Emirati Women take leading roles in health care and education

Emirati women are taking on increasingly influential roles across the UAE’s private sector, especially in healthcare, education, and the creative industries, as highlighted at the first Emirati Women’s Forum in Dubai, held in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day.

Shayma Yousef Alawadhi from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation revealed that Emiratis now occupy 152,000 private sector jobs, up from 100,000 in May 2024 — with over 70% of those positions held by women. In healthcare and education, female representation exceeds 90%.

This progress reflects the UAE’s broader push to integrate Emiratis into the private sector, spearheaded by the Nafis programme. Launched in 2021, it aims for 10% Emirati representation in private sector roles by 2026.

In the cultural sphere, women are also leading the way. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, noted that women make up 78% of the arts-related workforce and 60% of the authority’s staff. Female leadership is evident in initiatives like the Sikka Art and Design Festival, where the majority of emerging artists are women.

“More women are embracing creative careers and proudly identifying as artists and cultural entrepreneurs,” said Badri. “Perceptions are shifting, and creativity is now a respected profession.”

Nationwide, Emirati women hold half the seats in the Federal National Council, comprise 28% of ministerial positions, and represent half of the UAE’s space sector workforce. The country ranks 13th globally – and first in the Arab world – in the UNDP Gender Equality Index.

At the forum, Minister of Family Sana bint Mohammed Suhail emphasized that women’s empowerment remains central to government efforts, with initiatives promoting family-friendly workplaces, childcare, and equal opportunities in education and employment.

The event also marked the launch of Mother of the Nation Vision 50:50, a long-term strategy extending to 2075. Aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 goals, it aims to cement the UAE’s global leadership in gender equality, particularly in sectors such as AI, energy, climate, and diplomacy.

President Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed this vision, stating, “The progress of the UAE has always been closely tied to the achievements of Emirati women and their pivotal role in our nation’s development.”