UAE climbs 5 spots in global gender equality after a landmark performance in the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report. This impressive ascent—rising from 74th to 69th place—highlights the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender parity and empowering women across society. Let’s explore what triggered this positive shift and what it means for the nation’s future.
What Changed: Key Drivers of Progress
Women in Leadership and Politics
The UAE climbed five spots in global gender equality thanks in large part to a significant surge in women’s representation in governance and boardrooms. Remarkably, women now hold 50% of seats in the Federal National Council, achieving full parliamentary parity—the only country in the MENA region to do so Moreover, over 25% of ministerial positions are occupied by women, showcasing their growing influence in decision-making roles
Workplace Inclusion and Corporate Reform
Corporate governance reforms have played a pivotal role. As of 2021, all publicly traded companies in the UAE are required to appoint at least one woman to their board of directors, elevating women’s participation in corporate leadership Women now account for 10% of private sector owners and lead 23,000 businesses worth over AED 50 billion. Additionally, they occupy 15% of board-level positions in chambers of commerce and industry
3. Skills, Diversity, and Readiness for the Future
Women in the UAE are increasingly gaining diverse, multi-sector experience and embracing emerging technologies. The report found a 4.5% rise in women hired for leadership roles, despite global declines. UAE women are more likely than men to work across multiple domains and show confidence in using AI tools
Systemic Support and Legal Foundations
Constitutional Equality & Legal Protections
The UAE Constitution firmly guarantees equal rights for men and women—covering education, employment, inheritance, and access to services . Landmark laws further support this:
- Equal pay mandated in public sector since 2018, extended to the private sector in 2020.
- 50% representation for women in the Federal National Council.
- Equal representation in judiciary.
- Protection against domestic violence legalized in 2019.
- Paternity leave, workplace nurseries, and other measures to support working parents
Strong Institutional Backing – The Gender Balance Council
The Gender Balance Council—headed by Her Highness Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—is instrumental in driving these changes. It updates legislation, promotes gender parity across government sectors, and enhances the UAE’s global competitiveness rankings on equality
Broader Context & Historical Progress
Traction on the Global Stage
This five-place jump marks a significant stride in the UAE’s long-term gender equality journey. From ranking 120th in 2020, the country improved to 71st in 2023, now reaching 69th in 2025
Regional Leadership
Consistently, the UAE remains the top-performing nation in the MENA region on global gender parity indices
Comprehensive Reforms Across Sectors
From education—where women form 70% of university graduates and excel in STEM—to politics, media, and business leadership—the UAE’s gender reforms are holistic, reinforcing advances in equality across multiple dimensions
Why This Matters
Economic Benefits and Social Equity
Increased female representation in leadership and politics contributes directly to social equity and better governance. Inclusive policies and diverse leadership open pathways for more balanced economic development and opportunity.
Setting a Global Example
The UAE’s progress serves as an inspiring model. While many nations face stagnation on gender equality metrics, the UAE’s methodical approach—through legal, social, and institutional reforms—demonstrates how sustained effort leads to measurable results.
Preparing for the Future
With a workforce increasingly skilled in AI and diverse fields, women in the UAE are not just participating—they are leading the transformation for tomorrow’s economy
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