Emirati Women’s Day celebrates the success and achievements of women in the UAE. According to the Ministry of Economy, the number of commercial licences issued to UAE female nationals has increased by 23% from January to August 26 this year, reaching a total of 135,171 licences across various sectors. This growth highlights the significant contributions of Emirati women to the country’s economy, with their involvement in diverse industries such as tourism, air transport, information technology, financial services, creative activities, and more.
The Minister of Economy, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, commended the achievements of Emirati women, emphasizing their essential role in the workforce. He highlighted the UAE’s position as 7th globally and first regionally in the Gender Equality Index by the United Nations Development Programme, showcasing the country’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment. Additionally, over 128,400 small and medium-sized enterprises are owned by Emirati women, demonstrating their strong presence in the business sector.
Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of empowering Emirati women in various sectors. With more than 128,000 SMEs owned by women and over 135,000 projects managed by Emirati businesswomen, the UAE is dedicated to supporting and promoting women’s economic participation. Efforts are continuously being made to launch programs and initiatives that encourage Emirati women to engage in entrepreneurship and lead small and medium enterprises.
In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Economic Development has been focused on supporting Emirati women and enhancing their role in the emirate’s economic ecosystem. The number of commercial licences issued to Emirati women in Abu Dhabi has seen a significant increase, reaching 27,331 licences in the first half of 2024. This growth reflects the department’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs and business owners in the region.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has also shown its dedication to gender diversity by employing 1,938 female staff across various divisions. This includes female employees in engineering, technical roles, leadership positions, and supervisory roles. Emirati female employees make up 84.57% of the total female workforce at Dewa, highlighting the organization’s efforts to promote gender balance and inclusivity in the workplace.
A recent survey conducted among UAE residents revealed that 83% of respondents are inspired by the achievements of Emirati women over the past five years. The study, commissioned by Volkswagen Abu Dhabi and conducted by YouGov, found that the majority of respondents believe that Emirati women have become more prominent in leading government positions and will play a crucial role in driving the country’s economic progress in the coming years. Emirati women’s impact has been most noticeable in sectors such as healthcare, government, arts and culture, science and research, and entrepreneurship.
