In a major initiative to empower women in the world of cybersecurity, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, affectionately known as the “Mother of the Nation,” led a prestigious event at the General Women’s Union (GWU) headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Sheikha Fatima, who serves as Chairwoman of the GWU, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), oversaw the launch of the “International Programme for Training Women Trainers in the Arab Region and the World.”
The program, which brought together a diverse group of female professionals from 22 Arab countries and beyond, is focused on preparing women to take on more strategic roles in cybersecurity policy and cyber diplomacy. The initiative targets women working in cybersecurity policy, peace and security fields, and technical sectors, aiming to enhance their skills and help them advance to leadership positions in the digital security landscape.
Noura Al Suwaidi, the Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, highlighted the UAE’s prominent role in shaping cybersecurity efforts both regionally and globally. She underscored the importance of empowering women in technology and policymaking to ensure the creation of a secure digital environment that can safeguard national achievements. “This success is a result of the UAE’s visionary leadership, with the invaluable support of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak,” Noura Al Suwaidi remarked, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to enhancing women’s roles in technology-driven industries.
Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, praised the program as a landmark achievement in advancing gender equity in cybersecurity. Calling it a “watershed moment,” he recognized the ongoing efforts to create more opportunities for women in this critical field. Dr. Al-Kuwaiti also extended his gratitude to Sheikha Fatima for her steadfast dedication to the cause, noting that her continuous guidance has been instrumental in driving progress within the profession.
The event provided a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing topics in the cybersecurity sector. Participants were educated on current and emerging threats in the digital world, with a particular focus on the risks posed by artificial intelligence. The program also covered national resilience strategies, offering insights into the legal, regulatory, and technical measures required to fortify digital infrastructure and protect against cyberattacks.
In addition to the technical training, the program highlighted the broader importance of cybersecurity policy in shaping global peace and security initiatives. The participants, who came from a wide range of backgrounds, including policymakers, industry professionals, and academics, were encouraged to develop new strategies for collaboration across borders. This global approach aims to strengthen cybersecurity practices while ensuring that women play a central role in addressing the challenges of the digital age.
Sheikha Fatima’s leadership continues to inspire and shape the UAE’s policies on women’s empowerment, particularly in male-dominated fields such as cybersecurity. Her dedication to improving women’s participation in these key sectors reflects the UAE’s long-term vision of building a more inclusive, secure, and technologically advanced society. As the digital landscape evolves, initiatives like this one are crucial in ensuring that women are well-equipped to lead the way in cybersecurity and beyond.