In 2020, women’s workforce participation in the UAE jumped to 57.5%, up from 28% in 2019. This shows a big step forward in gender equality in the labor market1. It sets the stage for exploring how women are making their mark in different sectors.
The UAE is serious about gender equality, as seen in its public sector. Women make up 66.67% of jobs there1. They also hold 30% of leadership roles in the public sector1. These numbers show the UAE’s progress in women’s employment and its role as a leader in workforce diversity.
In the private sector, surveys show positive trends in gender diversity. A 2023 study found that two-thirds of women have pushed for promotions and got them 80% of the time2. This shows women in the UAE workforce are confident and helping the economy grow.
The UAE’s labor market shows almost equal pay between men and women in the private sector, with less than a 5% gap2. The UAE Labor Law also supports equal pay, maternity leave, and protects against discrimination1. These laws and the data show the UAE’s dedication to a fair and inclusive workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Women’s workforce participation in the UAE surged to 57.5% in 2020
- Women hold 66.67% of public sector jobs in the UAE
- 30% of leadership positions in the public sector are occupied by Emirati women
- Two-thirds of women in the private sector have successfully advocated for promotions
- Less than 5% pay gap exists between men and women in the UAE private sector
- UAE Labor Law ensures equal pay, maternity leave, and anti-discrimination measures
Current State of Women’s Employment in the UAE
The UAE has seen big changes in women’s jobs in recent years. These changes reflect broader trends in work and jobs. Let’s look at the current state of women’s jobs in the United Arab Emirates.
Female Population Demographics
Women in the UAE have made big steps in education and jobs. The literacy rate for Emirati women is 95.8%, showing a strong base for work3. Also, over 70% of university graduates in the UAE are women3.
Workforce Participation Rates
The UAE has seen more women joining the workforce. Women now make up 46% of the workforce, showing big progress in gender equality3. This growth is big in the public sector, where women hold 65% of leadership positions at the local level4.
Key Employment Indicators
Women in the UAE are making their mark in many areas. In media and admin services, women make up 15% of the workforce4. The UAE shows its commitment to gender equality by having women hold 50% of seats in the Federal National Council, the highest in the Arab world3. Also, the UAE has a woman as its ambassador to the United Nations, showing its dedication to women’s empowerment globally3.
| Sector | Women’s Representation |
|---|---|
| Workforce Overall | 46% |
| University Graduates | 70% |
| Federal National Council | 50% |
| Local Leadership Positions | 65% |
| Media and Administrative Services | 15% |
Despite these advances, challenges persist. The UAE did not get a full Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) score in 2023 because of missing data5. This shows the need for more data to fully understand and tackle gender gaps in the workforce.
UAE’s Global Position in Gender Equality
The United Arab Emirates has made big steps in women’s rights and gender equality. It has shown great progress in closing the gender gap in many areas.
The UAE wants to be in the top 25 for gender equality by 2021. This shows its strong commitment to this important issue6. To reach this goal, it has a plan called the Gender Balance Council Strategy 2026. This plan aims to improve the UAE’s ranking in gender balance reports6.
The Gender Balance Guide was launched by the Gender Balance Council. It gives advice on how to achieve gender balance in organizations. It suggests making policies and programs more gender-friendly and getting everyone involved6.
The UAE government is taking action to improve gender equality. The Gender Balance Council checks laws and programs to ensure gender balance in work. It also works to reduce the gender gap in all government areas6. The National Platform for Gender Balance helps track and review gender balance efforts in the UAE6.
Even with progress, challenges exist. The UAE ranks low in some human rights and press freedom measures7. Its laws have been strict, affecting women, migrants, and LGBT people7.
| Aspect | Progress | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Gender Balance | Gender Balance Council Strategy 2026 | Discrimination against women in some laws |
| Legal Reforms | 2020 reforms lowering alcohol restrictions | Sharia law as principal source for Muslim family matters |
| International Rankings | Aims for top 25 in gender equality | Low rankings in human rights and press freedom |
Despite challenges, the UAE keeps working on gender equality. It’s on a journey to achieve full gender parity. This journey is filled with successes and areas for growth.
Women Employment Statistics in the UAE: Latest Trends
The UAE has made big steps in hiring women in different fields. We will look at the latest trends in jobs in the public and private sectors, and how women are spread out in different industries.
Public Sector Employment Figures
Women lead in jobs in the UAE’s public sector. They make up about 66.67% of the workforce. This includes 30% in leadership and 15% in technical and academic roles8.
Women also hold 50% of seats in the Federal National Council8.
Private Sector Representation
The private sector is growing in hiring women. By 2024, 70% of Emirati women will work in non-government jobs9. There are now 108,000 Emiratis in private jobs, with 75,600 being women9.
Industry-specific Distribution
Women are doing well in many industries. The Nafis program has created 70,404 jobs in the private sector9. Women have won 11 out of 15 Nafis Awards in areas like supervisory, banking, insurance, medical, and leadership jobs9.
But, there are challenges. Women’s share in the UAE workforce fell to about 20% by 202210. Less than 15% of women have high-paying jobs, and only 6.7% are CEOs10. These numbers show we need to keep working to improve women’s jobs in all areas.
Educational Achievements of UAE Women
The United Arab Emirates has made big steps in women’s education. This has led to more women in higher education and STEM fields. These changes have opened up more job opportunities for women in the country.
Higher Education Enrollment Rates
UAE women are very dedicated to their studies. Most Emirati women go to college after high school. This shows their strong desire to grow personally and professionally.
Because of this, women make up a big part of university graduates. This is a big achievement for the country.
STEM Field Participation
STEM graduates in the UAE are becoming more diverse. Women are a big part of these graduates from government universities. This is important for innovation and economic growth.
| Educational Indicator | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Women in public sector workforce | 66%11 |
| Women in leadership roles | 30%1211 |
| Women in diplomatic corps | 30%11 |
Impact on Employment Opportunities
The education of UAE women has opened up many job opportunities. Women now make up two-thirds of the public sector workforce. They also hold 30% of leadership roles in government1211.
The private sector is also changing. Women own 10% of companies and manage projects worth billions1211.
Even with these successes, there are challenges. The UAE Gender Balance Council wants 30% women in private sector leadership by 202512. As women do well in college and STEM, we expect to see more women in leadership roles.
Leadership Positions and Executive Roles
The UAE is moving forward in supporting women in leadership. Women are now in more executive roles and on corporate boards. Almost one-third of new board members in the UAE are women, showing a big change in leadership13.
In the public sector, Emirati women are doing great things. They are leading in areas like sustainability and technology. They are not just working on projects but also shaping policies and pushing for green practices14.
Women’s presence on corporate boards in the UAE is impressive. They make up 10.8% of board seats in listed companies, the highest in the GCC15. This shows the UAE’s dedication to gender equality in business.
| Country | Percentage of Women on Boards |
|---|---|
| UAE | 10.8% |
| Oman | 5.8% |
| Bahrain | 5.5% |
| Kuwait | 5.0% |
| Saudi Arabia | 2.0% |
| Qatar | 1.8% |
Emirati women are not just leaders but also mentors. They encourage young women to enter the private sector. They fight for policies that support diversity and inclusion14. Their efforts help women advance in their careers and help the country grow.
Government Initiatives for Women’s Employment
The UAE government is working hard to help women in the workforce. They have set up policies and programs to support women. This is to make the economy more inclusive for everyone.
Policy Framework
The UAE is serious about gender equality. It scored 71% on the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report. This makes it the top nation in the Middle East for gender equity16.
Support Programs
The government has started many programs to help women find jobs. The Nafis program helped increase jobs for Emirati citizens by 217%17. Also, companies are now training more students, helping women grow in their careers17.
Future Development Plans
The UAE has big plans for women in the workforce. They want the digital economy to grow from 9.7% to 19.4% of GDP in ten years17. This will open up more tech jobs for women. They also plan to improve health insurance for workers starting in 202517.
These efforts are already making a difference. Women’s jobs in the UAE have gone up by 14% thanks to these policies17. The UAE is leading the way for more women in the economy.
Wage Equality and Compensation Analysis
In the UAE, the gender pay gap is a big problem. Despite efforts to make pay equal, women often earn less than men for the same job. The average salary is between AED 12,000 and AED 20,000, with higher pay in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi18.
New laws aim to fix salary differences. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has set a minimum salary for workers with a bachelor’s degree. They must earn at least AED 12,000 a month18. This rule helps ensure fair pay.
But, there are ongoing challenges. Only 27.7% of women own bank accounts, and 17.7% are managers5. These numbers show we need to keep working to close the pay gap and get more women in leadership.
| Dimension | Score |
|---|---|
| Laws on child marriage | 50 |
| Laws on household responsibilities | 75 |
| Laws on divorce and inheritance | 100 |
| Laws on violence against women | 50 |
| Laws on reproductive autonomy | 75 |
The UAE has made progress in some areas. It scored 100 in laws on divorce and inheritance. But, it needs to do better on laws against violence against women and child marriage, both scoring 505. These scores show the complex fight for gender equality in the UAE’s laws.
Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE Economy
The UAE is working hard to help female entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses grow. The country’s startup culture is booming, and more women are joining different industries.
Business Ownership Statistics
Even though there’s progress, women face challenges in owning businesses. Only about 10% of board seats in the UAE are held by women, with 8.9% of these positions19. This gap exists despite women making up 46% of the UAE’s workforce3.
Startup Ecosystem
The UAE’s startup scene is changing to support female entrepreneurs. Groups like the Dubai Women Establishment are key in helping talent grow. In 2022 and 2023, they ran two “YES! Mentorship Programs,” helping 53 female Emirati employees20. These efforts are essential for growing women-owned businesses in the area.
Success Stories
Women in the UAE’s business world are doing well. More than 70% of university graduates in the UAE are women, providing a strong talent pool for various fields3. Programs like “Women on International Boards” started in May 2023 with twenty participants, aiming to boost female leadership in business20. These steps are helping more women succeed in entrepreneurship and boost the UAE’s economy.
| Indicator | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Women in UAE Workforce | 46% |
| Women University Graduates | 70% |
| Women on Corporate Boards | 8.9% |
Work-Life Balance and Employment Benefits
The UAE is working hard to improve work-life balance. Many companies now offer flexible work hours. This lets employees manage their time better.
Maternity leave is a big help for working moms in the UAE. The country’s laws give paid leave to support women at work. Research shows that 90% of happy employees with family support would recommend their job21.
But, there are challenges. Many Emirati women struggle to balance work and family. This can cause stress and burnout. It shows we need better support systems.
Companies are starting to listen. A study found 71% of employees want flexible work as a reason to stay21. This is making more companies adopt family-friendly policies. They see how it helps keep employees happy and loyal.
The UAE’s work is showing results. It scored 71% on the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report16. This makes it the top country in the Middle East for gender equality. It shows the UAE’s dedication to supporting all employees, but women in particular, as they balance work and family.
Sector-Specific Employment Distribution
The UAE job market shows a unique spread of jobs across sectors. There are big differences in jobs in the public and private sectors. Let’s look at the job landscape for women in the UAE.
Government Sector Analysis
Women have made big strides in government jobs. An impressive 66% of public sector jobs are held by women, showing a strong preference for these roles11. In leadership, women hold 30% of positions, and 15% are in technical and academic roles11. The diplomatic corps also has a lot of women, with 30% of positions, including 42 on missions abroad and 7 as ambassadors11.
Private Sector Breakdown
The private sector is different. Women are making their mark as entrepreneurs and business owners. There are 21,000 women employers in the UAE, and women-owned businesses make up 10% of the private sector, managing projects worth over AED 40 billion11. The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Programme aims to employ 75,000 Emiratis in the private sector by 2025, with 10% of jobs for Emiratis22.
Industry Preferences
Women in the UAE have diverse job preferences. In the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, women make up 15% of board members11. Teams led by women are twice as likely to be gender-balanced compared to those led by men, showing a trend towards more inclusive workplaces2.
| Sector | Women’s Representation |
|---|---|
| Public Sector | 66% |
| Government Leadership Roles | 30% |
| Diplomatic Corps | 30% |
| Private Sector Business Ownership | 10% |
| Chamber of Commerce Board Members | 15% |
While progress is clear, challenges persist. 29% of women say they lack access to mentors, and 63% have faced workplace exclusion or offensive targeting2. These facts show the need for more work to promote gender equality in all sectors and industries in the UAE.
Career Development and Professional Growth
The UAE is working hard to help women succeed in their careers. Women in the UAE have a high literacy rate of 95.8%. They make up 77% of university students and 64% of graduates23.
This strong educational base opens doors for career growth and skill development.
Training is key in the UAE’s job market. Companies that invest in training see a 30% drop in employee turnover24. This shows how important ongoing learning is for keeping talent and helping careers grow.
The UAE is focusing on diversifying jobs. By 2030, there will be up to 80,000 new project management jobs in the GCC25. The MENA region will see a 40% jump in jobs needing project management skills25.
This trend shows a big need for specialized skills. It also opens up new career paths in many areas.
| Sector | Growth in Project Management Roles |
|---|---|
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Sales and Marketing | 6% |
| Human Resources | 5% |
The UAE saw a 9% increase in project management jobs, showing a focus on skills and career growth25. This growth is seen in real estate, sales, and human resources. It offers many paths for professional growth.
Impact of COVID-19 on Women’s Employment
The pandemic has hit women’s jobs hard all over the world. In the UAE, it’s no different. Women faced big challenges, affecting their jobs and careers.
Statistical Changes
The COVID-19 crisis made closing the gender gap take 136 years, up from 99.5 years, says the World Economic Forum26. Only 19% of female workers had secure jobs, compared to 61% of men26. These numbers show we need special plans to help women get back to work in the UAE.
Recovery Patterns
The recovery has been slow and not even. By 2020’s end, 47% of women who lost jobs didn’t go back, unlike 7% of men26. This shows we must help women get back to work.
Adaptation Strategies
Businesses in the UAE are starting to help by making work more family-friendly. 90% of employees who like these policies would tell others about their job21. And 87% think their managers are fair about these policies21.
Flexible work is key, with 71% seeing it as a big plus21. Women-led countries had 1,900 fewer deaths during the pandemic than men-led ones26. This shows women can lead well in tough times and should keep working.
Future Projections and Growth Opportunities
The UAE job market is looking up, with great career chances ahead. The country’s GDP is expected to grow by 5% each year. This is more than the global forecast of 3.2%27. This growth will likely bring new jobs in emerging fields.
Women make up 55.4% of the UAE workforce, and this number is expected to go up27. The government is working to get more women into private sector jobs, including STEM fields. This focus on tech, engineering, and green energy is opening up new paths for women.
The UAE’s population is growing, thanks to more people moving there. Between 2019 and 2023, migration added 10.8% to the population2728. With a total population of 12.50 million, including 3.87 million women, the workforce is diverse and full of life. The biggest group, 25-54 years old, has 8.58 million people ready to join the workforce.
With consumer spending in the UAE set to increase by 4.3%, new jobs will likely pop up in retail and e-commerce27. The government’s push for gender equality and changing social norms will help more women join the workforce. This will make the UAE’s job market more inclusive and diverse.
Regional Comparison of Women’s Employment
The UAE is a leader in the Middle East for gender equality. Women’s jobs in the area vary a lot. This shows different trends in the Middle East. A look at the GCC workforce shows interesting facts about women’s roles in various sectors.
In the UAE, women hold a significant number of corporate leadership roles. Over 10% of board seats at listed companies are held by women. This is more than the GCC average of 5.2%29. The UAE is ahead in promoting women in business.
The utilities industry in the GCC has the most women on boards, with 8%. Energy and healthcare follow. But IT has only 1.8%29. These numbers show we need to work harder to get more women in all fields.
The UAE also leads in women holding ministerial positions, with 27%. Bahrain has 20%, Qatar 16%, Oman 13%, and Kuwait 12%30. This shows the UAE’s strong support for women in government.
Women’s participation in the GCC workforce is 18.87%, lower than the global average of 39.3%. Kuwait has the highest at 25%, while Oman is the lowest at 14.8%30. These numbers show we can do better in getting women into the workforce.
Even with progress, there are big challenges. The Middle East and North Africa, including Gulf countries, will reach gender parity by 215629. This long-term goal highlights the need for ongoing efforts to include more women in the workforce.
Conclusion
The UAE has made big strides in empowering women. It’s the second-most gender-equal nation in the MENA region. This is thanks to its work in financial inclusion and women’s roles in Parliament19.
But, there are challenges left. Women hold less than 10 percent of board seats and make up only 18 percent of the workforce19. This shows we need to keep working to get more women in leadership and the private sector.
The future looks bright for Emirati women. Programs like NAFIS and private sector efforts are helping more women join the workforce19. Technology is also helping, making work more flexible for women19.
To reach its full strength, the UAE must close wage gaps and support women’s careers19. This will unlock the full power of the UAE’s female talent.
Even though the UAE does well in youth employment, it can do better with female youth31. By facing these challenges, the UAE can stay a leader in women’s empowerment and equality.
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Sadaf Sehar is the founder of Working Kitty, a platform dedicated to empowering working women. With over a decade of corporate leadership experience, she brings invaluable insights. Passionate about creating inclusive workplaces, Sadaf aims to guide women through workplace challenges. Her website covers dressing, work-life balance, career counseling, and more. Sadaf is a powerful advocate committed to helping women thrive professionally.
