The United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as a global leader in empowering women and enhancing their roles in economic and social development. The nation has moved beyond traditional gender equality concepts to create a comprehensive framework that allows women to be key partners in sustainable growth.
Recent data indicates that women’s participation in the workforce reached approximately 54.1% in 2024, surpassing the global average. Emirati women are occupying leadership positions in both public and private sectors and own a significant portion of local businesses, contributing over 60 billion AED to the economy, according to the Emirates Policy Center.
This progress is bolstered by innovative policies and legislation aimed at economically empowering women. These measures include providing leadership opportunities, ensuring equal pay, and enhancing female representation on boards, alongside initiatives such as “productive families,” which create flexible working environments that support work-life balance. Furthermore, government support for women’s empowerment reflects a strategic vision aimed at making women active partners in shaping the nation’s future.
Women Entrepreneurs
Noor Al-Muhidib, co-founder of “Opal Interiors,” states that the UAE has made significant strides in economically empowering women and facilitating their access to leadership roles.
Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reveals that women currently represent about two-thirds of the workforce in the public sector, hold over 72,000 managerial positions in the private sector, and own more than 10% of private companies, contributing over 60 billion AED to the economy according to the Emirates Policy Center.
These accomplishments reflect the nation’s commitment to gender equality and the tangible economic benefits of women’s participation. Female leaders and entrepreneurs bring innovation, diverse perspectives, and strong decision-making, which enhance productivity and competitiveness and drive sustainable growth across the UAE.
Legislative Framework
Munira Al-Taher, Vice President of Human Resources and Emiratisation Operations at “Jumeirah,” comments that the UAE’s success in establishing an advanced model for women’s economic empowerment is due to a set of policies and regulations that enhance women’s participation across various sectors and support their ascent to leadership positions. This framework includes equal pay laws and requirements for female representation on boards, as well as initiatives supporting women-led projects.
Current indicators showcase this progress: women hold 50% of the seats in the Federal National Council, account for 70% of university graduates, and represent 56% of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), along with over 50% of the workforce in the country’s space sector.
She adds that, in my role as Vice President of Human Resources and Emiratisation at “Jumeirah,” I witness how these policies become real opportunities when embraced by organizations and practically implemented in the workplace. Progress occurs when institutions recognize the diverse roles of women and create career paths that support both ambition and balance. The “productive families” initiative exemplifies this, supporting flexible work arrangements and home-based employment as genuine economic participation, particularly for Emirati women.
At “Jumeirah,” we are committed to translating this national approach into practical reality by building a strong base of female talents across various roles, whether in hospitality operations, corporate positions, or leadership roles. We support this presence through targeted development programs, professional support initiatives, and comprehensive work policies that allow women to advance in their careers and leadership roles.
From my own experience, I find that a professional environment based on merit and equal opportunities opens the way for women to achieve their professional ambitions and reach leadership positions; I began my career as a graduate and progressed to a board membership in a leading global hospitality brand, highlighting the importance of offering an enabling workplace.
Al-Taher emphasizes that empowering women is not only about supporting economic growth but is also a crucial driving force behind it. Empowering the next generation of Emirati female leaders strengthens institutions and sectors, supporting the national economy and sustainable development efforts.
National Priority
Tatyana Tuno, CEO of “Object,” states that the UAE has made women’s economic empowerment a national priority, advancing beyond merely bridging gender gaps toward establishing a leadership model where women play an essential role in development.
This direction is rooted in the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is supported institutionally by the UAE Gender Balance Council, contributing to the country’s advanced global standing. According to the Gender Equality Index released by the United Nations Development Programme, the UAE ranks seventh globally and first in the Middle East and North Africa.
Tuno adds that this progress serves as a clear benchmark for companies operating in the region. She notes that women constitute around 35% of the sales team within her company, in addition to having a strong presence in various commercial and operational departments.
Today, thousands of Emirati women entrepreneurs manage projects valued at over 60 billion AED. While the construction sector has traditionally been male-dominated, the UAE has set high standards for inclusivity. As a private sector institution operating within this framework, we see it as our responsibility to adhere to these standards by fostering a corporate culture that values competencies based on merit and enables women to lead and contribute effectively to sustainable growth.
Career Journey
Rahma Bougrande, Vice President and Head of Client Advisory for the region at “SAP,” believes that the UAE’s consistent ranking among the leading countries in the region for gender balance reflects the clear connection between inclusive policies and economic competitiveness. The legislation in the country prioritizes women’s empowerment.
My own career journey illustrates this integrated system, as the company has provided organized leadership pathways as well as mentorship, support, and opportunities for me to take on senior management roles. Therefore, when governments create the right regulatory environment and institutions actively work to develop female talent, the outcomes are profound: governance is enhanced, innovation is propelled, and direct contributions to long-term economic growth are realized.
Driving Force
Finally, Oumaima Thabet, General Manager for the Middle East at “Eurofragance,” concludes the discussion on this topic by stating that what inspires her most about the UAE’s experience in women’s empowerment is its leadership. The country has been proactive in adopting comprehensive policies and legislation aligned with the vision and guidance of its wise leadership. This approach has translated women’s contributions across various areas of life into tangible realities, evident in boards, government bodies, startups, and sectors that shape the nation’s future, making it a driving force in the national development strategy.