Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa launches Al Yalsa women’s majlis series

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan has launched the Al Yalsa women’s majlis, a series of monthly gatherings where women can meet to exchange ideas and explore solutions that are shaping the nation’s future.

Launched as the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s month, under the theme We Emerge Stronger and Better, in recognition of Emirati women’s achievements announced by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and Mother of the Nation, these unique gatherings offer women an open, collaborative and secure space in which to share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives, with the aim of designing informed solutions that strengthen the next phase of the UAE’s progress.

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said: “Nation-building is a shared endeavour, and one that only truly succeeds when women have a clear voice in the process. Women in the UAE have long held leading roles across government, business and academia, and there is a powerful synergy when this expertise is combined with the experience held by our community leaders. My hope is that, by coming back to these traditional gatherings inspired by our foremothers, this majlis will not just create dialogue and generate ideas but also support practical steps towards a future shaped by all who hold a stake in it.”

Al Yalsa, which means ‘intimate gathering’, will be hosted by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Sessions will be presented by a guest speaker and moderated by a female leader and will embrace a theme aligned with the UAE’s national agenda across key focus areas such as health, technology and innovation, sustainability and national identity.

Bringing together a broad spectrum of views and insights, industry experts will gather alongside members of the community to exchange thoughts, inspire new ideas, and create opportunities, with a strong focus on driving impact.

The first Al Yalsa majlis was held under the theme Women Building the Nation, and featured insights from Dr Aisha Belkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives and Emirati Photographer, Alia bint Sultan. Discussions were centred around the importance of preserving Emirati culture and language, balancing work and family life, opportunities to support women through mentorship, and honouring mothers’ role as cultural stewards.

The role of the majlis, and the practice of bringing together people to sit and converse in a safe and welcoming environment, has been embedded in Emirati culture for thousands of years. At the heart of these meetings lie hospitality, generosity, and trust, and the opportunity for everyone present to respectfully discuss societal, and cultural matters.