ADVANCING GENDER BALANCE
ACCESS TO FINANCE AS A NATIONAL IMPERATIVE
Expanding financial access for women is an enabler of national economic productivity and inclusive growth.
The UAE has implemented a series of reforms and programmes to improve women’s financial inclusion.
These initiatives address systemic barriers in lending, ownership rights and entrepreneurship support.
KEY REFORMS, INITIATIVES
AND OUTCOMES
Gender-Responsive Budgeting
The Ministry of Finance is piloting gender-responsive budgeting, integrating gender priorities into federal budget allocations to ensure funds support women’s inclusion in health and education.
Non-Discriminatory Access to Financial Services
The UAE Central Bank mandates equal treatment for men and women in accessing financial services, including individual banking and business-related financial products.
Rights to Economic Resources
Federal law guarantees equal rights for all individuals in access to land, property, and financial services.
Rights to Commercial Activities
Women and men have the same legal right to conduct business and acquire trader status.
Rights to Company Ownership and Management
All individuals are entitled to establish, own, and manage any form of company under equal legal protections.
Wage Equality in Public and Private Sectors
Men and women are entitled to equal pay for the same work or work of equal value, with protections enforced across both private and public employment.
Pension Flexibility for Working Mothers
Women enrolled in the national pension system benefit from flexible retirement options, including early retirement based on number of children and continued contributions during unpaid childcare leave.
Next Steps: Building a Sustainable Financial Ecosystem
Building scalable, lasting financial ecosystems for women
Emirati women constitute 70% of the national private sector workforce. To further improve access, the Council will focus on:
Scaling inclusive financial products
Strengthening data systems to track financing gaps
Embedding gender considerations into all national SME strategies
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
Stronger Institutions Through Gender Balance
Diverse leadership improves decision-making, strengthens trust and supports better performance across sectors.
The UAE has adopted gender balance as a core governance principle, recognising its impact on building more resilient institutions.
“Since the founding of the Union, women have played a vital role as partners in building our nation and establishing the foundations of its progress. Guided by the visionary leadership of our leaders, they continue to contribute to shaping the future.”
-Mona Al Marri
Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council
63%
Government
Federal leadership roles held by women
50%
Parliament
Federal National Council seats held by women
30%
Diplomacy
Diplomatic positions held by women
10
Government
Female ministers
2008
Parliament
First Female Judge in UAE
KEY REFORMS, INITIATIVES
AND OUTCOMES
Women on Boards Guide
The GBC co-developed the “Women on Boards Guide” with Hawkamah, to support companies in improving board nomination processes, transparency and reporting.
Mandatory Board Representation in Listed Companies
Since 2021, all companies listed on UAE stock exchanges are required to appoint at least one woman to their board of directors, to reach a minimum target of 20%.
Federal Mandate for Leadership Inclusion
Cabinet legislation requires the inclusion of women in leadership roles across federal entities, diplomatic appointments, and state-owned companies, including board positions.
Inclusion in the Judiciary
Both women and men are legally eligible to serve as judges and prosecutors within the UAE’s federal judicial system.
Structural Change Through the SDG5 Pledge
Developed by GBC, this national initiative invites private sector companies to commit to gender-balanced leadership by addressing structural barriers in recruitment, retention, and advancement.
Global Gender Circle
Launched by GBC, the forum convenes regional and international experts to exchange best practices and drive policy innovation on women’s leadership and representation.
UAE GBC Centre of Excellence and Knowledge Exchange
In partnership with the World Bank, a Centre of Excellence was established to promote research, capacity-building, and institutional reforms that accelerate women’s advancement in leadership.
INCLUSIVE INNOVATION FOR FUTURE SECTORS
The UAE is advancing gender balance in high‑growth sectors such as science, technology and innovation. Talents across space, AI, climate leadership and entrepreneurship are shaping a more inclusive future for all.
Space Sector Leadership
Women play leading roles within the UAE Space Programme, with balanced representation across the Emirates Mars Mission, UAE Space Agency, and Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.
AI and Emerging Technologies
Women are contributing to the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, leading applied research, and helping shape ethical governance of new technologies across national innovation platforms.
Climate and Sustainability Leadership
From international climate negotiations to clean energy transition initiatives, women are advancing the UAE’s climate goals through leadership in government, policy, and enterprise.
Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship
Women entrepreneurs are active across fintech, digital services, education and healthcare, supported by ecosystem platforms and national innovation initiatives.