Study: 25,000 Emirati Businesswomen Drive AED 60 Billion in Investments
A new research study has revealed the immense economic impact of Emirati businesswomen, highlighting that over 25,000 women in the UAE are successfully managing investments that exceed AED 60 billion. The study underscores the UAE's significant progress in empowering women in business and leadership, supported by strong political, legislative, and societal frameworks.
Key Findings of the "Luminous Models" Study
The study, titled "Emirati Businesswomen - Luminous Models" and prepared by Dr. Aisha Al Busmait, CEO of the Nations Coaching Institute, presented several key statistics that illustrate this progress:
Private Sector Ownership: Women now own 10% of all companies in the UAE's private sector.
Senior Management: The representation of women in senior management positions has risen to a significant 48.8%.
Board Representation: The UAE, the first Gulf country to mandate female representation on corporate boards, has seen this figure climb to 14.8% in 2024, up from 10.8% previously.
A Strong Ecosystem of Support
The study emphasizes that this success is bolstered by a robust support ecosystem. Dr. Al Busmait highlighted a new program in 2024 aimed at qualifying 1,000 young businesswomen, which includes funding grants of up to AED 500,000 per project. This adds to a range of established support mechanisms, including:
The UAE Businesswomen Council and its local chapters in each emirate.
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development.
The "Future Pioneers" initiative for young Emirati women.
This framework is guided by the National Strategy for Empowerment and Entrepreneurship of Women, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak ("Mother of the Nation"), which provides a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing women's participation in all sectors.
Entrepreneurs and Leaders: Two Pillars of the Economy
The research makes an important distinction between two key roles women play: the entrepreneur and the corporate leader. An entrepreneur is defined as a woman who launches and manages her own venture, driven by innovation and risk-taking. They are the driving force of the SME sector. In contrast, a woman leader holds a senior position within an existing government or private institution, managing teams and driving change from within an established structure. The study concludes that both roles are complementary and equally crucial to building the UAE's national economy and achieving its future vision.
Recommendations for Future Growth
To build on this momentum, the study puts forward several key recommendations. These include enhancing national media coverage of female success stories, providing targeted support for women entering non-traditional sectors like AI and renewable energy, expanding leadership training programs, and further facilitating access to finance through partnerships with local banks.
Looking Ahead: A Global Hub for Innovation
The study concludes that Emirati businesswomen have become a model of empowerment and leadership in a changing world. With clear and sustained government and societal support, their role in entrepreneurship is set to continue its impressive growth, further cementing the UAE's position as a global center for innovation and economic inclusion.
Source: Al Bayan