Women in the United Arab Emirates are shaping new markets, founding high-growth companies, and transforming the business landscape. Once a rarity, female entrepreneurs in the UAE now account for 18% of all entrepreneurs, with most under the age of 40. This shift is more than symbolic. It reflects decades of investment in education, forward-looking policies, and a business environment designed to empower women.
We examine the emergence of female entrepreneurs in the UAE — their journey, accomplishments, challenges, and what lies ahead. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, policymaker, or global investor, here’s a comprehensive look at how women are reshaping the UAE’s economy.
The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs in the UAE
How Women in the UAE Moved from Family Businesses to Global Startups
When the UAE was founded in 1971, few women were active in business beyond family-run enterprises. That began to change in the 1990s and early 2000s as higher education levels increased and leaders championed the inclusion of women and female entrepreneurs.
Institutions such as the Dubai Business Women Council (founded in 2002) created platforms for women to learn, network, and launch businesses. Today, Emirati and expatriate women alike are moving beyond traditional roles to run companies ranging from retail startups to global tech firms.
Education, Policy Changes and Culture Shifts: Bringing More Women into Business
Women now make up a majority of university graduates in the UAE. Coupled with reforms guaranteeing equal rights in property ownership, contracting, and credit access, this has enabled them to participate fully in the economy.
Culturally, the visibility of successful Emirati women — from CEOs to ministers — has shifted public attitudes. Female entrepreneurship is no longer unusual but a vital part of the UAE’s growth story.
Statistics Defining Women-Led Businesses in the UAE
Workforce Participation and Business Ownership Among Emirati and Expat Women
Women today represent 34.6% of the UAE workforce and own around 10% of private companies. Emirati women, in particular, have become highly active, registering over 2,000 new businesses in the first half of 2024 alone, accounting for 22% of all new licences.
Industries Where Female Entrepreneurs Are Making the Biggest Impact
Female-led companies are expanding beyond retail and F&B into:
- Fintech – launching AI-driven financial apps.
- Healthtech and VR healthcare – with investments exceeding 200 million.
- Sustainability and industrial services – including women-owned contracting firms.
Why So Many Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE Are Under 40
According to the Emirates Businesswomen Council, 77% of women-owned firms are run by women under the age of 40. This younger demographic reflects a generation that grew up with role models, digital tools, and strong encouragement to pursue entrepreneurship.
Government Policies and National Strategies That Support Women
How Equal Rights and Workplace Laws Strengthen Female Founders
The UAE’s Constitution guarantees equal rights for men and women. Laws passed in the last decade introduced equal pay, anti-discrimination protections, and mandatory female representation on corporate boards, providing women with a stronger foothold in the business landscape.
What the National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women Means for Business
The updated National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women (2023–2031) sets measurable targets for women’s participation in business and leadership. It coordinates ministries to align resources — from SME support to family-friendly policies — with the advancement of women.
Funds and SME Programmes Helping Women Launch Companies
Flagship programmes such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development provide loans, mentorship, and training to aspiring founders. In Sharjah, the Badiri Academy offers free online courses to build entrepreneurial skills, while Dubai SME runs incubators accessible to both Emirati and expatriate women.
Funding and Finance for Women-Owned Startups
The Investment Barriers Women Still Face in the UAE
Globally, women-led startups attract less than 2% of venture capital. In the MENA region, the figure is closer to 1.2%. UAE women face similar hurdles, from investor bias to the limited number of female partners in VC firms.
Loans, Grants and Accelerators That Back Female Entrepreneurs
Despite challenges, opportunities are growing:
- Khalifa Fund – low-interest loans for Emirati women.
- Visa’s “She’s Next” Grant – $10,000–$50,000 awards for UAE-based female entrepreneurs.
- Womena and WAIN – angel networks investing in women-led startups.
- Corporate accelerators – such as DIFC’s fintech programme for women founders.
Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Who Secured Major Funding
- Mumzworld, founded by Mona Ataya, raised over $50 million before its acquisition.
- BitOasis, co-founded by Ola Doudin, became a leading crypto exchange with regional backing.
These examples demonstrate that women can attract substantial capital when the right ecosystems align.
Networks, Mentorship and Business Councils for Women
Business Councils and Organisations Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
- Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) – training, events, and mentorship.
- Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council – exhibitions and advisory programmes.
- Emirates Business Women Council – a federal umbrella coordinating across the Emirates.
Global and Regional Platforms That Connect Female Founders to Investors
Events such as the Global Women’s Forum Dubai and the Women Investors Forum bring international exposure and networking opportunities.
Mentorship Programmes That Help Women Gain Confidence and Skills
Confidence remains a barrier — women in the UAE are three times more likely than men to cite it as an obstacle. Mentorship schemes pair new entrepreneurs with seasoned founders to close that gap.
Cultural and Social Shifts Supporting Women in Business
Changing Perceptions of Women Leaders in the UAE
Today, women head major banks, run family conglomerates, and lead ministries. This visibility normalises female leadership and inspires wider acceptance of women entrepreneurs.
Balancing Family Responsibilities with Running a Business
Family support and domestic help enable many women to balance their work and home life. Entrepreneurship also offers flexibility, making it an attractive option for mothers who want to manage their own schedules.
Role Models Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Figures such as Raja Al Gurg, Mona Ataya, and Huda Kattan are celebrated in media and business circles, offering proof that success is achievable for women in the UAE.
How Technology Helps Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE
E-Commerce and Digital Tools Opening New Opportunities for Women
With near-universal internet access, women have leveraged e-commerce and social media to start businesses at low cost and scale quickly.
Female-Led Startups Driving Innovation in Fintech, Healthtech and Sustainability
Emirati women are launching ventures in AI consulting, VR healthcare, and sustainable packaging, demonstrating that innovation is not bound by gender.
Government Digital Services That Make Business Setup Easier for Women
From online licensing to digital visas, government e-services reduce bureaucracy and provide equal access to women and men alike.
UAE Compared with Global Trends in Female Entrepreneurship
How Female Participation in the UAE Compares to Other Regions
Globally, women own one in three businesses. The UAE’s 18% may seem modest, but entrepreneurial intent among Emirati women is nearly equal to that of men — 84% of women reported considering starting a business.
The UAE Versus Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Other MENA Markets
The UAE leads the region in terms of more mature networks and robust support structures. While Saudi Arabia has accelerated reforms, the UAE continues to host the highest number of women on Forbes Middle East’s “Most Powerful Businesswomen” list.
Strengths and Limits of the UAE’s Government-Led Support Model
A key strength is consistency — from funding to legal reforms, the UAE provides visible backing. The trade-off is that private sector VC still lags in supporting female founders, requiring more diversity in investment decision-making.
Challenges That Still Hold Women Entrepreneurs Back
The Funding Gap and Investor Bias Facing Female Founders
Access to capital remains the number one challenge. Despite more programmes, women still raise disproportionately less private investment than men.
Why Women Remain Under-Represented in High-Growth Tech Sectors
Many women gravitate toward consumer-facing industries. While successful, they are less represented in AI, advanced manufacturing, or deep tech — the very sectors driving the UAE’s future economy.
Where Mentorship, Data and Support Programmes Still Need to Improve
More research is needed on the survival and growth rates of women-led firms. Data gaps make it harder to tailor policies effectively.
How Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs Can Start a Business in the UAE
Steps Women Can Take to Register a Business and Get Licensed
- Choose a legal structure (mainland or free zone).
- Apply for a trade licence.
- Secure visas for yourself and employees.
- Open a business bank account.
Free zones such as DUQE Free Zone offer streamlined packages that handle licensing, visas, and workspace in one place — an efficient choice for women balancing multiple responsibilities.
Funding and Grants Women Should Apply for in 2025
Women can explore the Khalifa Fund, Visa’s She’s Next, and accelerator-linked grants. Staying updated on calls for applications ensures access to timely opportunities.
Networks and Accelerators That Women Can Join Right Now
- DBWC and Female Fusion (community networks).
- Hub71 and Sheraa (incubators with female-friendly policies).
- International programmes such as the Cartier Women’s Initiative.
Success Stories of Female Entrepreneurs in the UAE
How Mona Ataya Built Mumzworld into a Regional Leader
Mona Ataya, a Palestinian-Lebanese entrepreneur based in Dubai, spotted a gap in the Middle East’s online retail space: parents lacked a reliable, centralised platform for mother and child products. In 2011, she launched Mumzworld, starting with just a small warehouse and a handful of employees.
Her approach combined customer focus and scale: building a catalogue of over 250,000 products, winning consumer trust with transparency, and expanding regionally by leveraging Dubai’s logistics infrastructure. Over the next decade, Mumzworld raised more than $50 million in investment and was acquired in 2021 by Saudi conglomerate Tamer Group.
How Huda Kattan Turned Dubai into a Global Beauty Brand
Huda Kattan, an Iraqi-American makeup artist who moved to Dubai in 2008, began her journey as a beauty blogger. In 2013, she and her sisters launched Huda Beauty, beginning with a line of false eyelashes available at Sephora in the Dubai Mall.
Her brand skyrocketed through digital-first marketing and the advantage of Dubai’s retail ecosystem, allowing her to test products with a diverse consumer base. By 2018, Huda Beauty was valued at over $1 billion, making Kattan one of the most influential women in the global beauty industry. Today, her company sells in more than 50 countries.
How Raja Al Gurg Became a Pioneer for Emirati Women in Business
Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, helped expand the conglomerate into over 25 markets. She became the first Emirati woman appointed to the board of HSBC Bank Middle East, and through her role as chair of the Dubai Business Women’s Council, has championed mentorship and training for Emirati women.
Her influence demonstrates how UAE family businesses have adopted female leadership and how women can impact both national policy and global perceptions.
Rising Innovators in AI, VR Healthcare and Fintech
Beyond headline names, a new generation of women entrepreneurs is pioneering advancements in fields such as AI-powered consulting platforms for SMEs, VR healthcare startups with 200 million in investment, and fintech solutions designed to close gaps in financial inclusion. Most of these leaders are under 40, signalling the future strength of the UAE’s innovation economy.
What Lies Ahead for Female Entrepreneurs in the UAE
Growth Opportunities for Women in AI, Sustainability and New Industries
Sectors such as clean energy, biotech, and AI offer fertile ground for the next wave of women-led ventures.
Policy Moves That Could Close the Funding Gap for Female Founders
Encouraging more women in VC, co-investment funds, and procurement targets for women-owned firms could accelerate progress.
The Role of Young Women in Shaping the Next Decade of Business
With most women entrepreneurs under 40, their collective ambition could redefine the UAE’s startup landscape in the next decade.
Female Entrepreneurs Driving the UAE’s Economic Diversification
Women are no longer a minority voice in the UAE’s economy. They are leaders in tech, pioneers in e-commerce, and anchors of family businesses scaling regionally. Their contributions align directly with the UAE’s vision of a diversified, knowledge-driven economy.
For aspiring women founders — local or international — Dubai offers one of the world’s most supportive ecosystems. From licensing and visas to mentorship and funding, the pathways are in place.
If you’re ready to start your entrepreneurial journey, DUQE Free Zone makes it simple to launch and grow your business in Dubai. Contact us today.