The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in advancing female representation on the boards of publicly-listed companies. Currently, 74% of such companies in the UAE have at least one female board member—more than double the GCC average of 33%. Women also account for 13% of all board members in UAE publicly-listed firms, marking the highest proportion among GCC countries.
This progress reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to tackling gender disparities in leadership. Key initiatives include the establishment of the UAE Gender Balance Council, which champions gender equality in workplaces, and the “Women on Boards” initiative, which encourages increased female representation in the boards of public and private entities. Moreover, the UAE issued a landmark decision in 2021, mandating public joint stock companies listed on UAE stock markets to appoint at least one female board member, which has been instrumental in driving change. This requirement expanded to private joint stock companies starting January 2025, further broadening its impact.
While these measures have positioned the UAE ahead of its regional counterparts, challenges remain. The country’s share of female board members, though notable at 13%, still falls short of the global average of 23%. To close this gap, the UAE must continue addressing structural barriers and fostering an inclusive leadership culture. By building on these initiatives, the UAE can set a global benchmark for gender diversity in corporate governance and inspire broader change across the region.
References:
- Khaleeji Times (2025)
- Gender Balance Council (2025)
- Dubai Women Establishment (2025)
- Deloitte (2024)
- Reso Analysis
