Abu Dhabi - 09 September 2026: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE's global bank and one of the world's largest and safest financial institutions, collaborated with the UAE Embassy in Switzerland to support the Emirati Women’s Forum in Bern, showcasing the work of 12 Emirati women artists on an international platform as part of the celebrations marking Emirati Women’s Day 2026.
Held at the Universal Postal Union in Bern, the Forum brought together government officials, business leaders and key stakeholders to recognise the achievements and leadership of Emirati women. FAB’s support provided an international platform for the artists’ work, celebrating the UAE’s cultural identity, heritage, and evolving creative landscape.
The programme featured opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the UAE to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein, and H.E. Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. It also featured a discussion on women’s leadership, innovation, and international cooperation, alongside the exhibition and a cultural networking reception.
The Forum showcased the work of 12 FAB-supported Emirati artists, including a live painting demonstration, alongside an exhibition of works by participating artists. The artworks explored themes of resilience, identity, cultural tradition and the evolving role of Emirati women in the UAE.
The Bern Forum forms part of FAB’s wider month-long programme celebrating Emirati women across culture, technology and transformation. As the UAE’s global bank, FAB continues to create opportunities for Emirati talent to gain visibility and recognition on international platforms, reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusive growth across the communities it serves.
The full list of FAB-supported artists and contributors whose work was featured at the Forum were: Mahra Alshamsi, Dr. Muna Balfaqeeh, Asmahan Abdulrazzaq Alattar, Azza Al Qubaisi, Dr. Karima Alshomely, Salama Almazrouei, Roa’ Abdulrazzaq Al Madani, Alia Almansoori, Farida Yahya Salem, Alia Sultan Bin Ali, and Al Hosoon Charter School students Salama Al Naeemi, and Sarah Aziz Al Shamsi.