The United Arab Emirates has achieved a milestone in women’s empowerment, with 61 per cent of STEM graduates being Emirati women, according to UNESCO. This figure far surpasses the Arab world’s average, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
Amal Al Teneiji, Strategic Planning & Excellence Director at the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), highlighted the nation’s progress.
“Our leadership has consistently spearheaded national initiatives that actively promote the participation of Emirati women across diverse sectors — from technology and AI to healthcare and tourism,” she said.
The UAE’s strong female presence in research, medicine, and innovation is no coincidence. It reflects a framework of national policies, including the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031, which ensures women’s equitable participation in all sectors.
The UAE Gender Balance Council has been central to this progress, promoting equal pay, workforce inclusion, and private sector opportunities.
One of the landmark initiatives is the SDG 5 Pledge, launched in 2020, which encourages private sector firms to boost women’s representation in leadership roles.
With 71 major companies on board, the pledge aims for 30 per cent female representation in senior and mid-level management by 2025 for the first cohort, and 2028 for the second.
The pledge has already produced tangible results. It has increased corporate awareness of gender balance, embedded diversity into organizational cultures, and encouraged flexible work policies.
To monitor progress, participating companies provide annual updates on women’s representation, with outstanding performers set to be recognized through the upcoming SDG 5 Pledge Awards.
Complementing this effort, the Nafis programme has been instrumental in fostering Emirati women’s workforce participation.
Recent data reveals that in 2025, women beneficiaries are thriving in sectors such as construction (20.7 per cent), wholesale and retail (17.3 per cent), and administrative services (13.1 per cent). Importantly, female representation in Nafis has grown from 69.7 per cent in 2022 to 73.1 per cent in 2025.
This collaboration between the Gender Balance Council and Nafis is ensuring a pipeline of Emirati women ready to lead. Professional development, targeted training, and advanced networking platforms further strengthen women’s presence in critical industries.
Al Teneiji emphasized the significance of this momentum, noting: “Their growing impact across industries is not just a national success story; it’s a testament to what focused policy and real opportunity can achieve.”
With this trajectory, the UAE is not only setting an example for the Arab world but also positioning Emirati women at the forefront of global progress in STEM and leadership.