According to Grant Thornton UAE’s newly released Women in Business 2025 report,
Diversity reporting in Dubai is evolving from being part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to a measurable performance metric linked to revenue.
Based on six years of data from senior executives in UAE companies, multinationals, the public sector, and Grant Thornton’s partners, the “Women in Business 2025” report showcases achievements and key factors influencing gender diversity in leadership across the UAE. It is part of Grant Thornton’s 20+ years of global research on this critical business issue.
Hisham Farouk, CEO, Grant Thornton UAE, commented: “Gender diversity has become both a social commitment and a strategic advantage; it is a strategic necessity for companies that want to thrive in the UAE’s competitive and fast-evolving economy. As part of our firm’s 2027 Strategy, we are committed to maintaining strong female representation at the highest levels. Today, women make up 22% of our partnership, and we want to sustain this growth momentum as we expand the number of female partners twofold by 2027.”
In the UAE, there is now a quantifiable and market-driven business rationale for gender diversity. Based on the most recent study conducted by Grant Thornton UAE:
- When bidding for contracts, about 72% of UAE companies said they were asked to provide gender diversity data.
- Before making a financial commitment, nearly 40% of UAE investors now demand unambiguous proof of female presence in key leadership roles.
About 20% of companies polled said that during the previous 12 months, government agencies had asked for gender diversity data. This is in line with the UAE Vision 2030 plan, which clearly links women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and economic diversification to long-term prosperity and national competitiveness.
Farouk added: “A significant milestone in this journey has been the recruitment of our first Emirati female partner, reinforcing our commitment to advancing national talent and gender diversity in seniors. We are fully aligned with the national agenda — not just meeting quotas but creating meaningful opportunities for Emirati women to grow within our firm.”
According to the report, gender diversity is now a business requirement rather than an ideal. Businesses in the UAE with diverse leadership teams are more likely to secure government contracts and attract international investors who have ESG requirements. The results show that these companies are better able to draw in and hold on to top talent across generations.
In order to facilitate the development of an atmosphere in which female leaders flourish, the “Women in Business 2025” report suggests a multifaceted strategy that addresses unconscious biases, systemic barriers, and antiquated procedures while purposefully fostering an inclusive, sponsored, and visible advocacy culture. The framework lists five focus areas of impact as well as steps that organisations operating in the UAE can implement, measure, and embed into their day-to-day culture and long-term strategy.
About Grant Thornton:
Grant Thornton UAE is a leading professional services firm, providing audit & assurance, tax and advisory services across multiple industries. We have served public and private sector clients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for over 50 years and are committed to delivering quality and excellence driven by fresh thinking, diverse perspectives, and a personalised approach. As part of a globally connected network with over 76,000 people across over 150 countries, we provide deep industry knowledge with international expertise to help businesses navigate complex challenges throughout their journey of growth and transformation.
By combining technical expertise and technological innovation we support local and international, public and private sector clients to achieve sustainable growth and drive economic prosperity in the UAE. Our tailored and agile approach positions us as a trusted advisor, always ready to adapt and respond to our clients’ changing needs and goals.
