Key Takeaways:

• Women in UAE boardrooms are changing how companies work by focusing on people and sustainability
• Women run 66% of government jobs and manage private businesses worth AED 50 billion
• Government programs are helping women leaders succeed despite ongoing workplace challenges

The UAE is quietly orchestrating a corporate revolution, one that places women at the helm of its economic future. Beyond mere statistics and quotas, women are leaving a mark in reshaping corporate governance and fundamentally redefining the means of leadership.

Evidence of this shift can already be seen within UAE’s corporate space. The UAE ranks as a leading country in gender equality in the region according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, and ranks 22nd among 170 countries in the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security’s 2023 WPS Index, demonstrating significant progress in women’s empowerment.

Yet these numbers, impressive as they are, merely scratch the surface of a deeper transformation taking root in the nation’s business culture. While global corporations struggle to implement meaningful gender diversity, the UAE is leading the region and beyond with female board representation. 

Shifting the Perspective

The UAE government has made major actual in promoting women leaders in the public sector. Now, women hold 30% of leadership roles and comprise 66% of the public sector workforce. When it comes to private sector, female-led businesses currently account for 10%, managing projects worth over AED 50 billion. 

Women constitute 56% of UAE government university graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. They are actively embracing artificial intelligence and digital transformation, with studies showing they’re more likely to use technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience while maintaining a focus on workforce development.

The influence of women leaders extends far beyond financial metrics. Research shows that women leaders in the UAE are:

• More focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, with 48% reporting increased stakeholder demand for ESG reporting transparency.
• More likely to invest in workforce development, with 64% prioritizing employee skill development compared to 24% of their male counterparts. 
• More aligned with social responsibility, with 72% emphasizing fairness in the workplace.

These priorities show women leaders focus more on a more holistic approach to business management–one that balances profitability with sustainability and social impact.

Despite the significant progress, significant obstacles remain. About 62% of women leaders still encounter stereotyping and bias in their day-to-day work. However, these challenges are being met with robust solutions. 

The UAE’s Gender Balance Council, combined with initiatives like “She Means Business” which has trained over 1,300 women entrepreneurs, are supporting women’s leadership development. The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund and other government-backed programs are providing crucial financial and strategic support for women-led businesses.

She Will Shape Tomorrow’s Economy

The impact of women’s leadership in the UAE extends far beyond individual companies; it is reshaping the very foundation of how business is conducted in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Looking ahead to 2031, the UAE’s vision for gender balance in corporate leadership more than simply ambitious and impactful—it is an influential example for other countries. 

The UAE’s corporate transformation through women’s leadership shows that value-creating diversity can redefining how businesses operate, innovate, and grow. The success of UAE’s women leaders is not simply reshaping boardrooms today–it is painting a new look to corporate leadership that will shape the global business for generations to come.