UAE makes it mandatory for some private companies to include women on boards​

The UAE has announced that private joint-stock companies will be required to appoint at least one woman to their boards of directors. The new rule will come into effect after the current board terms end.

The directive, issued by the Ministry of Economy on Wednesday, follows a similar regulation applied to public joint-stock companies, which authorities say has improved institutional performance and driven economic growth.

UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted the significant contributions of women to the country's business and financial sectors, calling them "indispensable partners" in economic development.

“Over the past decades, women in the UAE have consistently proven their capabilities, making significant contributions to the business, financial, and investment sectors,” he said. “Today, they are indispensable partners in economic growth and vital to the UAE's global competitiveness.”

He added that the new decision will bring value to private joint-stock companies by enhancing institutional performance with the insights and experiences of successful businesswomen.

The decision, set out in Ministerial Resolution No. 137 of 2024, will take effect in January 2025.

In 2021, the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority mandated that public joint-stock companies listed on the Abu Dhabi and Dubai stock exchanges must have at least one woman board member.