The number of Emirati female investors reached 220,000 by the end of the first half of 2018 and the number of shares they hold is about 3.5 billion with a market value of about Dh20 billion ($5.44 billion), a media report said.

Whereas their total trading value (buy + sell) during the year 2017 was around Dh5 billion and about Dh1.8 billion during the first half of 2018, reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing statistics released by Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) during a celebration on the occasion of Emirati Women's Day.

The fourth Emirati Women's Day is being held this year under the theme, "Women on the Course of Zayed'' and comes in conjunction with President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declaring 2018 the "Year of Zayed" .

The ceremony, which was attended by members of the ADX executive management and heads of departments as well as employees, included many activities that were held in recognition of the Emirati female cadres working in the exchange. It honoured their pioneering role and outstanding contribution to society and in various fields of work.

On this occasion, Rashed Al Blooshi, chief executive of the ADX, and all the employees congratulated Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, president of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

During the ceremony, which was preceded by a voice recording of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the important role Emirati women play in society, the ADX chief executive thanked and praised the female Emirati cadres working in the exchange. The ceremony also included the presentation of certificates of appreciation and symbolic gifts to Emirati female employees working in the exchange.

Commenting on Emirati Women's Day, Al Blooshi, said, "The UAE celebrates 28th August each year confirming the strong belief of the UAE's leadership in the importance of the contributions of women and their role in the development efforts and the appreciation of the country."

The ADX chief executive highlighted the fact that that Emirati female employees hold more than 58 positions in various market departments in the exchange thus accounting for 46 percent of the total number of employees. While 31 percent of these positions held by Emirati female employees are supervisory.