A recent research study has confirmed that the United Arab Emirates has made significant strides in empowering women, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship over the past few decades.
The study highlighted the crucial role that Emirati businesswomen have played in steering successful projects and contributing to sustainable economic development, supported by strong political, legislative, and community backing.
The report, titled “Emirati Businesswomen – Bright Models,” conducted by Dr. Ayesha Al-Bosmait, CEO of the Nations Coaching Institute, revealed that more than 25,000 Emirati women have managed investments exceeding 60 billion dirhams. It noted that 10% of private sector companies are owned by women, with female representation in senior positions rising to 48.8%.
The study reaffirmed that the UAE is the first Gulf nation to mandate a required percentage of women on boards of directors, with the rate reaching 14.8% in 2024, up from a previous 10.8%.
Financial Grants
Dr. Ayesha Al-Bosmait informed that a program to train 1,000 young businesswomen is set to launch in 2024, along with financial grants of up to 500,000 dirhams for each project. She pointed out the existence of specialized councils, such as the Council of Emirati Businesswomen and local councils across various Emirates.
She emphasized that there are clear mechanisms in place to provide financial and logistical support for women entrepreneurs, which include the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and the “Future Leaders” initiative aimed at supporting young Emirati women.
In the context of empowering Emirati women, she highlighted the importance of distinguishing between women entrepreneurs and female leaders in organizations, as both roles complement each other in building the national economy and realizing the UAE’s future vision.
An entrepreneur is characterized as a woman who initiates and manages her own project, relying on her vision, innovative abilities, and willingness to take risks, aiming to establish her brand in the market while facing challenges related to funding, management, and expansion. Women entrepreneurs are seen as a driving force in the small and medium enterprise sector, playing a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities.
She pointed out that women entrepreneurs have essential traits; they are inherently proactive and creative, possess full decision-making authority over their projects, rely on their resources or external funding, and assume risks directly.
In contrast, female leaders in organizations occupy leadership positions within government or private companies, manage teams, and make strategic decisions within an existing organizational structure. They serve as influential institutional representatives, contributing to internal policy development and achieving organizational objectives. Female leaders differ in that they operate within a formal structural framework, focus on resource management, ensure operational efficiency, and handle internal and external regulations while leading institutional change from within.
Additionally, she noted that women entrepreneurs lead change from outside traditional frameworks by creating innovative solutions, while female leaders drive development from within institutions by improving processes and enhancing efficiency. Both contribute significantly to the UAE’s economic growth and the achievement of sustainable development goals, empowering women across various sectors.
National Strategy
Furthermore, she mentioned that the national strategy for empowering and leading women, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak “Mother of the Emirates,” who is President of the General Women’s Union and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, has established a comprehensive national framework affecting all state institutions. This strategy aims to enhance the participation of Emirati women in various development areas, serving as a national roadmap for empowering women, particularly in leadership and entrepreneurship.
She indicated that Emirati businesswomen exemplify empowerment and leadership vision in an evolving world.
With clear governmental and community support, their role in entrepreneurship is expected to continue growing, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and economic inclusion.
The study also showcased inspiring Emirati models of female entrepreneurs who have successfully led large-scale projects and demonstrated their competence across various sectors.
The report recommends enhancing the role of national media in highlighting women’s success stories, supporting non-traditional sectors like artificial intelligence and renewable energy, expanding vocational and leadership training programs for women in educational institutions, facilitating access to funding through partnerships with local banks, increasing female representation on boards of directors of both government and private companies, and encouraging innovation and digital projects led by women.