Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and Mother of the Nation, the General Women's Union, in cooperation with AD Ports Group, has launched the international track of the Atlaq Training Programme. The launch took place during the Union's participation in the Equality Dialogue: AI, Trade, and Inclusive Digital Entrepreneurship session, held on the sidelines of the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The launch of the international track supports efforts to enhance the presence of women in the digital trade and logistics sectors, as well as building their specialised and leadership capabilities to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the digital economy and global supply chains.
Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women's Union, emphasised that the launch of the international track of the Atlaq Training Programme comes as part of the union's efforts to share the UAE's pioneering experience in women's empowerment globally. She noted that these efforts are supported by the unlimited backing of the wise leadership and the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, to empower women and enhance their readiness to actively participate in key sectors and future roles.
Her Excellency expressed her gratitude and appreciation to AD Ports Group for its strategic partnership and efforts in developing the programme and commended the group for utilising its pioneering national expertise in the fields of digital trade and logistics to support women's empowerment and build their specialised capabilities at both local and international levels.
Her Excellency said: "At the General Women's Union, we believe that empowering women in the fields of digital trade and logistics represents a fundamental pillar for enhancing their presence in the global economy. From this standpoint, the launch of the international track of the Atlaq programme comes to serve as a knowledge and professional bridge. This bridge enables female talent to acquire the specialised skills and leadership capabilities necessary to understand the international trade system and efficiently manage its requirements, thereby contributing to establishing more innovative and sustainable work environments."
Her Excellency added that this partnership reflects the integration of national efforts in supporting women's empowerment, and underscores the ability of UAE institutions to deliver training and development models that are scalable and applicable at the international level.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Our strategic partnership with the General Women’s Union reflects AD Ports Group’s steadfast commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of empowering women and strengthening their role in shaping the future of key economic sectors. In line with the vision of our wise leadership, which has established investment in people and the empowerment of national talent as a cornerstone of sustainable development, the launch of the international track of the ATLG programme builds on our ongoing efforts to leverage the group’s global expertise in trade, logistics, and digital transformation to equip women with advanced skills that enhance their readiness to contribute effectively to the global digital economy.
“We firmly believe that developing human capital is the primary driver of innovation and sustainable growth. Through this programme, we will continue to share the UAE’s best practices and expertise on the international stage, fostering international collaboration while preparing a new generation of women leaders capable of navigating the rapid transformation of global trade and supply chains. In doing so, we also reinforce the UAE’s position as a trusted global partner in shaping the economy of the future.”
Eng Ghalia Ali Al Mannaee, Head of Strategic and Development Affairs at the General Women's Union, noted that the international track of the Atlaq programme represents a practical extension of the Mother of the Emirates 50:50 vision, by transforming international partnerships into training and developmental initiatives with a tangible impact on women's empowerment, particularly in the fields of digital trade and logistics.
Al Mannaee said: "This track has been designed as an advanced professional platform for specialists from around the world who wish to participate. It aims to equip them with the latest applied knowledge and advanced future-ready skills. Through this initiative, we seek to strengthen the global digital economy by empowering women with the capabilities to develop innovative smart solutions and leverage modern technologies to manage supply chains with greater agility and efficiency, enhancing commercial and logistics operations in line with international best practices.”
Al Mannaee added that the programme has been redesigned by experts at AD Ports Group to suit the professional requirements of international environments, as its core pillars integrate artificial intelligence, data analytics, digital solutions, and practical applications in the global shipping and trade sectors.
In its methodology, the programme relies on integrated training tracks that combine self-paced learning and intensive practical training, alongside advanced workshops and career mentorship sessions. The programme covers four main phases, including the fundamentals of digital trade and shipping data analytics, building smart logistical solutions, global supply chain management, and cybersecurity related to international trade, in addition to agile work methodologies.