Women’s Right to Vote in the UAE / December 16, (2006)
Emirati Women’s Day / August 28
Introduction
Women’s suffrage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents a relatively recent development in the nation’s political evolution. The UAE granted women the right to vote on December 16, 2006, when the first Federal National Council elections were held, making it one of the later countries in the world to extend suffrage to women. This achievement came as part of broader efforts to increase political participation in the UAE’s limited electoral system and to advance women’s status in Emirati society. Understanding women’s suffrage in the UAE requires examining both the country’s unique political structure and the regional context of women’s political rights in the Middle East and North Africa.
Political Context of the UAE
The United Arab Emirates was formally established in 1971 as a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah (which joined in 1972). The political system of the UAE features elements of both traditional monarchy and modern governance:
- The Federal Supreme Council, comprising the rulers of the seven emirates, serves as the highest constitutional authority
- The position of President of the UAE is traditionally held by the ruler of Abu Dhabi
- The Federal National Council (FNC) was established as a consultative body with limited legislative powers
- Each emirate maintains considerable autonomy in local governance
Until the early 21st century, there was no electoral system for any government positions in the UAE. All appointments to the Federal National Council were made directly by the rulers of the seven emirates. This reflected the UAE’s political tradition, in which leadership derived from tribal authority and familial succession rather than popular mandate.
Introduction of Electoral Politics: 2006
The year 2006 marked the first introduction of electoral politics in the UAE’s history. This came through a limited electoral college system for selecting half of the members of the Federal National Council:
- The rulers of each emirate would continue to appoint half of the FNC representatives
- The other half would be selected through an electoral college system
- Initially, the electoral college comprised less than 1% of Emirati citizens
- Both men and women were included in this electoral college
This limited electoral reform represented the first opportunity for UAE citizens, including women, to participate in any formal voting process. Despite its narrow scope, this development was significant in the context of the UAE’s political evolution.
Women’s Suffrage in the UAE: December 16, 2006
Women in the UAE gained the right to vote simultaneously with men when the first Federal National Council elections were held on December 16, 2006. This specific date marks the official beginning of women’s suffrage in the UAE, as it was the first time Emirati women actually exercised their right to vote. Key aspects of this development included:
- Women were included in the electoral college on equal terms with men
- Women were also eligible to stand as candidates
- The first election saw one woman, Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi from Abu Dhabi, win a seat in the FNC
- An additional eight women were appointed to the FNC by the rulers, bringing the total female representation to 22.5%
The decision to include women in the electoral process was announced in 2005 by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as part of a broader political reform package, but December 16, 2006, marks the date when this right was first exercised in practice during the inaugural FNC elections.
This simultaneous introduction of voting rights for both men and women distinguished the UAE from many other countries, where men typically gained voting rights decades or even centuries before women. However, it is important to note that these rights extended only to the limited electoral college system for partial representation in an advisory body, rather than universal suffrage for a fully legislative parliament.
Expansion of Electoral Participation: 2011-Present
Following the initial introduction of elections, the UAE gradually expanded the electoral college:
- For the 2011 elections, the electoral college was expanded to include 129,274 voters, representing approximately 12% of Emirati citizens
- In 2015, the electoral college was further expanded to 224,279 voters
- By 2019, the right to vote was extended to all Emirati citizens over 21, establishing a form of universal suffrage within the UAE’s limited electoral system
Each expansion of the electoral college equally included both male and female citizens, maintaining gender equality in formal voting rights. These developments have created a structure in which all adult Emirati citizens now have the right to vote for half of the representatives to the Federal National Council, while the other half remain appointees.
Women’s Political Representation Since 2006
Beyond the formal right to vote, women’s actual representation in the UAE’s political institutions has evolved since 2006:
- In the 2011 FNC elections, only one woman was elected by voters
- In 2015, one woman was again elected by voters, while seven more were appointed
- In 2018, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi was appointed as Speaker of the Federal National Council, becoming the first woman to lead a parliamentary institution in the Arab world
- In 2019, following a decree by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan mandating that women should occupy 50% of the FNC seats, 20 women (half elected, half appointed) became members of the 40-seat council
This progression demonstrates that women’s political participation in the UAE has advanced beyond formal voting rights to include significant representation in the country’s consultative body, though within the constraints of the UAE’s limited electoral system.
Emirati Women’s Day and Its Relationship to Political Rights
Emirati Women’s Day, celebrated annually on August 28th, does have connections to women’s political advancement in the UAE, including suffrage, though it was established for broader purposes of recognizing women’s contributions to Emirati society.
The observance was established in 2015 by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. The date—August 28th—was specifically chosen to commemorate the founding of the General Women’s Union on August 28, 1975, which was the first formal women’s organization in the UAE.
The relationship between Emirati Women’s Day and political rights manifests in several ways:
- The day often serves as an occasion to highlight women’s political achievements, including voting rights and representation in the Federal National Council
- Government announcements regarding women’s political advancement are sometimes timed to coincide with Emirati Women’s Day celebrations
- The General Women’s Union, whose founding is commemorated by the day, has historically advocated for women’s political participation
- Annual themes for Emirati Women’s Day frequently emphasize women’s leadership and role in decision-making
For example, the 2019 Emirati Women’s Day occurred shortly before elections that would, for the first time, feature 50% female representation in the Federal National Council. The theme that year—“Women, Icons of Tolerance”—connected women’s advancement to broader national values while highlighting their growing role in governance.
While Emirati Women’s Day was established after women’s suffrage was already granted in the UAE, it serves as an annual reminder of women’s progress in all fields, including politics. The day creates a platform for acknowledging past achievements in women’s rights, including voting rights, while setting agendas for future advancement.
Women’s Suffrage in the Regional Context
The introduction of women’s suffrage in the UAE on December 16, 2006, came within a broader regional context of expanding political rights for women in the Middle East and North Africa. A chronological overview of women’s suffrage in the region shows:
- Turkey granted women voting rights in 1934, becoming the first predominantly Muslim country to do so
- Syria and Lebanon extended suffrage to educated women in 1949 and to all women in 1952-1953
- Egypt granted women the right to vote in 1956
- Tunisia and Morocco included women’s suffrage in their post-independence constitutions in 1959 and 1963 respectively
- Algeria recognized women’s right to vote upon independence in 1962
- Iran granted women suffrage in 1963
- Libya included women’s voting rights in its 1964 constitution
- Yemen (North) granted women suffrage in 1970
- Jordan extended voting rights to women in 1974
- Iraq had established women’s suffrage in 1980
- Kuwait granted women the right to vote and run for office in 2005, one year before the UAE
- Saudi Arabia became the last country in the region to grant women voting rights in 2015, when women voted and ran as candidates in municipal council elections for the first time
This timeline places the UAE’s introduction of women’s suffrage in 2006 toward the later end of regional developments. However, it is important to note that the actual implementation and meaning of voting rights varies significantly across these countries, depending on:
- The extent to which elections determine actual governance
- The powers of the elected bodies
- Barriers to registration and participation
- Cultural and social factors affecting women’s political engagement
In this context, the UAE’s introduction of voting rights for both men and women simultaneously reflects its distinct political trajectory, which differs from countries with longer histories of electoral politics.
Factors Influencing Women’s Political Progress in the UAE
Several factors have shaped the development of women’s political rights in the UAE:
Government-Led Reforms
Unlike in many Western contexts where women’s suffrage emerged from grassroots movements, political reforms in the UAE, including women’s suffrage, have been primarily government-led initiatives. The leadership of the UAE has positioned women’s advancement as central to national development strategies, with changes introduced from the top down rather than resulting from protest movements.
Economic Development and Education
The UAE’s rapid economic development created new opportunities for women’s participation in public life:
- By 2006, women constituted a majority of university graduates in the UAE
- Economic diversification created professional opportunities beyond traditional roles
- International business engagement exposed the UAE to global norms regarding gender equality
These developments created a context in which women’s political participation became increasingly viewed as natural and beneficial to national development.
Regional Dynamics and International Relations
The UAE’s position in regional and international politics has influenced its approach to women’s rights:
- Competition among Gulf states for international prestige has motivated gender-related reforms
- International organizations and trading partners have emphasized gender equality as a marker of modernization
- The UAE has positioned itself as a moderate, progressive force in the region
These factors have contributed to government initiatives to advance women’s status, including political participation.
Role of Female Leadership
Key female leaders have played important roles in advancing women’s political rights:
- Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, often called the “Mother of the Nation,” has been a consistent advocate for women’s advancement
- Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi‘s rise to become Speaker of the FNC created a powerful symbol of women’s political capability
- Female ministers and diplomats have demonstrated women’s effectiveness in high-level positions
These prominent women have helped normalize female political participation in the UAE context.
Persistent Challenges and Limitations
Despite significant progress in formal political rights, several challenges remain for women’s full political participation in the UAE:
Limited Powers of Elected Bodies
The Federal National Council itself has limited legislative powers, functioning primarily as an advisory body. This constrains the impact of voting rights for all citizens, regardless of gender.
Broader Legal Framework
Political rights exist within a broader legal context that includes family law, inheritance provisions, and other regulations that maintain gender distinctions. These can affect women’s autonomy and capacity to engage fully in political life.
Social and Cultural Factors
Traditional attitudes about gender roles, family responsibilities, and public engagement continue to influence women’s political participation, especially in more conservative emirates and communities.
Citizenship Restrictions
The children of Emirati women married to foreign nationals do not automatically receive citizenship, unlike children of Emirati men. This creates disparities in political rights across generations and affects family decision-making.
Contemporary Status and Future Directions
Today, women’s political participation in the UAE presents a complex picture:
- The UAE ranks highly in the Arab world for women’s representation in government, with women holding 50% of the Federal National Council seats
- Nine women serve in the 33-member UAE cabinet as of 2023, representing approximately 27% of ministers
- Women serve as ambassadors, judges, and in other high-level positions
- The UAE has established numerous initiatives to train women for leadership roles
Looking forward, key questions for women’s political rights in the UAE include:
- Whether the electoral system will expand beyond the FNC to include other governmental bodies
- How women’s representation will translate into policy influence
- Whether women’s political leadership will expand beyond appointed positions to include more elected roles
- How generational change will affect attitudes toward women’s political participation
Emirati Women’s Day: Commemorating Progress and Setting New Goals
Since its establishment in 2015, Emirati Women’s Day has become an increasingly important platform for recognizing women’s political advancement and setting new benchmarks. Each year features a specific theme that emphasizes different aspects of women’s contributions to national development.
Key themes have included:
- “Women and Innovation” (2016)
- “Women are Partners in Giving” (2017)
- “Women on the Course of Zayed” (2018)
- “Women, Icons of Tolerance” (2019)
- “Preparing for the Next 50 Years: Women are the Support of the Nation” (2020)
- “Women: Ambitions & Inspiration for Next 50 Years” (2021)
- “Inspiring Reality… Sustainable Future” (2022)
- “We Collaborate for Tomorrow” (2023)
These themes reflect the evolving focus of women’s advancement in the UAE, with increasing emphasis on future-oriented leadership and sustainable development. The day typically features:
- Government announcements regarding women’s initiatives
- Recognition of pioneering women in various fields
- Forums and conferences addressing women’s issues
- Media campaigns highlighting women’s achievements
- Introduction of new policies or programs supporting women
The evolution of Emirati Women’s Day reflects the UAE’s approach to women’s advancement more broadly—ceremonially prominent, strategically implemented, and integral to the country’s vision of national development. While not created specifically to commemorate women’s suffrage, the day serves as an important marker of women’s political progress, including voting rights, within the broader context of women’s contributions to Emirati society.
Women’s Right to Vote in the UAE
Women’s suffrage in the UAE was officially established on December 16, 2006, when women participated in the country’s first Federal National Council elections alongside men. This date marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s political development, as it was the first time in the nation’s history that any citizens—male or female—participated in an electoral process.
Unlike many other nations, Emirati women gained voting rights simultaneously with men, though within a narrowly constrained electoral system. Over the subsequent years, both the electoral college and women’s actual representation have expanded, culminating in the achievement of 50% female representation in the Federal National Council in 2019.
The establishment of Emirati Women’s Day in 2015 has provided an annual platform for celebrating these political achievements alongside women’s contributions in other fields. While not directly created to commemorate suffrage, the day serves to highlight women’s political advancement as part of their broader progress in Emirati society.
The UAE’s approach to women’s political participation reflects its distinctive political system and development trajectory. Rather than emerging from grassroots activism or opposition movements, women’s political rights have been granted through top-down reforms initiated by the country’s leadership. This approach has produced notable achievements in women’s representation while maintaining the existing political structure.
As the UAE continues its development, the significance of women’s suffrage will likely be measured not only by formal rights and representation but also by substantive policy influence and leadership opportunities. The country’s emphasis on women’s advancement as part of its national identity suggests continued evolution in women’s political participation, albeit within the frameworks of the UAE’s particular political traditions and institutions.
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington, DC
Women in the UAE
The UAE is ranked as a leading country in gender equality in the region, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report. This achievement comes from the fundamental belief that women and men are equal partners in society. Through a series of public and private sector initiatives, women in the UAE are playing an increasingly stronger role in business, government and STEM fields.
Gender equality is of paramount importance in the UAE, and the Constitution of the UAE guarantees equal rights for both men and women. Under the Constitution, women enjoy the same legal status, claim to titles, access to education, the right to practice professions, and the right to inherit property as men. Women are also guaranteed the same access to employment, health and family welfare facilities. As a leader of equality in economics, government, education and health, the UAE has been named one of the region’s pioneers.
› uae-embassy.org/about-uae/women-uae
The UAE’s giant strides towards universal suffrage | Gulf News
May 2, 2015
by Samir Salama
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has, over the past decade, laid the foundation for universal suffrage — that is, the right of every citizen aged 18 to vote. The upcoming 2015 parliamentary elections on October 3, the third in the nation’s history — will see, for the first time, a single-vote system, a judge to lead the panel that will hear appeals, overseas ballots, and a wider awareness campaign to improve turnout — it will witness, for the first time, greater political participation, and achievable universal suffrage.
› gulfnews.com/the-uaes-giant-strides-towards-universal-suffrage