Khalifa names first female judge in UAE

Al Dhahiri will go down the history as the first woman judge in the country.

Sheikh Khalifa's decree underlines the government's commitment to engage women in the emirate's overall development.

The judiciary landscape in Abu Dhabi has seen major developments, thanks to the unlimited support and care lent by the President to the sector, close follow up by HH General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and sound directives by HH Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Judiciary Department in Abu Dhabi.

Adviser Sultan Saeed Al Badi, Undersecretary of Judiciary Department in Abu Dhabi, said that the decree appointing the first woman judge in the country "reflects care of the government to involve woman in the comprehensive development process".

He added that the move shows governance wisdom in the UAE and Abu Dhabi under leadership of Shaikh Khalifa, indicating that women have been playing pivotal role in significant fields, as they become ministers and members of parliament and now a judge.

On her part, Al Dhahiri thanked the UAE leadership who vested confidence on her, noting that "there will be focused on her to gauge success of women in the judiciary field".

She added that the UAE woman has shown great efficiency in many fields, adding that the judiciary will be another challenge for women's performance.

Al Dhahiri holds a Bachelor in Shariah and Law from UAE University and has been a lawyer for eight years. She is now preparing to get MA in Law from UAE University.