GWU launches Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Councils abroad

The initiative provides a platform to empower Emirati businesswomen, promote economic development, and enhance cooperation between the UAE and friendly nations in entrepreneurship, investment, and women’s development programs.

Structure and vision of the councils

Each council operates under joint leadership, supervised by the GWU in coordination with UAE embassies and relevant official and economic entities in host countries. The initiative aligns with the “Mother of Nation 50:50 Vision”, aimed at building a global network of women leaders and strengthening the international economic presence of Emirati women. The councils are designed to promote bilateral economic cooperation, expand women’s participation in the global economy, and support Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equality, decent work, innovation, and global partnerships.

Core functions

The councils focus on supporting cultural and economic exchange between Emirati and international women entrepreneurs, activating institutional cooperation channels between official, economic, and academic entities, identifying priority collaboration areas, and developing joint action plans. They also launch virtual and physical networking platforms for entrepreneurs and supporting institutions, organise joint conferences, exhibitions, and forums to promote women-led projects, prepare analytical reports on women’s economic empowerment, and participate in international events while monitoring memoranda of understanding to ensure tangible outcomes.

First council launched in China

The GWU launched the first council in the People’s Republic of China through a training programme titled “Emirati Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Business Landscape in China”, organised in coordination with the UAE Embassy in Beijing. The two-week programme, held across Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Yiwu, offered Emirati businesswomen an immersive experience in China’s economic environment, with a focus on e-commerce, digital transformation, innovation, and SME management. The programme also included visits to major companies and trade exhibitions, including Alibaba, ByteDance, JD.com, and Amazon, alongside workshops with Chinese academic and economic institutions.

Leadership perspectives

Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the GWU, described the councils as landmark initiatives to strengthen Emirati women’s global presence and facilitate knowledge exchange, joint projects, and cross-border innovation. Amina Al Hamadi, Deputy UAE Ambassador to China, highlighted the councils as a practical implementation of Sheikha Fatima’s vision, expanding Emirati women’s representation in international forums and fostering global partnerships. Ghalia Ali Al Mannai, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the GWU, emphasised that the councils create a global platform for economic and cultural exchange, empowering women through institutional collaboration and shared opportunities.

Strategic global impact

The UAE-China council represents the first step in building an international network of Emirati women entrepreneurs, opening new prospects for trade, investment, and sustainable partnerships. Under Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s leadership, the GWU continues to empower Emirati women locally and globally, positioning them as active contributors to sustainable development and the global economy.