UAE sees strong rise in skilled women and leaders in private sector

The United Arab Emirates is reporting a steady rise in women’s participation in the private sector, with new statistics showing gains in skilled and leadership positions.

Data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization found that by the end of the third quarter of 2025, women were employed in 35.8% of private-sector establishments. Women held 45.4% of skilled jobs within the total female workforce, and 16.6% of female workers were in leadership roles, according to Gulf News.

The government says the increase reflects national efforts to build gender balance, promote women’s economic empowerment and ensure equal opportunities in every field. UAE law prohibits gender-based workplace discrimination and encourages stronger female participation across the labor market.

Equal pay is a key principle. The country’s labor law on employment relations requires that women receive the same wage as men for the same job or work of equal value. Officials say the law aims to guarantee full protection of women’s rights and support the UAE’s competitiveness in gender equality.

The law also removes earlier restrictions on women working night shifts or in physically demanding fields such as mining, construction, manufacturing, energy, agriculture and transportation. Employers are barred from firing or warning women because of pregnancy. Discrimination in hiring, promotion or among employees performing identical tasks is also banned.

As part of wider efforts to expand women’s economic empowerment, the ministry says working women now hold about 1.039 million jobs in eight key professions and sectors. More than 72,000 women are serving in managerial leadership roles, heading private companies, departments or associated projects.

Women’s participation in the private sector grew 20.95% in 2024 and the first half of 2025, while the number of companies employing women rose 27.54%.

Leadership roles for women increased 33.8% over the same period, particularly in legislative, managerial and business leadership positions. Skilled women accounted for 46.07% of the total female workforce.

Overall, women now represent 28.86% of the skilled workforce in the private sector. They make up 64.05% of healthcare roles and 16.61% of private-sector jobs in education.