The Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department held a panel discussion to celebrate Emirati Women's Day, which is marked annually on August 28. Guests were Ms. Sheikha Al Suwaidi, the first female Emirati photographer, Judge Ibtisam Badwawi, the first female UAE national judge in Dubai Courts, Ms. Manar Al Hammadi, Associate Counsel at the State Lawsuits Department of the Ministry of Justice, and Ms. Maryam Al Falasi, Legal Counsel, Director of Government Contracts and Agreements Directorate at the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department.
In his speech, H. E. Dr. Lowai Belhoul, Director General of the Department said, "We gather today at the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department to celebrate Emirati women under the slogan "Women Are Partners in Giving", adopted 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 UAE."
Dr. Belhoul added, "Today we celebrate Emirati Women practising the legal profession above all, for the legal profession, a valuable and challenging one, has long been limited to men. And yet, Emirati women proved to be up to the challenge, being present in the work place and assuming responsibility. Thanks to the visionary leadership of the UAE, the role of women as key partners in the development of all fields has been realised. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God have mercy upon him), the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, had a vision ahead of his time. He paid close attention to women's participation in development, as he believed women are half of society, and society without women's contribution is doomed to witness no progress or prosperity".
Dr. Belhoul further stated that the Department's participation in the celebration of Emirati Women's Day demonstrates its desire to honor Emirati Women. The Department concentrates on women's roles in all aspects of its specialised work and ensures women receive all the support they need to enable them to excel. The Department's female employees, who outnumber male employees, have proved efficient in terms of their achievements, performance, and excellence. One of the Department's female employees won first place in the "Distinguished New Employee" category, in the last edition of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme (DGEP), whose winners were honored personally by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The first female Emirati photographer, Ms. Sheikha Al Suwaidi, talked about her journey in photography from the purchase of her first camera for 10 dirhams through to a career as a professional photographer, inspiring Emirati women to strive to serve the country.
Ms. Manar Al Hammadi, Associate Counsel at the State Lawsuits Department of the Ministry of Justice, said she felt honored when His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, commended her in his book "Reflections on Happiness & Positivity". It motivated her and made her feel more responsible to contribute to the development of the country.
"In the UAE, we receive great attention and support from our visionary leadership. Enabling women, promoting their status and providing all means necessary for their success, stems from a firm belief in the role of women as partners together with men in building our country" Judge Ibtisam Badwawi said. She also called upon female employees of the Department to utilise the opportunities and tools made available to them and to serve the country faithfully.
Ms. Maryam Al Falasi spoke about her work at the Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department, stating that the Department provides the expertise and resources necessary to work in the different legal fields like complaints, claims, contracts, amicable settlements, training and professional development. She added "I encourage all female employees to benefit from these resources, develop their skills and experiences, fulfill their ambitions and work hard to contribute to the prosperity of our country."
To conclude, Dr. Belhoul presented pioneering Emirati women with appreciation certificates and thanked the Department's female employees for their excellent work.
