ITU
When Nora Al Matrooshi was selected to join the United Arab Emirates space programme, she became the Arab world’s first woman astronaut.
Her selection – alongside male compatriot Mohammed Al Mulla – echoes the UAE’s focus on gender equality and equal opportunities.
The country continues to incorporate more women into technology sectors, expanding their role as they gain recognition for their contributions.
Casting off stereotypes
Over the last five decades, the traditional image of a male-dominated society has changed steadily, with growing numbers of women involved in all aspects of the nation’s development. But steps to ensure equality to accelerated in recent years.
UAE: A model for women s rights in the Middle East?
Numbers suggest the United Arab Emirates is at the forefront when it comes to opportunities for women, gender equality and equal pay. But the reality for most women is different, and there is still a long way to go.
Though the UAE has made progress on women s rights, not everyone is afforded the same opportunities
Successful women have been making headlines in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Just this week, 28-year-old Noura al-Matroushi was named the first female astronaut for the country s ambitious space program. But Al-Matroushi is not the only woman in this industry by a long shot. According to the Emirates Ministry of State for Advanced Sciences, women make up 80% of the science team behind the current Mars mission.