UAE strengthens women’s leadership through the Gender Balance Council, private sector pledges, and global partnerships for empowerment.
ABU DHABI: The UAE has emerged as a global model for advancing women’s empowerment and leadership, thanks to a comprehensive framework that promotes inclusivity across public and private sectors. Guided by national strategies and international partnerships, the UAE continues to close the gender gap and position Emirati women at the forefront of leadership roles.
Central to this vision is the work of the UAE Gender Balance Council and Dubai Women Establishment, which have introduced initiatives to prepare women for senior positions in government, business, and international organisations. Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, confirmed that efforts are intensifying to boost women’s representation in leadership roles within the private sector. She highlighted the “SDG 5 Pledge to Accelerate Women’s Leadership in the UAE Private Sector”, under which companies have committed to achieving at least 30 percent female representation in management by 2025 and 2028.
The UAE Gender Balance Council Strategy 2026 seeks to further reduce the gender gap across all fields, elevate the UAE’s global ranking in competitiveness reports, and entrench gender equality in decision-making. These reforms have already paid off, with the UAE ranking first regionally and 13th globally in the 2025 Gender Inequality Index by the UN Development Programme.
Naeema Ahli, CEO of Dubai Women Establishment, explained that developing Emirati women’s leadership capacity remains a core priority. The Establishment continues to design advanced training programmes in collaboration with international universities and institutions, equipping women with executive skills and preparing them for high-level roles worldwide.
These initiatives not only provide modern leadership training but also enhance women’s confidence, knowledge, and adaptability in dynamic work environments. By building such strong foundations, the UAE is cementing its reputation as a leading global benchmark for women’s empowerment and leadership.
