make strides, with a growing number of amazing accomplishments to their credit. And these achievements are happening not just in the West, but all around the world. Consider the United Arab Emi- rates: The right of UAE women to take part in the developmentofall areas of their society is laid out in the UAE constitution, adopted when the federation was founded in 1971. It states that social justice should apply to all and that, before the law, women are equal to men, meaning they enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles and access to education, and have the right to practice the profession of their choice. Sheikh Mohammed—ruler of Dubai, one of the states, or Emirates, that form the UAE—is renowned for his respect and support of women’s rights. He has continually encouraged women to be empowered in governmental departments and started the Intelaq project, which provides incen- tives and other benefits for women who work at home. “Leading women in the UAE have played a key role in shaping the UAE culture and developing our society,” explains Sheikh Mohammed. “I believe women in this country have a great deal more to offer, if they are given the right support and commitment from society at large.” For example, in January 2008, Dubai appointed two additional Womenin Dubai and the rest of United Arab Emirates are encouraged to get an education and practice their chosen profession. women to its cabinet—Ministers of State Maitha Al-Shamsi and Reem Al-Hashimy. The two incumbent women membersof the cabinet are Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al-Qassimi and Minister of Social Affairs Mariam Al-Rumi. In addition, the country’s parliament—the Federal National Council—has nine women members out of forty—the second-highest proportion in the Arab world after Iraq. “To date, we have accomplished a great deal in regards to women’s affairs,” says Sheikh Mohammed, “and I believe the coming years will bring many changes that will further enhance women’s role in society, and that is precisely why I always encourage women to enter the workforce, start their own businesses, take on leadership positionsin line with their qualifications and abilities, and focus on developing their abilities and excelling in theirfields.” Through its leader’s vision, Dubai—a progressive, sophisticated, cosmopolitan city—serves as a catalyst for change. Strongly allied with the United States, Dubai shares many American val- ues and is using those success cri- teria to help build bridges that will produce mutual benefits for Dubai and neighboring nations in the Middle East and beyond. wenn ene ee ee ene eeeQSea wee eee eee eee Editors’ Note: This announcementis distributed for Levick Strategic Communications on behalf of the Government of Dubai. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
