Women's Union of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi

Today, we were treated to a wonderful visit to the General Women's Union of UAE, led by the visionary "Mother of the Emirates", Her Highness Sheikha Fatma Bint Mubarak ... yes, the woman most responsible for our visit to her country.  H. H. Sheikha Fatma is the widow of the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed.  Both of these people are much beloved here in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.  Sheikha Fatma (who also is the "First Mother", as in the "Queen Mother" or the Mother of the the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (son of the founding president Sheikh Zayed).

Got it?  "All in the royal family" ... and this is one Royal Family that has tremendous support and much love of their subjects.

HH Sheikha Fatma founded the General Women's Union in 1973-74, just 2 years or so after the founding of the state of the UAE in December 1971.  The work of the Women's Union cuts across a number of fields - computer training, family assistance, legal aid for women and families, protection of Emirati heritage, etc. etc.

Our students - men and women alike - donned traditional outfits of Emirati men and women.  And they became quite "animated" (or, "camped it up" for those of you who might know what I'm trying to say).  After our tour, the women were treated to henna on their arms, hands, and/or legs while we men just sat and watched -- and enjoyed the warm hospitality of Mrs. Nora al-Suwaidi, the general director of the Women's Union.  We "hung out" in a traditional (?) tent, albeit one with closed doors and air conditioning!   Still, it was "traditional" in that we rested comfortably on rugs and cushions, enjoying a non-stop flow of drinks, Emirati food and dates.

Our time in Abu Dhabi is fast coming to a close ... we leave for Dubai at 7 pm tonight (the departure time has already changed 3 times ... but it is finally fixed at 7), and plan to visit the Burj al-Arab (the 7-star hotel) and perhaps the Mall of the Emirates, with its famous indoor ski slopes!  Then the 7-star airport!, until our 3 am departure for Cairo ... and then, less than a day there before the group returns to Boston Friday afternoon.  If I don't get a chance to "post" again until after that, I'll make a final posting about our entire program/trip/travels as soon as possible.  

Thanks for reading, and for your comments!  AND PLEASE, once you do hear from your children or "loved ones" on our Egypt Dialogue, PLEASE let me know your impressions of their impressions :-)   i.e., let me know your reaction to all they tell you and all they share with you.   Either post your own comments here, or if you want to be more private, email me at d.sullivan@neu.edu