Women Entrepreneurship in the UAE: A Flourishing Ecosystem

Government Initiatives and Support

The UAE government has been instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to women entrepreneurs. Policies aimed at economic diversification and gender equality have paved the way for increased female participation in business.​

Notably, the UAE ranked first globally in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report of 2024, reflecting its robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. The report highlights the country’s ideal support for women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the availability of resources and social support mechanisms.

Additionally, businesswomen councils such as the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), Abu Dhabi Business Women Council, and Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) play pivotal roles in mentoring, networking, and providing resources to aspiring female entrepreneurs.

Statistical Insights

• Businesswomen constitute 18% of all entrepreneurs in the UAE, with a significant 77.6% of these women under the age of 40, indicating a youthful and dynamic entrepreneurial demographic.
• A Mastercard study revealed that 84% of women in the UAE are considering starting their own business, driven by motivations such as financial independence, flexibility, and social impact.
• Dubai SME reported a 12% increase in women-led businesses within a year, showcasing the rapid growth and enthusiasm among female entrepreneurs.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive trends, challenges persist. Access to funding remains a significant hurdle, with 67% of women citing it as a primary challenge. Additionally, a confidence gap exists, with women being three times more likely than men to cite lack of confidence as a barrier to starting a business.

To address these challenges, initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) aim to bridge the $1.7 trillion funding gap faced by women-led businesses globally.

Comparative Analysis: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar

Saudi Arabia: Transformative Reforms and Rising Participation

Saudi Arabia has embarked on significant reforms under its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify the economy and empower women. These efforts have yielded tangible results:​

• The total entrepreneurial activity rate for women reached 23%, compared to 27% for men, marking a substantial increase from previous years.
• The established business ownership rate among women rose to 14% in 2023, up from below 4% between 2016 and 2021.
• A significant 86% of Saudi women entrepreneurs benefit from strong personal and professional networks, facilitating knowledge sharing and support.

These developments underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.​

Egypt: Harnessing Youthful Ambition

Egypt’s entrepreneurial scene is characterized by a youthful and ambitious female population:​

• A Mastercard study found that 77% of women in Egypt have considered starting or running their own business, with this figure rising to 83% among Gen Z women.

While challenges such as access to funding and mentorship persist, the high level of interest indicates a fertile ground for initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.​

Qatar: Emerging Opportunities

Although specific statistics on women entrepreneurship in Qatar are limited, the nation has shown a commitment to empowering women through various initiatives:​

• The Qatar Business Women Association and other organizations provide platforms for networking, mentorship, and support for aspiring female entrepreneurs.​

Continued investment in such programs is essential to harness the potential of women entrepreneurs in Qatar.​

Conclusion: A Promising Horizon for Women Entrepreneurs

The UAE stands out as a regional leader in promoting women entrepreneurship, with comprehensive support systems, favorable policies, and a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Saudi Arabia’s transformative reforms have significantly increased female participation in business, while Egypt’s youthful population presents immense potential. Qatar, though in earlier stages, is laying the groundwork for a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.​

Collectively, these nations are making commendable strides towards gender inclusivity in entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth, and empowering women to realize their business aspirations.