The UAE is marking International Women’s Day today (March 8) with a powerful statement – women’s empowerment is moving full speed ahead.

From smashing global gender rankings to securing top government roles, Emirati women are taking centre stage in the country’s unstoppable progress.

Breaking Barriers and Making History

The UAE has skyrocketed to 7th place globally in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index (GII), issued by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), securing its spot as the top performer in the region.

And that’s not all – the government is putting women in key leadership positions, with the recent appointment of Sana bint Mohammed Suhail as Minister of Family under the newly established Ministry of Family.

Women’s health is also getting a major boost with the launch of the National Policy for the Promotion of Women’s Health, ensuring top-quality healthcare for women across all stages of life.

Boardrooms, Business and Beyond

In a game-changing move for women in business, the Ministry of Economy now requires private joint-stock companies to have at least one woman on their board of directors – a huge win for gender equality in corporate leadership!

Meanwhile, the General Women’s Union has rolled out the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme, giving young female entrepreneurs and business owners the tools they need to thrive in the UAE’s booming economy.

Women at the Forefront of Global Change

The UAE isn’t just focusing on local success – it’s shaping the global conversation on women’s rights.

Last year, the country co-authored a historic UN resolution with the UK, ensuring equal access to education for girls worldwide. It’s also one of the biggest donors to UN Women, contributing a whopping $46 million to support women’s initiatives across the globe.

When it comes to peace and security, the UAE is leading the charge. During its 2022-2023 tenure on the UN Security Council, the country pushed for greater female representation in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.

Plus, the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Initiative for Women, Peace, and Security has already trained hundreds of female cadets from the Arab region, Africa, and Asia, ensuring women have a powerful role in global security.

A Future Powered by Women

Since its founding, the UAE has made huge strides in gender equality – from equal pay laws to women holding half of the seats in the Federal National Council. And with its unstoppable drive, the future is looking brighter than ever for Emirati women.

(Source: Wam)

With rain disrupting multiple matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on the weather as India and New Zealand prepare for the March 9 final in Dubai. While Pakistan saw three washouts, Dubai has remained dry so far—but could that change on the big day?

What’s the weather forecast?

According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), there will be a change in the weather, as temperatures are expected to decrease over some western coastal areas, on Sunday and Monday, March 9 and 10. Some coastal, western and island areas can expect light rainfall on Sunday and Monday.

What happens if rain interrupts play?

If bad weather halts play on March 9, the ICC has scheduled a Reserve Day (March 10). Any match stoppages will see play resume from where it left off.

What if the rain washes out both days?

Unlike the semifinals — where the higher-placed group team advanced—the final cannot be decided this way. If no play is possible on both days, India and New Zealand will share the trophy.

Fans, however, are hoping for clear skies. Team Indian and the Black Caps last clashed for the white-ball tournament final in 2000 when Champions Trophy was called the ICC Knockout Trophy. New Zealand claimed their first ICC title with a four-wicket win over India.

(Source: TOI, Mint)

Abu Dhabi Police have seized 184 kg of hashish and arrested two Asian individuals in a major anti-drug operation codenamed ‘Secret Hideouts’.

Brigadier Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, revealed that the criminal network was being run by an individual based outside the UAE, using international phone numbers to promote illicit substances.

The suspects were caught red-handed in one of the emirates, with the drugs cleverly hidden inside marble cylinders to evade detection. They have now been handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution.

This latest crackdown underscores Abu Dhabi Police’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the community from illegal substances.

(Source: Wam)