In recent years, the UAE has seen a notable increase in the number of women occupying high-profile roles as well as spearheading new companies. This trend marks a genuine shift in a region traditionally characterised by male dominance in business and leadership. The numbers back this up. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report places the UAE as a regional leader in boosting female leadership, while the WPS Index in 2023 ranked the UAE 22nd among 170 countries when it comes to women’s leadership in financial inclusion, political participation and justice.
So things are moving in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go globally – because let’s be clear, ensuring women are properly represented in leadership roles is not a UAE or even a GCC challenge alone. The global stats are concerning: In FTSE 100 companies we find that only 9% of CEOs are women, while all-female startup teams received only a very small percentage of the total venture capital in 2023 (well below 2% in most Western European countries). Yet, studies have shown that businesses with the highest percentage of female leadership outperform those with the lowest by a staggering 66%.
In this article, I want to highlight the situation in the UAE, where it is now and how we can take it forward in the future, and I’ll argue that the business case for female leadership is so conclusive that all companies need to look at their own level of female representation in leadership roles if they really want to ensure they’re equipped for the future.
So let’s get started with how we might define female leadership.
What is unique about female leadership?
A common misconception is that everyone, regardless of gender, needs to lead in the same way. It has even sometimes been said that for a woman to be successful she needed to mirror male traits. The truth is more complex, with powerful women blending both female and male traits to forge their own path across every industry and the public sector.
Some of the key traits of female leadership include:
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership: One of the hallmarks of a female leadership style is a focus on collaboration and inclusivity. Female leaders are known for fostering teamwork and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. In fact, when women are in senior positions, the company in question is more likely to have a stronger overall DE&I approach. This not only enhances workplace harmony but also drives innovation by integrating a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
- Emotional intelligence and empathy: Another key aspect of this leadership model is the emphasis on emotional intelligence and empathy. Female leaders excel in understanding and managing their own emotions, as well as those of others. This skill is invaluable in navigating the complex interpersonal dynamics of modern workplaces and ensuring employees are both loyal and motivated.
- Balancing tradition and modernity: One specific quality that we see in the UAE is how female leaders can navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, respecting cultural norms while advocating for progressive changes.
UAE women at the forefront – homegrown talent
The UAE is brimming with remarkable individuals who have achieved success in their respective fields. Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi stands out as a prominent figure in the art world as President of the Sharjah Art Foundation and the Chairperson of the Sharjah Biennial. Her visionary leadership has significantly contributed to the cultural landscape of Sharjah, elevating it to an international arts hub. Equally impressive is Khulood Al Dhaheri, who has made significant strides in the judicial system by becoming the UAE’s first female judge, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in law and governance. In entertainment, Nayla Al Khaja has carved a niche for herself as a pioneering film director, with a unique cinematic vision that has garnered critical acclaim around the world. On a different front, Major Mariam Al Mansouri has broken barriers to become a fighter pilot, her dedication and bravery serving as a powerful example of the progress being made towards gender equality in the UAE’s armed forces.
UAE women at the forefront – expat talent
The UAE has also become a hub for accomplished expat professionals who have achieved remarkable success in their respective industries. Rafiah Ibrahim, a UAE expat from Malaysia, ascended to the prestigious position of President of Market Area Middle East & Africa at Ericsson, her leadership and vision instrumental in driving the company’s growth and innovation across a very diverse region. Celine Bremaud, an expat from France, has made significant strides as the Vice President for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, her expertise and innovative approach crucial in advancing the tech giant’s influence in the region. Cynthia Corby, hailing from the UK, has established herself as a major figure in the finance sector as a Partner at Deloitte in the UAE, her contribution pivotal in Deloitte’s success and reputation in the region. From India, Shrimati Damal has made her mark as the CFO of UAE retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim, her financial acumen and strategic foresight helped steer the company towards sustained growth and profitability.
These examples – both Emirati and expat – demonstrate how far the UAE has come. But as I’ll discuss next, it’s also important to ensure the structures are in place for future generations of female leaders to come to the fore and to flourish.
Empowering the next generation
The rise of female leaders in the UAE is something that needs to be carefully nurtured. The number of programs and initiatives aimed at empowering young women are growing, including the Dubai Women Establishment, the UAE Gender Balance Council, and many more.
These and other initiatives are vital in providing visible examples of successful women in leadership positions so that aspiring female leaders can envision themselves in similar roles. There also needs to be more work done around women accessing funding, networking, and support, all of which are crucial for career advancement. Unconscious and conscious biases also need to be addressed as they can result in women being overlooked for promotions and leadership roles despite their qualifications and capabilities. Finally, providing assistance in integrating the responsibilities of caring for the family with the pressures of work can help women pursue and sustain leadership positions.
The HerVoice Collective initiative
HerVoice Collective provides a sanctuary for women aspiring to lead, not in the conventional manner defined by hustle and masculine traits, but by tuning into their own voices – their innermost thoughts and the confidence that emanates from embracing their values. This ethos is further reinforced by practical strategies drawn from real-world wisdom, aimed at amplifying their narratives and messages. Trade License Zone forms the foundation of this venture, creating a nurturing environment for ambitious women. Here, honesty and ambition are celebrated, while prioritising the pursuit of dreams, purpose and self-care, all within a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
A woman’s power is in her energy, her intuition, her ability to awaken those around her just by her mere presence, as well as her ability to observe, listen and articulate. It’s through this she can become a true change maker. HerVoice is the community for this transition – to nurture the future or female leadership.
Conclusion
McKinsey reported that the number of women in the C-suite increased from 17% to 28% between 2015 and 2023. It’s an exciting improvement and a reminder of just how far we still have to go. While the empowerment of female leaders in the UAE is a testament to the nation’s commitment to gender equality and economic progress, it takes all of us to build and then ensure the stage is set for future generations of female leaders. By embracing collaboration, empathy and cultural balance, female leaders in the UAE can continue to carve out a new path – one that is better for business and society at large.