The government of the United Arab Emirates has been mocked for posting pictures of winners of awards for gender balance, which featured no women.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, was shown congratulating the recipients of Best Personality Supporting Gender Balance, Best Federal Authority Supporting Gender Balance, and Best Gender Balance Initiative.

Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the deputy prime minister and minister of the interior, was recognised as the “best personality supporting gender balance” for his efforts to implement maternity leave in the UAE’s military.

Two other senior male officials received the rest.

Eyebrows were raised after photographs from the event were posted on the Dubai media office’s Twitter account.