About This Series
As NAMOW expands its initiatives to bring Japanese beauty and wellness to the Middle East, we deeply value understanding local cultures and perspectives with genuine respect. Through the lens of women, beauty, and wellness, this series thoughtfully explores the rich cultures of the UAE and other Middle Eastern nations.
Opening the Vogue Arabia article “The Emirati Women Pioneering the UAE’s Cultural Space” (published August 28), the phrase “The Emirati Women” immediately catches the eye. It refers to the women of the United Arab Emirates.
Every year on August 28, the UAE marks “Emirati Women’s Day” to celebrate the women who help shape and advance the nation. In 2026, the celebration extends beyond a single day into a full month-long tribute running through September 28.
The feature highlights women who have contributed to museum architecture and heritage preservation, alongside internationally acclaimed authors and artists. Their quiet resolve, paired with profound expertise in carrying culture forward into the future, leaves a lasting impression.
A Tangible Journey Revealed by History and Data
Looking further into its roots, organized efforts for women began in the early 1970s, culminating in the establishment of the General Women’s Union on August 28, 1975, to support female empowerment. Since becoming an official national occasion in 2015, Emirati Women’s Day has been cherished as a day of respect for the women shaping the nation.
According to an article released by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) titled UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day with month-long celebration (August 27), women continue to make substantial contributions to the nation’s growth, supported by compelling data:
- In July 2020, women made up approximately 80% of the science team behind the UAE’s Mars probe, the “Hope Probe.” Around 50% of the overall national space program is composed of women.
- Women hold 50% of the seats in the Federal National Council and approximately 63% of leadership positions across the government sector.
- Around 70% of university graduates in the country are women, with over 46% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates being women.
- Approximately 25,000 Emirati female entrepreneurs hold around 50,000 commercial licenses.
- Moving beyond mere slogans into measurable progress, female participation in the labor market surged by 101.92% between 2021 and 2025.
(Statistical source: https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c1y1a9o-uae-marks-emirati-women%E2%80%99s-day-with-month-long）
These figures clearly demonstrate that Emirati women are actively expanding their presence across every sector of society. It is an impressive track record that truly embodies this year’s theme: “We Emerge Stronger and Better.”
Beginning a New Series: Exploring Graceful Beauty and Ways of Living
For those of us living in Japan, the daily lives and culture of the Middle East can still feel quite distant. As the author of this series, I am exploring this rich world alongside you, discovering new insights every day.
While it may seem far away, NAMOW’s Founder and CEO, Ito, has traveled to the UAE and neighboring nations numerous times to share Japanese beauty and wellness with the region.
NAMOW Founder & CEO Ito’s journey and engagements across the Middle East
NAMOW’s initiatives
Looking ahead, she is also scheduled to take part in a local exhibition there this coming December. Moving forward, we will craft these stories starting from the beauty and diverse perspectives of the women she met while engaging directly with the local culture and communities.
Finding warmth in commonalities, being inspired by fresh values and aesthetics, we look forward to bringing you stories that capture the essence of local culture through NAMOW’s eyes. I hope you enjoy exploring this new world right along with us.
