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UAE Ministers to Asharq Al-Awsat: Empowering Women is Basis of Successful Society

The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat
The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat
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UAE Ministers to Asharq Al-Awsat: Empowering Women is Basis of Successful Society

The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat
The UAE Ministers interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat

Four Emirati female ministers stressed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday that society’s success depends on empowering women and achieving gender equality at the workplace, pointing out that the UAE has adopted this policy since its establishment 46 years ago.

At the forum, UAE has the largest representation in its history with 12 ministers, including five women.

Asharq Al-Awsat interviewed four of them. They are Minister of State for Public Education Jameela Salem al-Muhairi, Minister of Community Development Hessa Bint Eisa Bu Humaid, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences Sarah al-Amiri, and Minister of State for Food Security Mariam al-Muhairi.

The four ministers reviewed UAE's experience in empowering women and efforts to achieve gender equality at work.

The Minister of State for Public Education pointed out that women make up 31 percent of the UAE cabinet, and that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum is seeking to increase the ratio to 50.

When asked whether the UAE will appoint a woman at a so-called sovereign ministry, the ministers unanimously agreed that the appointments are based on competence, not gender.

"In 2018, the World Economic Forum continues to discuss empowering women, at at time when the UAE has been empowering women since its foundation 46 years ago," said al-Amiri, adding: "Each Emirati woman with a good position is there because of her efficiency."

For her part, Jamila al-Muhairi pointed out that women’s presence at her ministry has been almost the highest among the services ministries, pointing out that achieving equality between men and women goes beyond senior positions to enabling them in all sectors.

The Minister referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's speech on conditioning the success of communities with empowering women. She also gave an example of European countries in terms of gender equality in the workplace.

"Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan did not differentiate between women and men in education, and he stressed the importance of equality between the male and female components of the labor force," she added.

In a related context, the ministers welcomed the reforms taking place in Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"The close relationship between UAE and Saudi Arabia is not baseless. We are brothers and we share land, religion, language and origin. That is why, Saudi Arabia's success and development is directly linked to the UAE," indicated Minister Hessa Bu Humaid.

She went on to say that a successful woman not only benefits herself but also her small and extended family, and develops her community.

Hence, "the success of Saudi women is part of the Kingdom's successes."

In turn, Minister of State for Public Education Jameela Salem al-Muhairi, lauded the reforms in Saudi Arabia. "I am pleased with the reforms and empowerment of Saudi women to take a prominent role in society," she said.

Minister Mariam al-Muhairi stated that she was eager to work with her Saudi counterparts to find solutions to common challenges.

Minister of State for Advanced Sciences explained that this year's World Economic Forum is themed "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World" which means it is imperative to reflect a positive image of the region's potentials, often controlled by wars, blood and fanaticism.

"UAE is seeking to change the negative image associated with the Middle East, by giving positive examples that include the confidence of the people in their government. UAE ranked second among the world's most trusted nations according to Edelman Foundation," she said.

"I feel very proud when young people at the forum asked me about the Ministry of Youth, or when I noticed the participation of the large female audience within the ministerial delegation," said Mariam al-Muhairi, who is participating in Davos for the first time.

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Interviews

Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”