UAE Gender Balance Council Reviews National Progress for 2025

The UAE Gender Balance Council held its second meeting of 2025 at the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood headquarters to assess the country’s progress in gender equality. The meeting focused on reviewing national initiatives implemented by various federal entities to strengthen gender balance in all sectors. This aligns with the UAE’s leadership vision to make the country a global model for gender balance and inclusion.

The meeting also discussed upcoming projects following the Cabinet’s approval of the Council’s new membership structure. The new composition is designed to enhance collaboration among government bodies, ensuring that gender balance remains a key priority across all national strategies and policies.

Leadership Emphasizes Collective Effort

Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and President of the Dubai Women Establishment, emphasized that achieving gender balance requires unified action from all government institutions. She noted that coordination among federal and local entities is vital to achieve measurable progress and lasting change.

Sheikha Manal reaffirmed the Council’s ongoing commitment to developing forward-thinking policies that encourage equality and empower women in every field. “We remain dedicated to accelerating gender balance through forward-looking policies and impactful initiatives that transform our ambitions into measurable results,” she said.

Highlighting Collaborative Government Action

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, commended the efforts of all participating ministries and federal entities. She described their initiatives as an excellent model of government partnership and integration aimed at advancing the UAE’s vision to be among the most gender-balanced nations in the world.

She added that the reviewed initiatives reflect the UAE’s commitment to building a culture of equality and inclusiveness. These efforts are helping strengthen women’s role in the economy and ensuring that both men and women have equal opportunities in the workplace.

Promoting Equal Opportunities and Economic Inclusion

The meeting showcased several national programs that promote women’s participation in the economy and public life. The Ministry of Economy shared data on the growing contribution of women to national economic development, highlighting their increasing presence in entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation presented initiatives aimed at creating fair, flexible, and supportive work environments. These programs are designed to ensure that both genders can thrive equally while balancing work and family life. The Ministry also emphasized efforts to strengthen gender equality in employment regulations and workplace policies.

Supporting Families and Social Development

The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood highlighted its continued work to empower mothers and safeguard children’s rights. The Council presented its latest achievements in creating programs that support working mothers, promote early childhood education, and protect the well-being of children across the nation.

These programs are part of the UAE’s wider strategy to support families as the foundation of society. Empowering mothers and ensuring child protection are considered essential to achieving long-term gender balance and sustainable development.

Commitment to Sustainable Gender Progress

Mouza Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, affirmed that the meeting reflected strong inter-governmental commitment to gender equality. She emphasized that the Council will continue to intensify its efforts by aligning national initiatives with international best practices.

She stated that gender balance is not only a social goal but also a key element of sustainable economic growth. “These initiatives reinforce the UAE’s success in embedding gender balance as a cornerstone of sustainable growth,” Al Suwaidi said.

The meeting concluded with all members reaffirming their shared commitment to deepen collaboration between institutions and promote data-driven policymaking. They agreed to enhance monitoring mechanisms to ensure that gender equality goals are being achieved effectively.

The Council also highlighted the importance of measuring progress through concrete results that reflect real improvements in women’s representation, leadership participation, and workplace equality. Members agreed to continue fostering partnerships with regional and international organizations to share experiences and best practices.

Through these efforts, the UAE continues to demonstrate strong leadership in gender balance, setting an example for other nations seeking to build inclusive, fair, and sustainable societies. The 2025 meeting reaffirmed the country’s vision to make gender equality a key driver of national development and global competitiveness.