UAE Launches Global Atlaq Program for Women in Digital Trade

The General Women's Union (GWU) has initiated the international arm of the 'Atlaq Training Program' in collaboration with AD Ports Group (APG) to enhance women's role in digital trade and logistics with the support of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The statement was delivered at the side event, ‘Equality Dialogue: AI, Trade, and Inclusive Digital Entrepreneurship’ at the AI for Good Global Summit 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The aim of the international expansion of the Atlaq Training Program is to provide women with specialised technical skills and leadership competencies to enable them to thrive in the fast-changing digital economy and global supply chains. The project aligns with the UAE's wider efforts to empower women in the future – through skills, innovation and international partnerships.

The Secretary-General of the General Women's Union, Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, explained that the program is the UAE's initiative to bring its successful model of women's empowerment to the world. She pointed out that the project is consistent with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for training women for leadership in key sectors driving the future economy.

She also expressed her gratitude to AD Ports Group for its strategic partnership and contribution in designing the program, and how their knowledge and expertise on digital trade and logistics has enabled a model that is scalable at an international level.

“The international dimension of the Atlaq program is a knowledge and professional bridge for women to learn new skills and develop their leadership potential needed to operate in international trade, and to build more innovative and sustainable workplaces, Noura Khalifa added, "At the General Women's Union, we believe that empowering women in digital trade and logistics is a fundamental pillar for strengthening their role in the global economy”.

Key Highlights:

• Strengthens women's leadership in the field of digital trade and logistics worldwide
• Combines AI, cybersecurity, analytics and supply chain knowledge
• Fuses self-paced learning, workshops, and mentorship

“The collaboration reflects the UAE's belief in the importance of investing in people and empowering women in strategic sectors," said Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group. He said the program benefits from AD Ports Group knowledge and expertise of trade, logistics and digital transformation, which is available on a global level, to ready women for the future digital economy.

“We strongly believe that human capital development is fundamental to innovation and sustainable growth and we will continue our efforts to share our UAE expertise through this program and build a new generation of women leaders able to manage the shift in global trade and supply chains”.

Eng. Head of Strategic and Development Affairs, General Women's Union, Ghalia Ali Al Mannaee, called the international track a realistic continuation of the vision of the ‘Mother of the Emirates 50:50', making international partnerships more influential in terms of training women.

The revamped program, created by industry experts from AD Ports Group, brings together Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Digital Solutions, Agile Working Methodologies, Cyber Security and real-world examples of shipping and trade around the globe. Its program features self-paced e-learning, in-depth training, advanced workshops and career guidance in four key subject areas: digital trade basics, smart logistics solutions, global supply chain management and cybersecurity in international trade. The project will create more opportunities for women to become leaders and help increase the global digital economy's inclusivity and resilience.