The representation of Emirati women among the national workforce in the banking sector of the UAE stands at 70 per cent, among the highest of any sector in the country, a top official was quoted as saying in a media report.

Jamal Al Jasmi, general manager of the Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), was speaking in the run-up to Emirati Women’s Day, which is marked every year on August 28 to celebrate the achievements of UAE women, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency.

Al Jasmi said the rise of the country’s women is a result of continued encouragement and support from the UAE’s leadership.

"The vision and constant encouragement of our leaders, including President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and policy makers of the government, inspire every woman of our country to play their role in the country’s economic progress," said Al Jasmi. "At EIBFS, we feel we have contributed in our own way through our education and training programmes, which have witnessed the increasing participation of Emirati women."

Women accounted for 43 per cent (9,977 out of a total 23,197) participants in the institute’s training courses and workshops in 2016. In the academic education programmes, which include BSc and Diploma courses, women’s participation increased to 55 per cent of the total students registered for the 2016 academic year.