NAMA Women Advancement, in collaboration with Sharjah Islamic Bank, has concluded a three-day financial literacy programme aimed at strengthening women’s financial independence and investment awareness in the United Arab Emirates.
Held from 9 to 11 November 2026 at Sharjah Maritime Academy in Khorfakkan, the initiative brought together 40 women for practical training in personal financial management, responsible borrowing, saving and investment planning.
The programme, titled “Mastering Financial Management: Saving, Financing and Investment”, forms part of NAMA’s wider efforts to equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed financial decisions and pursue long-term economic security.
Through interactive workshops and practical exercises, participants explored budgeting techniques, financial obligations, Islamic financing options and investment opportunities. The sessions also addressed the importance of assessing financial risks, understanding contractual commitments and developing sustainable saving habits.
The initiative comes amid increasing participation by women in the UAE’s investment markets. According to figures cited in the announcement and attributed to the Capital Market Authority, Emirati women’s investments in securities markets reached approximately AED 63 billion in August 2026.
The growing participation highlights the importance of financial education in helping women evaluate investment opportunities and understand the risks associated with different financial products.
H.E. Mariam Al Hammadi, Director General of NAMA Women Advancement, emphasised the importance of financial knowledge in supporting women’s economic independence.
She explained that financial literacy extends beyond managing everyday expenses, enabling women to plan for their futures, fulfil financial responsibilities and pursue personal and professional ambitions.
Al Hammadi also highlighted the importance of partnerships with financial institutions in providing education that reflects the UAE’s banking environment and introduces women to financing and investment products aligned with Islamic finance principles.
The programme was delivered by Hassan Al Balghouni, Head of Corporate Communications and Community Awareness, and Talal Al Shami, Head of Training, Research and Sharia Development at Sharjah Islamic Bank.
The first day focused on effective money management, including budgeting, responsible spending and building sustainable saving habits. Participants examined how to distinguish essential expenses from discretionary spending, establish emergency funds and balance immediate financial commitments with longer-term objectives.
The second day addressed borrowing and debt management, helping participants assess repayment capacity, understand financing costs and evaluate the implications of financial commitments.
Sessions also introduced Islamic financing principles and available banking solutions, with practical exercises designed to help participants compare financing arrangements and understand their contractual obligations.
The final day concentrated on investment awareness, including the differences between saving and investing, portfolio diversification and the relationship between potential returns and financial risks.
Participants were also introduced to methods for verifying investment opportunities, identifying potential financial fraud and assessing whether investment products align with their financial circumstances and objectives.
The training forms part of NAMA’s ongoing Financial Literacy Programme, launched in 2024. According to the organisation, the initiative had recorded a cumulative total of 416 participants through June 2026 across its basic and advanced training levels.
By combining financial education with practical exercises, NAMA and Sharjah Islamic Bank aim to help women build stronger financial management capabilities and participate more confidently in the UAE’s evolving investment landscape.
The collaboration reflects continued efforts to strengthen women’s economic participation by improving access to financial knowledge, responsible financing practices and investment education.
