The United Arab Emirates’ Embassy in Seoul has made the last touches in the preparations for setting up a polling center for UAE citizens living in the Republic of Korea to cast their votes in the 2019 Federal National Council’s general elections. The elections are considered part of our country’s progress in the political field.

This year’s elections hold a special significance as it comes after the December 2018 directive issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates to increase the representation of women in the FNC to 50 percent. The President’s historical decision to raise women’s participation in the FNC aimed at enabling Emeriti women to be part of the UAE decision-making process. It is a step forward in our country’s policy to empower women. It makes the UAE a model for other nations to follow at the global level. The UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, had been behind the policy of women’s education and empowerment. Based on this policy, the legislative body itself is led by a female Speaker, HE Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, since 2015, giving the UAE a leading status in the region. To reinforce women empowerment in the executive body in the country, nine out of 32 cabinet ministers are women, accounting for around 30%.

Recent data shows that women represent 46.6% of the labor force in the country. They occupy 66% of jobs in the government bodies, 30% of which hold leadership roles and 15% are in specialized and academic positions. According to the international level of competitiveness indicators, the UAE topped the world's index in the “respect to women” and ranked first in 2017 in gender equality in terms of property rights. The Emeriti women proved themselves well even in fields which are usually dominated by men such as military, police, civil defense, and more.

The above statistics shows that UAE women are fully empowered. Their voice is clearly heard. They enjoy equal rights with their fellow men. Women’s education played a significant role in their awareness of their rights and role in the society. Armed with knowledge, the Emirati women have achieved great goals by reaching the highest position in the country. The wise leadership of the UAE strongly believes that engaging women in all fields of life in the country is a top priority as they represent half of the society.

According to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “every woman has our deepest appreciation. Every role a woman plays to contribute to society makes her a partner in building our nation. I can’t be more proud than now of the Emirati status right now”.

Having this opportunity, I hope that all Emirati eligible voters, being in the country or living in other countries during the elections period, will actively participate in this national event.

His Excellency Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi

UAE Ambassador to Republic of Korea

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation