

“DEWA’s top management is committed to providing all required necessities to support women empowerment for leadership and help them find a balance between their professional, social, and personal lives. It also considers their emerging needs and requirements to unleash their creativity and potential. DEWA’s Women Committee enables all opportunities and circumstances that help female employees in different positions succeed and excel. This motivates them to prove themselves and enhance their role in DEWA’s achievements in different areas. DEWA has 1,949 women in its workforce, 80.5% of them are Emirati. This includes 671 female engineers and technicians at DEWA. 32% of employees at the Innovation Centre are Emirati female employees, with most of them highly educated in scientific and engineering areas,” said Fatima Al Jokar, Chairperson of DEWA Women's Committee.

The 6th Emirati Women Forum included two online sessions. The first session was entitled ‘Emirati Women: Gains partner and miracles maker,’ to highlight the contribution of pioneering women to what the UAE has reached from achievements. HE Maryam Bin Theneya, member of the Federal National Council; and Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Assistant Professor Family Medicine at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and doctor of the Emirati Astronauts, attended the session.

 “The role of Emirati women has been prominent and significant even before the foundation of the union. Women played a pivotal role in the Emirati family and the whole society. This has resulted in a successful and outstanding role model of women in all areas,” said Bin Thaneya. “The wise leadership does not spare efforts in empowering Emirati women and the recent decision to make half of the National Federal Council members from women had a significant result in engaging women in different areas. This consolidates the Emirati women efforts locally and regionally,” added Bin Thaneya.

Dr. Al Suwaidi said that Emirati women have become today a role model for all women around the world. They have managed to get involved in different work fields. Dr. Al Suwaidi pointed that her work as an astronaut doctor reflects the wise leadership directives to support women, enhance their scientific and professional career, and develop their different skills and capabilities. They have prepared all circumstances to highlight the role of Emirati women in different international forums, and assert their social and work roles.

The second session was entitled ‘Women’s Journey at DEWA.. From Establishment to Development.’ Several female employees attended the session, including Badria Belyouha, Deputy Senior Manager at Water and Civil Engineering and Dr. Aaesha Alnuaimi, Executive Director at DEWA’s Innovation Centre. The session highlighted their role in consolidating the concept of giving back to the nation and dedicating their professional lives to advance government work since its launch.

The forum also included a video on the journey of Emirati women at DEWA, and their effectiveness and success. The video featured Emirati women who worked at DEWA competently and relentlessly. In conjunction with the ‘2020: Towards the Next 50,’ DEWA honoured the female employees who have dedicated more than 25 years at DEWA, contributing to its success. The forum also included raffle draws, interactive competitions and valuable prizes.