UAE women leaders rising but with barriers

Recent research from the Consultants MEA, in collaboration with Kūdi, reveals 87 per cent of UAE women leaders are championing inclusivity by implementing changes that promote women in managerial positions. 

The report highlights how UAE is becoming a key leader in advancing women's careers in business across the Middle East. However, much work remains to be done, as the UAE's focus on gender equality is a key driver in reshaping the region’s workforce, particularly in leadership roles and technology sectors. Additional findings from the survey include:

Leading role: Women now hold significant leadership roles, with almost 50 per cent of UAE start-ups co-founded or led by women.

Social barriers: Challenges such as family demands, societal pressures, and gender bias remain significant, as only 17 per cent of women hold CEO positions.

Leadership development: Mentorship has proven vital, with nearly 100 per cent of women affirming its impact on career advancement.

While the data reveals encouraging steps towards gender inclusivity, it also highlights enduring challenges. Women remain underrepresented in sectors like banking and retail, although they are making strides in manufacturing and technology. Gender bias, limited CEO roles, and pay disparities persist as obstacles. Moreover, balancing family responsibilities with career demands remains a significant challenge, according to experts like Najla Al Jamali, CEO of Alternative Energy at OQ commenting, "Workplaces need to adapt; there are two competing needs for women: the career and the biological clock. A successful workplace can navigate both, ensuring that one does not sacrifice the other."

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Marise Assaf, Kudi's founder & CEO added, “Empowering women in leadership is essential for fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth in our organisations. Time and again, crises have revealed women as the most empathetic and influential leaders. It's imperative we translate this reality to the business world, championing women's advancement. The path ahead is long, but the potential for transformative leadership is immense.”

The survey saw participation of 400 women leaders from the Middle East underscoring the region’s evolving gender dynamics, particularly in the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, where women are increasingly influential in sectors like technology and innovation. Oman and other GCC nations are also making progress through empowerment policies and gender equality initiatives.