By Rasa Evrensel and Ikram Kouachi
ISTANBUL (AA) - Arab nations marked International Women's Day on Saturday, emphasizing the vital role of women in the development, prosperity, and stability of their societies.
Official statements from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Qatar highlighted their commitment to supporting and empowering women.
- United Arab Emirates
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his country's appreciation for women's contributions.
"On International Women's Day, we celebrate the contributions of all women in fostering lasting progress and development to uplift society,” he said on X.
“To women in the UAE and around the world, we express our sincere gratitude as you continue to inspire future generations through your pivotal impact and achievements in all fields,” he added.
- Kuwait
Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering women as key contributors to the country's future.
In a statement, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said: "On International Women's Day, the Ministry expresses its appreciation for the crucial role played by Kuwaiti women in various fields."
"We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering women, believing in their capabilities and contributions to sustainable development and the nation's future prosperity,” it added.
- Qatar
Qatar also reaffirmed its commitment to women's empowerment and international cooperation in initiatives that create opportunities for women, particularly in the digital economy.
According to a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry, this commitment was reiterated by Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, during an event on Friday, announcing the beneficiary countries of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.
The WEIDE Fund launched at the World Trade Organization headquarters aims to empower female entrepreneurs by leveraging digital economy opportunities to help them access global export markets.
Muftah described the event as a “pivotal moment in the journey toward women's economic empowerment and expressed Qatar's pride in the selection of four beneficiary countries: the Dominican Republic, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Mongolia, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The official emphasized that “this initiative is not merely a financial investment but a catalyst for change, aimed at supporting women exporters and enabling them to access global markets.”
International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8, honors the achievements and contributions of women worldwide.