The Prestigious Honouring Ceremony in Abu Dhabi

On April 6, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, revered as the Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), personally honoured outstanding female graduates who achieved distinction with honours. These exceptional women hail from the 45th cohort of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the 24th cohort of Zayed University (ZU), and the 35th cohort of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). The event underscored the UAE's unwavering commitment to empowering women through education, celebrating their academic prowess and potential contributions to national development.

The ceremony was a testament to the leadership's vision, with Sheikha Fatima extending her congratulations and words of encouragement. Among the honourees from UAEU, 45 female graduates were recognized for their top performances, reflecting the rigorous standards of this flagship institution. While specific numbers for ZU and HCT were not detailed in reports, the collective achievement highlighted a surge in female excellence across these key higher education pillars.

Sheikha Fatima's Inspiring Message to the Graduates

In her heartfelt address, Sheikha Fatima emphasized the growing number of female graduates as a direct outcome of the UAE's wise leadership's efforts to elevate education quality. She praised their dedication to knowledge, stating, "Your academic excellence is a remarkable achievement that contributes to fulfilling your professional aspirations and investing your capabilities in nation-building." She urged them to continue their journey of excellence, aligning with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision that views family stability as a national duty.

Her Highness highlighted the role of these women in preserving UAE values, culture, and heritage while building future generations. This message resonates deeply in a nation where women's education has been a cornerstone of progress since the UAE's founding.

Ministerial Perspectives and Impressive Statistics

Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmanan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, attended and affirmed the leadership's continuous support for women's empowerment. He revealed that Emirati women comprise approximately 66% of Emirati students in higher education institutions, a statistic that showcases their dominance in academia.

• 20% specialize in business administration, marketing, and related fields
• 14% in engineering and related disciplines
• 13% in health specialties
• 12% in computer science and information technology

These figures translate into real-world impact: Emirati women hold 91% of citizen-occupied healthcare jobs in the private sector, 71% of young Emirati women (under 35) in private sector roles, and 55% of leadership positions among citizens in private enterprises.

Such data, drawn from recent governmental reports, illustrate how higher education is fueling women's leadership across vital sectors. For more on UAE higher education stats, visit the official UAE government portal.

United Arab Emirates University: Flagship of Excellence

Established in 1976 as the UAE's first university, UAEU in Al Ain has grown into a leading research institution with nine colleges offering diverse programs from nutritional sciences to engineering and medicine. Ranked #229 in QS World University Rankings and #1 in the UAE by the Association of Arab Universities, UAEU boasts students from 81 countries and has granted 365 patents.

Female students represent about 71% of the enrollment, mirroring national trends. The 45th cohort, graduating in late 2025, included 2,430 total graduates with 544 honors students, among whom 45 top female performers were honoured by Sheikha Fatima. These women exemplify UAEU's commitment to innovative research in strategic areas like sustainability and AI.

Zayed University: Empowering Future Leaders

Founded in 1998, Zayed University operates campuses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, initially as a women-only institution before becoming co-educational. ZU emphasizes interdisciplinary liberal arts education, preparing students for global challenges. Its 24th cohort's outstanding female graduates were celebrated for their academic distinction, contributing to ZU's reputation for fostering leadership and innovation.

ZU alumni have excelled in fields like policy, business, and technology, with many holding influential positions. The university's focus on Emiratisation aligns perfectly with national goals, producing graduates ready to drive economic diversification.

Higher Colleges of Technology: Vocational and Applied Pioneers

Launched in 1988, HCT is the UAE's largest applied higher education institution with 16 campuses nationwide. Specializing in practical, industry-aligned programs, HCT's 35th cohort honourees represent excellence in fields like engineering, IT, and business. With a graduate employment rate around 67%, HCT bridges academia and workforce needs effectively.

The institution's emphasis on hands-on learning has produced graduates who thrive in private sector roles, supporting UAE's Vision 2031.

The Rise of Women in UAE Higher Education

Over decades, Emirati women have transformed from a minority to the majority in higher education. Today, 95% of female high school graduates pursue tertiary studies, compared to 80% of males. At UAEU, women constitute 71-77% of graduates in recent years. This shift is bolstered by scholarships, family support, and leadership initiatives.

Government investments have expanded access, with federal universities prioritizing female enrollment. For detailed trends, see the Ministry of Education reports.

Diverse Fields and Professional Impacts

The honourees' specializations reflect UAE's economic priorities: business (20%), engineering (14%), health (13%), and IT (12%). These women are poised to lead in healthcare (91% citizen roles), private sector leadership (55%), and youth employment (71% under 35).

Examples from past cohorts include UAEU alumnae in research patents and ZU graduates in policymaking, demonstrating tangible contributions to sustainability and innovation.

Sheikha Fatima's Enduring Legacy in Women's Empowerment

Sheikha Fatima has championed women's education since the 1970s, establishing the GWU and sponsoring annual awards. Similar ceremonies in 2025, 2024, and earlier have honoured thousands, aligning with her 50:50 Vision for gender balance. Her initiatives, like the Women, Peace and Security Centre, extend education's impact globally. Learn more at the Mother of the Nation site.

Implications for UAE's Economic and Social Future

These graduates embody UAE Vision 2031, driving Emiratisation and diversification. Women's leadership in STEM and business will accelerate innovation, from AI to sustainable development. Challenges like work-life balance persist, but support systems ensure continued progress.

Photo by Michael Wave on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum in Female Excellence

Upcoming scholarships, hybrid learning expansions, and international partnerships will sustain this trajectory. Institutions like UAEU, ZU, and HCT plan enhanced research and employability programs. As Sheikha Fatima envisioned, these women will shape a prosperous, value-driven UAE.