What & When Is Emirati Women’s Day?

Every year on August 28, the UAE hits pause to spotlight a force that’s shaped the nation since day one: its women. 

Emirati Women’s Day isn’t just about where women are today, it’s about how far they’ve come and where they’re headed. Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” the day honors the essential role women have played and continue to play, in shaping the UAE’s progress across every sector.

👉 Why August 28?

The date marks the establishment of the General Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975, a turning point in the UAE’s journey toward institutional empowerment for women.
In this blog, we’ll explore the story behind Emirati Women’s Day, highlight the growing presence of women in real estate, and show how Wasl is proudly supporting their journey, at every step.

Emirati Women's Day Theme For 2025

This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand, Celebrating 50 Years,” commemorates five decades of progress and partnership. It reflects the UAE’s journey toward gender balance, where women and men continue to build the nation side by side.

The theme also echoes the government’s Vision 2071 goals, highlighting the importance of empowering women across all sectors, especially real estate, sustainability and technology.

Emirati Women in Real Estate: A Growing Force in Dubai’s Market

In the past decade, the presence of Emirati women in real estate has evolved from niche to noteworthy, and the numbers in 2024 and 2025 prove it’s more than a passing trend.

According to the Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) mid-year 2025 data, women investors drove over AED 73.2 billion in property transactions in just the first six months of the year, spread across 34,792 deals by 30,487 female investors. That’s up from AED 114.5 billion across 51,000 transactions in all of 2024, marking a significant acceleration in the market momentum led by women.

Notably, Emirati women account for a substantial 25% of all real estate brokerage transactions in Dubai, a space historically dominated by men. This highlights a clear shift not just in investment behavior, but in leadership and decision-making within the industry.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s driving the change:

• Strategic Ownership: Women are increasingly purchasing properties not just to live in, but to build wealth. Areas like Dubai Hills, JVC, and Downtown remain top picks for their blend of lifestyle and returns.
• Long-Term Thinking: Data from Knight Frank’s UAE Residential Report shows women investors are more likely to choose off-plan properties, branded residences, and assets with high rental yields.
• Leadership Growth: More Emirati women are also entering C-suite and board-level roles in real estate companies, playing key roles in design, investment, and sustainability decisions.

These shifts aren’t just economic, they’re cultural. And with government plans like Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, there’s a clear path for even greater female participation and leadership in shaping the city’s urban future.

Government Support: Empowering Women in Real Estate 

Behind every empowered woman in real estate, there’s a system that believes in her potential. In Dubai, that system is both intentional and evolving.

From dedicated mortgage products tailored for female buyers to mentorship platforms, regulatory reforms and sector-wide visibility campaigns, the government isn’t just opening doors for Emirati women in real estate; it’s building new ones.

In February 2025, the Dubai Land Department hosted the ‘She Pioneers’ event, a milestone celebration recognizing women’s achievements across the property sector. 

By the Numbers:

• Women now represent 34% of all real estate investors in Dubai.
• That’s over 50,000 transactions worth AED 118 billion.
• The number of nationalities of female investors rose from 193 in 2023 to 200 in 2024, reinforcing Dubai’s global appeal.

But it's not just about numbers. It’s about momentum.

The DLD’s latest initiatives, from launching a Women in Real Estate Charter to flexible commission structures and the Real Estate Women’s Club, are reshaping the sector into one that welcomes and supports female leadership at every level.

These programs are designed to do more than celebrate success, they're meant to multiply it. 

From funding mentorships to offering investment advisory sessions and rolling out targeted digital platforms like Women of Wealth, the aim is to build financial literacy, confidence and a strong community of real estate-savvy women.

The Role of Wasl in Empowering Emirati Women

At Wasl, celebrating Emirati women goes far beyond a single day, it’s part of how we grow as a company.

Each year, we host an internal event across our offices to recognize the women behind the work, from engineering and architecture to legal, leasing and beyond. We celebrate their achievements, spotlight their journeys and honor the value they bring to every corner of the business.

But celebration is just one part of the equation.

Empowerment at Wasl is also about action. By fostering a culture of learning and development, we create space for every employee to grow. From leadership training to skill-building workshops, these programs are designed to support professional development while creating ripple effects that impact personal growth as well.

Because when you give people the tools to lead in their careers, you also help them lead in life.

Women Driving the Future of Real Estate in Dubai

By 2030, women are expected to make up over 40% of real estate investors in Dubai, thanks to better access to information, more flexible financing and a new wave of confident, first-time female buyers.

Bottom line? The next chapter of Dubai’s real estate boom will be co-authored by women. And the city will be stronger for it.

FAQs

What is Emirati Women's Day?

A national occasion to celebrate the remarkable achievements and esteemed status of Emirati women in the nation's comprehensive development journey.

What is the theme for Emirati Women's Day 2025?

The theme for 2025 is "Hand in Hand, Celebrating 50 Years," marking half a century of progress and partnership in empowering women in the UAE.

Why was August 28 chosen as Emirati Women's Day?

The date marks the anniversary of the General Women’s Union, founded in 1975 under the leadership of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

Who founded Emirati Women's Day?

The day was founded in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, to celebrate and empower Emirati women.