Across the Gulf region, more and more women are now stepping into powerful finance roles. One of the most important jobs in any company is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and women in the GCC are finally getting the recognition they deserve in this role.
In the past, high-level finance positions were mostly held by men. But things are changing fast. Women are now breaking barriers, leading finance departments, and helping big companies make smart money decisions. From Saudi Arabia to the UAE, Oman to Kuwait, the number of female CFOs is growing steadily.
A Clear Shift in the Corporate World
In recent years, governments in the Gulf have made it a priority to empower women in different fields. Whether it’s in business, technology, or sports, the focus on gender equality is getting stronger. This shift has opened more doors for women in leadership roles, especially in finance.
Many companies are now realizing that women bring fresh perspectives and strong leadership skills. According to regional HR experts, companies with women in senior roles tend to perform better, attract diverse talent, and build healthier work cultures.
While the number of female CFOs is still lower than men, the pace of change is encouraging. In the UAE, for example, several leading banks and real estate companies now have female CFOs. In Saudi Arabia, more women are being hired and promoted into high-level finance roles, a shift that was rare just a decade ago.
Women Who Are Leading the Way
Some of the most inspiring stories come from women who worked their way up through hard work, determination, and talent. They faced many challenges—gender bias, lack of opportunities, and balancing family life—but they didn’t give up.
Take Reem Al Shehhi, for example, who became the CFO of a large logistics company in the UAE. She started her career as a junior accountant and slowly climbed the ladder. “I always believed that numbers don’t lie,” she said in an interview. “If you perform well and show results, you will get noticed.”
In Saudi Arabia, Fatimah Al Dabbagh is now one of the few women leading finance at a major construction firm. Her path was not easy. “There were times I was the only woman in the room,” she shared. “But I used that as motivation. I worked twice as hard to prove that I belonged.”
These women are now role models for younger generations. Their presence in top positions sends a strong message: women can lead, manage money, and drive companies toward success just as well as men.
Why More Companies Are Hiring Female CFOs
There are several reasons behind this positive trend. First, women are now better educated and more prepared than ever before. Many are earning finance and business degrees from top universities in the region and abroad. They come back ready to take on tough jobs and lead with confidence.
Second, companies are under more pressure to show that they care about diversity and inclusion. Investors, clients, and even employees are watching. Having women in leadership positions shows that a company is forward-thinking and fair.
Third, studies show that companies with gender-diverse leadership often perform better financially. Female CFOs tend to bring a collaborative approach, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to the role. These are all qualities that are important for financial success.
Challenges Still Remain
Even with all the progress, there are still many challenges for women in finance. Gender stereotypes, lack of mentorship, and limited networking opportunities continue to hold some women back. Some companies still prefer to promote men, especially in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated, like oil and gas or heavy manufacturing.
Another common issue is work-life balance. The role of a CFO is demanding, with long hours and high pressure. For many women, managing both career and family responsibilities can be difficult without strong support systems.
But change is happening. More companies are now offering flexible work policies and creating inclusive cultures. Women’s leadership programs and mentoring initiatives are also helping to close the gap.
The Future Looks Promising
As more women prove their abilities as CFOs, the future looks bright. Young women in the region are now seeing examples of success in finance and are inspired to aim high. Schools, universities, and companies are all playing a role in encouraging this shift.
Governments are also stepping in to support change. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan and the UAE’s National Strategy for Empowerment of Women are pushing for more female participation in all sectors, including finance.
Experts believe that in the next 5–10 years, we will see even more female CFOs in top companies across the Gulf. With the right support, policies, and mindsets, the finance world in the region is becoming more balanced and inclusive.
Final Thoughts
The rise of female CFOs in the GCC is not just a trend—it’s a real transformation. It’s about giving talented women the space and support to lead. It’s about building companies that reflect the values of equality and fairness. And it’s about creating a future where leadership is based on skill, not gender.
For now, the message is clear: the finance world in the Gulf is changing, and women are helping to lead the way.
Also read: UAE National Service: Understanding the New Changes in 2025
