UAE restructures gender balance council to boost global leadership in equality

The United Arab Emirates has restructured its Gender Balance Council as part of a wider push to promote equal opportunities and improve its standing as a global model for gender equality, the government said Wednesday.

According to WAM, the move was approved by the UAE Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

The Cabinet said the decision aims to expand the Council’s scope and enhance its strategic role by creating supportive legislation and regulatory frameworks. The goal is to advance gender balance across both government and private sectors in line with the UAE’s long-term development plans.

The Council will now report directly to the Cabinet. It is tasked with proposing and reviewing gender-related policies and legislation, coordinating with federal authorities, and monitoring global reports to recommend improvements.

It will also set mechanisms to measure progress, create a national gender database, and conduct research on regional and international trends. The Council will represent the UAE at global forums related to gender equality.

The Council will be chaired by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister.

Sheikha Manal expressed gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for prioritizing gender balance as a national goal and a key pillar of sustainable development.

“This steadfast support has elevated the UAE to a leading position globally in this critical area,” she said. “We will redouble our efforts to fulfill the vision of the wise leadership and position the UAE as a global leader across all fields.”

She also praised Emirati women for their achievements across various sectors, especially science and life sciences. “They have proven their capability and honored the trust placed in them by the leadership,” she said.

She thanked the outgoing Council members for their service and welcomed new members, expressing confidence in their varied expertise to lead future successes.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, the council’s vice president, said the UAE’s progress in gender balance has inspired nations worldwide. She said the Cabinet’s resolution will strengthen the Council’s strategic role in deepening gender equality across all sectors.

“With determination and dedication, the UAE has shown that excellence and global leadership are within reach in any field,” she said.

Al Marri added that the UAE’s commitment to women’s rights and gender equality through innovative laws and policies has improved its global competitiveness rankings.

She reaffirmed the Council's commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote gender balance in line with the UAE Government’s vision.