The College of Food and Agriculture at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), in cooperation with the General Women's Union and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO: the Regional Office covering the Gulf Cooperation Council and Yemen) organized a workshop on ‘The empowerment of women in the UAE’s agricultural and food production sector.’

The workshop was organized under the auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, President of the General Women's Union; President of the Higher Family Development Foundation; Chair of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Extraordinary Ambassador for the United Nations FAO. It was held right across the UAE with two days being spent in each Emirate.

The workshop was presented by the national project coordinator Nora Al-Sulaiti. She noted that the project, sponsored by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the mother of the UAE, will benefit 255 women in terms of developing their business skills. The workshop was highly participatory and allowed the attendees to exchange views and express their needs.

Dr. Ayesha Al Dhaheri, Assistant Dean for Professional Development in the College of Food and Agriculture, explained that the prime objective of this workshop is to encourage women to learn about entrepreneurship in the food and agricultural industries. They can further develop their skills and take advantage of the many investment opportunities in this important area.

In addition to helping Emirati women identify their strengths and weaknesses, the workshop helped to build on the participants’ innovative ideas and to overcome any difficulties they might face. These objectives were achieved via the training provided, the learning that took place and by raising awareness among Emirati women of the importance of the food and agricultural sector and the opportunities and challenges it presents.