President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, have issued messages to mark International Women’s Day.
The 2025 UN theme for the day, celebrated annually on 8 March, is “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
“On International Women's Day, we celebrate the contributions of all women in fostering lasting progress and development to uplift society,” the President wrote 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.”
Sheikh Mohammed also posted a message on the social media platform. “On International Women's Day, we celebrate women's giving, strength, sacrifices, and contributions to building societies and countries.”
“Women are the secret of life, its story, and its soul. They are the educators of generations and the creators of heroes.”
The UAE has launched initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing the status of women and their roles within the community.
For example, through a strategic partnership with UN Women, the UAE has reinforced its global commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Signed in March 2024, the partnership involves a $15 million investment over three-and-a-half years to elevate women’s status worldwide and support the UN Women Liaison Office for the Gulf Co-operation Council.
The partnership will also accelerate women’s economic empowerment, particularly in African and Latin American countries, and strengthen women’s roles in climate action, state news agency Wam reported.
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
