It’s no secret that women’s empowerment is a top priority in the UAE. The nation has established a range of incentives to promote gender equality, particularly in the working world, which goes some way to explaining why it ranks among the best in the Middle East for gender equality.

She WINS Arabia, which helps women-led start-ups across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by providing advice, mentorship and finance; She’s Next, which offers insights and tools to women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), which delivers education, training and networking opportunities to help women achieve their business aspirations, are just a handful of the projects that are enabling women in the UAE and beyond to thrive and flourish.

She Wins Arabia, for example, aims to help women-led start-ups across the MENA region by providing them with advice, mentorship and finance. She’s Next is another initiative which offers insights and tools to women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). And the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) provides women with education, training and networking opportunities to help achieve their business aspirations.

So, what impact has the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to accessibility had on a grassroots level? Let’s find out…

Women-owned businesses offer many wonderful advantages, not least their valuable contributions to the UAE economy. It has recently emerged that women contribute approximately 20% to the country’s GDP annually, and that this share looks set to rise to 25% during the coming years.

Driving the economy

From an entrepreneurial perspective, more and more female investors in the country are showing an interest in setting up their own businesses, reflecting the nation’s status as an ideal location for women-led enterprises. In fact, women entrepreneurs have been identified as a key driver of the UAE’s economic growth in 2023, yet more evidence to suggest that gender equality continues to permeate the nation’s business ecosystem.

It goes without saying that a healthy economy means a happy and thriving society. As women continue to make ever-larger contributions to the national finances, sectors such as retail, real estate and hospitality can expect to achieve even greater success as this trend gains momentum. Although the UAE is already a global hub for industries like these, women are continuously helping to develop them through the positive impact of their businesses. This is yet another way in which women-led businesses benefit society as a whole.

Putting customers first

Another benefit of women-owned ventures is their ability to place end users front and centre. I’m not suggesting that men can’t be empathetic; I’ve met countless men with excellent people skills during my career. However, I would say that – by and large – women tend to be more empathetic in their outlooks, and I’m not alone in thinking this.

This trait is beneficial in most situations, but especially when it comes to business. In a setting that can be stressful and fast-paced, empathy and soft skills are crucial to ensuring companies retain the best talent and grow their operations. By the same token, women-led enterprises are also well positioned to foster strong relationships with their client base. Studies have demonstrated that a diverse workforce is more likely to communicate effectively and understand clients’ requirements, resulting in an enhanced customer experience.

From hospitality to beauty, and every service-centric industry in between, the ever-growing participation of women in business only looks set to strengthen the customer experience in the UAE.

Contributing to empowerment

Of course, arguably the most important and long-lasting impact that the UAE’s focus on women’s empowerment will have is on future generations. Today, inspiring female role models have far greater visibility than when I was younger. I love the fact that girls of my daughters’ generation have the opportunity to learn from these women, and I’m sure that this trend will continue as they grow up and have children of their own.

I also take heart from the fact that while many industries – not just in the UAE but around the world – remain male dominated, the business landscape is constantly shifting towards gender parity. This trend also reinforces the notion that girls and women can achieve success in any industry, no matter what career they choose to pursue.

Personally, I am as proud to be a woman in business in the UAE as I am of the UAE’s efforts to support women in business. The initiatives, checks and balances established across our nation have resulted in an environment that offers women of all backgrounds the opportunity to flourish. I’m confident that future generations of female entrepreneurs will receive even more opportunities to develop their own enterprises, which will benefit everyone in the UAE, regardless of their gender.