GWU launches Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Councils globally, debuts in China

Attendees pose for a group photo during the "UAE Women Entrepreneurs and Zhongguancun Angel Investment Association · Women's Growth Professional Committee" roundtable meeting in Beijing on Nov. 1, 2025. [Photo provided to china.org.cn]

The General Women's Union (GWU) announced the launch of Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Councils in friendly countries, with the first event to be held in China, according to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Beijing.

Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, these councils aim to strengthen bilateral economic and developmental cooperation between the UAE and partner countries, with a focus on empowering women and fostering entrepreneurship. The Embassy of the UAE noted that the councils will broaden women's participation in the global economy through joint investment initiatives and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those on gender equality, decent work, economic growth, industry, and innovation. They will also foster international partnerships and showcase the UAE's leadership in women's empowerment and sustainable development.

The first council under this initiative was launched in China through a two-week training program named, "Emirati Women Entrepreneurs: Exploring the Business Landscape in China." Organized in coordination with the UAE Embassy in Beijing, the program will begin in early November and span four major Chinese cities: Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Yiwu.

Her Excellency Noura Al Suwaidi, secretary-general of the GWU, stated that the Emirati Women Entrepreneurs Councils aim to enhance the presence of Emirati women on the international stage through sustainable institutional platforms, bridging female entrepreneurs with their global counterparts to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint project development, and cross-border innovation.

Amna Al Hammadi, deputy ambassador of the UAE to China, noted that launching the councils embodies the UAE's leadership vision to build bridges of cooperation and partnership with nations worldwide. She added that it also strengthens the role of Emirati women in economic and developmental fields regionally and globally.

Ghalia Ali Al-Mannai, head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the GWU, highlighted their aim of empowering women through institutional collaboration and shared opportunities. She added that the UAE-China council marks a key step in expanding this international network to open new prospects for trade and investment cooperation and enable Emirati entrepreneurs to build innovative, sustainable partnerships.

The Embassy also outlined the councils' core functions. These include strengthening institutional cooperation among government, business, and academic entities; identifying priority areas for collaboration and developing joint action plans; launching networking platforms; and organizing joint conferences and exhibitions. In addition, the councils will prepare analytical reports on women's economic empowerment and follow up with memoranda of understanding to ensure tangible outcomes.