UAE Hailed as Arab World's Beacon for Women's Empowerment by International Advocate

The United Arab Emirates is setting a precedent for empowering women throughout the Arab world, according to a leading advocate for female economic empowerment who is considering making the country her permanent home. Haifa Al Kaylani, the founder and president of the Arab International Women’s Forum, stated that the UAE's dedication to supporting women and young people has established it as a model for the broader region, where numerous women still encounter obstacles to employment and economic advancement. In an interview with The National, coinciding with her organization's 25th anniversary, Ms. Al Kaylani noted that the UAE's global perspective and diverse society align with her vision of an Arab world integrated into the global community. Ms. Al Kaylani, who identifies as "proud to be an Arab with three roots: Palestinian, Lebanese of Palestinian roots, and Jordanian by marriage," expressed that "the whole Arab world is in my heart," in addition to identifying as a "global citizen." The Arab International Women’s Forum, established by Ms. Al Kaylani in London in 2001, concentrates on women's leadership, economic participation, and the role of youth in societal and economic development. Its name signifies its ambition to support women across the 22 Arab nations while fostering connections between the region and the international community. "We are not an Arab region that is on an island by ourselves. We are part and parcel, and an important part and parcel of the global community," Ms. Al Kaylani remarked. She was awarded an OBE in 2024 for her contributions to women, young people, and cultural relations. Ms. Al Kaylani shared her admiration for the UAE's initiatives in empowering women and youth. The forum has entered into memorandums of understanding with entities such as WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy) at Masdar, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain University. Its collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi supports the Emirati Women Achievers Initiative, while its work with Al Ain University focuses on its center for women’s entrepreneurship. Notably, four Emirati women leaders have served on the forum’s board since its inception, including Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who later became the UAE's first female minister. "Every day there is a new story that is impressive. Often it is first of its kind, and I am proud to be able to be a witness to that," she said. Ms. Al Kaylani observed that the forum's focus has evolved from discussing "windows of opportunity" for women to recognizing that "doors [are] wide open for women" today, though she acknowledged that progress varies by country. Her advocacy for women's involvement is rooted in economic principles. "I’m a development economist. I’m not a feminist," Ms. Al Kaylani stated. "If you don’t use half your resources, you cannot succeed in any business, in any activity. The economy is what it’s all about." She emphasized the private sector's crucial role in job creation and advocated for supporting women as equal partners with men in economic, societal, and family spheres. "It is a partnership. I firmly believe that when women prosper, families and communities also prosper." While acknowledging progress across the Arab region, Ms. Al Kaylani pointed out the diversity in cultures and circumstances among its 22 countries, noting that social and cultural barriers continue to limit women's roles in some societies. She highlighted that the proportion of young Arab women excelling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) surpasses that of their European counterparts. However, she cautioned that educational attainment does not always translate into employment opportunities, calling for stronger connections between educational institutions and employers. "We need stronger ties between academia and industry. Students should gain work experience and vocational training alongside their studies. You cannot learn that from books only. You need to be in the office to learn that. The human capital is the Arab region’s richest resource and all policies and strategies must adopt a human centred agenda." Ms. Al Kaylani also addressed the urgent need for opportunities in Gaza, stating that recovery efforts post-war have barely commenced. "It is a shame on humanity to be watching on our screens the acute suffering of the people of Gaza, with the terrible flooding of their tents. The people of Gaza need to be helped as soon as possible." She also drew attention to the significant contributions of women in rural communities, who often balance demanding agricultural work with family responsibilities. Ms. Al Kaylani underscored the importance of the rural sector for food security, especially in light of climate change and water scarcity, noting, "We cannot afford to waste water … We are amongst the world’s most water-stressed regions." Conflict, she identified, is the primary impediment to economic growth in the region. "We need peace. This is number one. We can’t afford conflict. Money runs away, investments run away from areas of conflict." Despite these challenges, she encourages investment in the region, expressing confidence in its economic potential and natural resources. "All the Arab region is rich in resources. We need to be given the peace of mind to get on with cultivating our resources, empowering our resources, and building for a prosperous future." Regarding emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data centers, Ms. Al Kaylani acknowledged both the opportunities and the associated challenges concerning energy and water consumption, concluding, "With every opportunity, there do come some challenges, so how to get the balance right is the issue. The journey continues."