In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, the Women’s Pavilion at Expo City Dubai will host Her Nation, Her Strength on 27 August – a special programme recognising the Emirati women who help sustain the UAE through moments of uncertainty, challenge and change.

Held in partnership with Emirates NBD and supported by Damas, the event brings together women working across national defence, emergency response, healthcare, education, community development, technology and mental health – examining the different forms leadership takes when systems are under pressure. It will take place at Connect Conference Centre – C3 and reflects the Women’s Pavilion’s continued commitment to creating space for women’s experiences and perspectives to inform a more resilient, inclusive future for the UAE.

As the nation marks the Year of the Family in 2026, the programme will centre on deep connections, intergenerational relationships and the support systems that strengthen society, recognising the women who help keep communities moving forward with responsibility and care – both publicly visible and behind the scenes.

Reflecting on recent periods of crisis, diverse Emirati voices will share their experiences of leading, responding and supporting others across two main sessions.

Leading under pressure: when systems are tested Institutions provide the framework for resilience, but people make the decisions. This conversation draws on the experiences of Emirati women who put this philosophy into practice when the stakes are high, with speakers including:

Dr Ayesha Almemari – Consultant, Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
Iman Al-Omrani – Chief Digital Advisor, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Noor Al Geziry – Associate Vice President - MENA & Special Projects, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

The hands that hold us: the work behind resilience While some women led institutions through crisis, this panel recognises the countless others that sustain the country through their daily work – in classrooms, clinics, communities and homes – with audiences hearing from:

Samira Al Awadhi – School Principal, Al Mawakeb School Al Khawaneej
Bedour Al Raqbani – social entrepreneur and social activist, Founder of Kalimati Communication and Rehabilitation Centre and CEO of Maseer Initiatives
Asma Al Mesmari – Assistant Director of Nursing, SEHA - SKMC

The programme will conclude with remarks by Eman Abdulrazzaq, Group Chief of Human Resources and Operations, Emirates NBD, followed by an opportunity for guests to connect and exchange ideas.

Media and the general public are invited to attend the event from 0930 onwards on 27 August at Connect Conference Centre – C3, Expo City Dubai. Register here.

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