Recent research by The Consultants MEA, in partnership with Kūdi—a network of female leaders in the Middle East dedicated to enhancing women’s learning and development—has identified the UAE as the leading hub for women in business across the region. The study highlights notable advancements in Oman and other GCC nations, which are also making strides to support female entrepreneurs.
The UAE is particularly shining in this regard, boasting a strong representation of women in leadership roles and effective policies aimed at empowering them. Initiatives promoting gender equality are firmly in place, positioning the UAE as a pivotal player in the region’s economic landscape. This positive trend is echoed in a report from the DIFC Innovation Hub, revealing that nearly half of all start-ups in the UAE are co-founded or led by women, signaling a robust presence in the technology and innovation sectors.
The survey conducted involved around 400 women in leadership positions from various Middle Eastern countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. It sheds light on the growing roles women are taking on in the workplace, marking a significant move towards diminishing the long-standing gender disparities that have historically characterized the region.
However, the study does highlight a stark contrast in the distribution of female CEOs across different industries. Women are more prevalent in the manufacturing and technology sectors but are notably underrepresented in banking, consumer goods, retail, and government roles. Nonetheless, initiatives such as those from the DIFC Innovation Hub are working to close these gaps, particularly in technology and innovation.
Looking ahead, Nielsen predicts that by 2028, women will account for a staggering 75% of discretionary spending, positioning them as key influencers in the global marketplace. Despite this, there remains a troubling imbalance in creative industries, with only 35% of advertising directors in the US being women.
This study aims to offer research-backed recommendations to support women’s career development, a crucial initiative led by the Kūdi group. Through these findings, there is hope for continued progress in empowering women across the region and beyond.