The College of Education at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) held on Tuesday May 1^st a dialogue session titled ‘Emirati Women in the Era of Sheikh Zayed: Female Leaders in Special Education’, as part of the UAEU activities of the Year of Zayed.

The participants in the session stressed that Late Sheikh Zayed, has set up values and principles and was keen on empowering Emirati women to participate in the UAE’s sustainable development process and cared for gifted people and those with special needs. These efforts are stemmed from his belief that Emirati women play a strategic role in contributing to the country’s development and his belief in the importance of human development to be able to face challenges in all walks of life.

Noura Al Meri, Director of Special Education Department, Ministry of Education, stated that the Late Sheikh Zayed has set in the statute of Law, rules to confer Emirati women’s rights including the right of education and the right to participate in social, political and economic aspects to contribute in building the country. These efforts are continued by the UAE’s wise leadership, empowering women to play a vital role in the sustainable development process.

Muna Al Yafei, Director of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, explained the role of the Late Sheikh Zayed in launching the city and his international humanitarian vision in serving humanity at the local, regional and international levels. UAE is proactive in offering services that suit special needs and integrating them in schools and society to be active individuals in the society.

Dr. Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Gifted Welfare Department, Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, pointed out that the UAE since its establishment by the Late Sheikh Zayed has helped empowering women to effectively participate in the UAE’s education, health and social affairs, as part of their rights which are stipulated in the UAE’s statute. International statistics have shown that the UAE has won first place in supporting women in several walks of life including education, health and providing care to special needs.