Every year on March 8, we come together to celebrate International Women's Day, which coincides this year with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community. This highlights the essential role women play as the backbone of society and the driving force behind its development and progress. I am deeply grateful to every woman contributing to the advancement of our dear homeland and our national institutions.

Women have consistently proven their competence and capabilities across various fields, making remarkable achievements in all sectors. We have proudly seen women assume top leadership positions and effectively represent the UAE in international forums. They have also led vital strategic projects across the nation.

I have had the privilege of working alongside distinguished female colleagues throughout my career. I have seen firsthand their unique leadership qualities and their dedication to executing tasks with the utmost efficiency and precision. I have also observed how including women in work teams has significantly boosted productivity and effectiveness.

Recognizing the important role women play in advancing the financial sector, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) board of directors made a strategic decision in 2021 to support the increased representation of women on the boards of publicly listed joint stock companies, believing that this move will promote diversity on corporate boards and foster gender equality in decision-making. This will ultimately have a positive impact on corporate performance and financial markets.

Women are a source of inspiration in our society; they are mothers, sisters, partners, and leaders in different fields. They play an instrumental role in strengthening the social fabric and promoting core values, making them an essential pillar of a cohesive and prosperous society.

In the Year of Community, we emphasize the importance of empowering women and encouraging their active participation in all aspects of life. Promoting the role of women in society is an investment in the future of our country. Women are uniquely capable of instilling values of tolerance and moderation in future generations; they are key drivers of institutional innovation and creativity. Therefore, supporting and empowering women is a cornerstone of a sustainable and prosperous society.

On this special day, I wish every woman a successful career, and I reaffirm our commitment to supporting women across various domains as I firmly believe that society's progress is highly dependent on their active participation in different areas of life.

Waleed Saeed Alawadhi

CEO

Securities and Commodities Authority