UAE gets its first woman judge

Abu Dhabi, Oct 8 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has got its first woman judge with Khulood Ahmed Jawan Al Dhaheri being sworn in to the coveted post here.

Al Dhaheri was sworn in at a ceremony here Tuesday by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's minister for presidential affairs and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

'The appointment of a woman judge is certainly a unique experience in the UAE,' Sheikh Mansour said.

'The department will provide all necessary support to the Khulood who made history by becoming the first woman judge in the country,' he added.

According to Sheikh Mansour, the appointment of the first woman judge in the UAE came as part of the comprehensive reforms being implemented in Abu Dhabi's judiciary department and in continuation of the policy aimed at increasing women's participation in the comprehensive development drive witnessed in the emirate.

'Impartiality is one of the main features of UAE's judiciary system. All people are equal before the law which is upheld without any prejudice or injustice,' he said.

On her part, Al Dhaheri said she was grateful for the confidence accorded to her by Sheikh Mansour and pledged to serve her country in the best way.

'The decision to appoint female judges helps consolidate UAE women's growing role in the public life,' she said.

'The achievements made by the UAE women come with added responsibilities and require them to work harder to prove themselves worthy of the trust given to them by the country's wise leadership.'

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Alal Al Aboudi, head of the Court of Cassation and chairman of the UAE's Supreme Judicial Council, and other officials.