Women in Business in UAE: Driving Innovation and Economic Growth

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic diversification. Women in the UAE are increasingly embracing entrepreneurship. According to Mastercard’s latest research, nearly 84 per cent of women in the UAE are considering starting their own business.

Whether you are exploring business ideas for women in Dubai, UAE, or planning your startup journey, this article is for you! The blog talks in detail about the role of women in the economy. It also covers government support for women, emerging business sectors for women, and the opportunities and challenges faced by women in business in UAE.

Women’s Role in the UAE Economy: An Overview

One of the most significant transformations that the economy has witnessed is the increasing participation of women in business in UAE. It is evident in the latest Global Gender Gap Report 2025 by World Economic Forum, where the UAE ranked 69th globally, up from 74th last year. The country also recorded a 4.5 per cent increase in hiring women for leadership roles.

Besides, the UAE ranked 22nd out of 177 countries in the ‘Women, Peace, and Security WPS Index 2023’, demonstrating progress in women’s financial inclusion and participation in politics and the justice system.

Today, more and more women are stepping into the world of entrepreneurship in the country. From tech startups to fashion brands and wellness platforms, female entrepreneurs in UAE are creating a strong impact across industries. The strong government policies, robust infrastructure, numerous incubators and accelerators, and streamlined business setup in UAE is further motivating the women in business in UAE.

Women empowerment in UAE is given utmost importance. Both public and private sector initiatives encourage women in the UAE to take on leading roles in business, government, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

How Does the UAE Government Support Women in Business ?

The UAE government plays a key role in fostering an inclusive business environment that empowers women entrepreneurs in Dubai to lead, innovate, and enjoy long-term growth. Let us see the various government initiatives and reforms by the government that supports women in business in UAE:

UAE Gender Balance Council

This council is a federal entity that promotes equal opportunities and gender equality across both public and private sectors. It also reviews legislations, policies, and programmes to help reduce the gender gap and ensure fair representation of women in leadership roles.

Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC)

The entity focuses to educate and build awareness in the community towards acceptance of women in business in UAE. It offers tailored workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed specifically for female entrepreneurs in Dubai, UAE.

Abu Dhabi Business Women Council (ADBWC)

The ADBWC supports women through training programmes, access to funding, professional development, community engagement events, and international exposure. The council’s objective is to help women in business in UAE to build strong networks and scale globally.

UAE Free Zones

Numerous free zones such as DMCC, DAFZA, Masdar city, and RAKEZ, offer customised packages and streamlined processes for business setup in UAE free zones. These features make it easier for women entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

Government-backed Funding

The government is dedicated towards women empowerment in UAE through various initiatives, funding programmes, and partnerships with financial institutions. Some of the major government initiatives that drive innovation and lead to economic diversity include: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Sharjah Women Accelerators Network (SWAN), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and Dubai SME.

Dedicated Incubators and Workspaces

Many UAE free zones and private institutions offer modern co-working spaces and incubators exclusively for women. Also, innovation hubs and accelerators provide resources for women in technology and STEM fields.

If you are a woman entrepreneur looking to venture into the UAE market, you must go through our article, ‘What are the Top Reasons to Start a Business in UAE?’, to explore the reasons in detail.

Top Business Ideas for Women in Dubai, UAE

Women empowerment in UAE is given utmost importance. It is clearly reflected through the public and private sector initiatives that motivate women in the UAE to take on stronger roles in business, government, and STEM fields. Let us see what are the emerging sectors where women in business in UAE are driving economic growth:

Beauty and Wellness Services

The cosmopolitan residents of Dubai and tourists are focused on health, personal grooming, and well-being. Therefore, it is a great idea for women to open a chain of beauty salons or run high-end wellness centres in the UAE. Starting a salon, nail art studio, spa, massage centre, or skincare treatment centres are excellent avenues for investment.

Tech Startups

Doing business in Dubai as a woman in the technology sector is a profitable business idea. There are government-run accelerators and innovation hubs which actively support women-led tech ventures. Also, various government-backed funding programmes for women entrepreneurs mentioned above motivate women to invest in tech companies. Starting from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to app development and fintech solutions, women in UAE are pursuing it all.

E-commerce

E-commerce is another profitable sector in UAE, as getting an e-commerce license in Dubai is affordable and straightforward. Women are investing in this sector by opening online stores catering to home decor items, clothing and accessories, groceries, items for pets, beauty and wellness products, among others.

Event Management

With the Emirate hosting grand corporate events, concerts, grand weddings, trade shows, and social celebrations all around the year, women are running event management companies as well. With their strong organisational skills, starting an event management venture is a great investment opportunity for the women in business in UAE.

Education and Skill Development

With a strong emphasis on youth development and lifelong learning, education startups in UAE are in demand. Women entrepreneurs are building businesses that offer language training, coding classes, and personal development workshops.

Tips for Aspiring Women in Business in UAE

The simplified business setup process is a key enabler for women entrepreneurs in Dubai, UAE. In the future, we can expect an even greater number of women-led businesses, with deeper involvement in high-end technologies, sustainability, and cross-border trade. If you are considering doing business in Dubai as a woman, here are some practical steps to follow to be a part of this future:

• Identify a business idea that aligns with your skills and market demand.
• Do a thorough market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and industry regulations.
• Choose the right business jurisdiction, whether to set up business in the mainland, free zone, or offshore, after considering the benefits that each jurisdiction offer.
• Take the help of professional experts such as Commitbiz, for hassle-free business setup and registration.
• Connect with other women in business in UAE for mentoring and support.
• Stay compliant with the help of experts such as Commitbiz, who will help renew your license annually, maintain proper accounting and bookkeeping, and stay updated on legal changes.

Why Choose Commitbiz for Business Setup in the UAE?

The rise of women in business is clear testament to the nation’s superb economic policies, digital opportunities, world-class infrastructure, and a progressive mindset. With a streamlined Dubai free zone company formation process, easy access to e-commerce licenses, and dedicated initiatives for women empowerment, there has never been a better time to turn your ideas into reality.

Are you a woman looking to launch your business in the UAE? Partner with experienced consultants such as Commitbiz who specialise in business setup across all jurisdictions. From legal guidance to licensing and beyond, make your entrepreneurial journey hassle-free. Contact us today.