ABU DHABI: Emirati women are making significant strides in entrepreneurship, with Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), revealing that they own 18% of businesses in the UAE. These women lead around 128,500 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and manage 135,000 projects.
Business licenses for women in Abu Dhabi have surged to 27,331 by mid-2024, a 23% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the UAE’s dedication to gender equality, with the nation ranking seventh globally and first in the region on the UNDP Gender Equality Index 2024.
Al Fahim highlighted various initiatives driving gender parity, including mandatory female representation on company boards and a goal of 30% women in leadership roles by 2025. She credited this progress to the UAE’s cultural values, inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which emphasise women’s empowerment in the nation’s economic development.
The ADBWC, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, supports women through consultations, funding access, and tailored programmes. Notably, the SWAN programme, launched by the Khalifa Fund and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development, helps Emirati women turn home businesses into licensed ventures, providing training and financial aid.
Al Fahim also mentioned initiatives like the Best Innovative and Creative Project Award, which encourages innovation and global competitiveness. Partnerships with international organizations offer leadership training for Emirati women.
The upcoming Abu Dhabi Business Week will showcase these achievements, featuring high-profile speakers like Dr. Sara Sabry, Jo Malone, and Randi Zuckerberg. This event aims to inspire and connect Emirati women with investors and industry leaders, opening doors for new opportunities.
