Businesswomen in Dubai Fueling Commercial Expansion and Innovation
In the vibrant city of Dubai, a significant shift is underway as more and more women are taking the reins of entrepreneurship, breaking barriers and making their mark in various industries. The UAE government, recognising the potential of women-led ventures, has launched a series of key initiatives aimed at fostering leadership, business growth, and gender balance in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In 2024, over 6,000 Emirati women were registered with Dubai SME, marking the highest number to date. This surge in female entrepreneurship is not confined to traditionally "female" industries; these ventures thrive in sectors once dominated by men, such as tech, finance, logistics, and even crypto.
Support networks like the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) and platforms like Female Fusion Network have played a pivotal role in this transformation. These organisations create safe, enriching spaces where women find support, strategy, growth, and strength. Through events, partnerships, and mentorship, they help women turn ideas into thriving ventures.
Many of these founders began their journeys when female leadership in their industries was rare. Huda Kattan and Mona Ataya, for instance, grew their companies organically before attracting major investment. Sara, a board member of the Sharjah Business Women Council and a sought-after public speaker, is another example of a woman who has made her mark in the business world.
Entrepreneurs like Sara Al Madani and Qadreya Al Awadhi have openly spoken about the personal costs of building something from the ground up while managing family expectations and responsibilities. Al Awadhi, for example, launched Bumblebee, a frozen baby food brand made from organic ingredients.
The government of Dubai and the broader UAE have launched several initiatives and funding supports aimed specifically at women entrepreneurs. The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), UAE Gender Balance Council, TiE Women MENA Programme, SheTrades MENA Hub & She’s Next by Visa, and legal reforms under UAE Vision 2031 are some of these initiatives. These programmes provide a combination of capital funding, mentorship, networking, legal protection, and leadership opportunities that actively empower women entrepreneurs in Dubai and the UAE at large.
Asma Hilal Lootah, who opened The Hundred Wellness Center in Jumeirah in 2008, the first fully integrated health and fitness center in Dubai run by a UAE national woman, is a testament to the success of these initiatives. Neha Mishra, an Indian expat, also made her mark by turning her underground ramen supper club into Kinoya, one of Dubai's most acclaimed restaurants.
Women now account for a rapidly growing portion of the startup ecosystem in Dubai. In 2024, women-led businesses saw a 12% year-on-year rise, with women entrepreneurs constituting about 10% of the private sector. Over 23,000 Emirati businesswomen run projects worth more than AED 50 billion, benefiting from sustained government and private sector support.
As Dubai's women entrepreneurs rise, they uplift others, creating a ripple effect that is transforming the business landscape in the city. The more women are empowered, the more they contribute to the economic growth and social development of Dubai and the UAE.
- The UAE government's initiatives have been instrumental in fostering women's leadership, business growth, and gender balance in Dubai's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- In 2024, over 6,000 Emirati women were registered with Dubai SME, marking a significant milestone in female entrepreneurship.
- These ventures are not limited to traditional female industries; they are thriving in sectors like tech, finance, logistics, and crypto.
- Support networks like the Dubai Business Women Council and platforms like Female Fusion Network have been crucial in helping women turn ideas into thriving ventures.
- Many female entrepreneurs started their journeys when female leadership in their industries was scarce, with Huda Kattan, Mona Ataya, and Sara being prime examples.
- Personal costs, such as managing family expectations and responsibilities, are often a part of building something from the ground up, as discussed by entrepreneurs like Sara Al Madani and Qadreya Al Awadhi.
- Dubai and the UAE have launched several initiatives and funding supports specifically for women entrepreneurs, such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Dubai Women Establishment, UAE Gender Balance Council, TiE Women MENA Programme, SheTrades MENA Hub & She’s Next by Visa, and legal reforms under UAE Vision 2031.
- Asma Hilal Lootah, who opened The Hundred Wellness Center in 2008, and Neha Mishra, who turned her underground ramen supper club into Kinoya, are testaments to the success of these initiatives.
- Women now account for a rapidly growing portion of the startup ecosystem in Dubai, with a 12% year-on-year rise in 2024 and women entrepreneurs constituting about 10% of the private sector.
- Over 23,000 Emirati businesswomen run projects worth more than AED 50 billion, demonstrating the impact of sustained government and private sector support.
- As Dubai's women entrepreneurs continue to rise, they are uplifting others, transforming the business landscape, and contributing significantly to the economic growth and social development of Dubai and the UAE.
