Latest news with #UAEGenderBalanceCouncil
Dubai Eye
6 hours ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
GCC policy dialogue to promote women's leadership in workforce
A policy dialogue on women's economic empowerment concluded in Dubai, with GCC countries backing efforts for joint legal reforms, childcare investment and enhanced knowledge exchange across institutions. Led by the UAE Gender Balance Council and the World Bank, the workshop brought together leaders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to share strategies aimed at expanding women's participation in the workforce, particularly through support for childcare and maternity policies. The UAE emphasised its initiatives to enhance gender balance in the labour market, Saudi Arabia outlined advances in workforce participation and social insurance for women and Bahrain showcased national upskilling programs and empowerment strategies. A joint brief was presented to guide future cooperation, marking a key step toward building inclusive, opportunity-driven economies across the region. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said, 'Women's economic empowerment is not simply a policy objective, it is a force for transformation. It strengthens institutions, drives innovation and ensures that progress is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable." Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted that "regional collaboration drives progress". "By uniting to promote gender balance, we amplify our collective impact and ensure that every woman in the GCC has the chance to contribute to shaping a more inclusive future," she added. Since its establishment in 2015, the Council has led policies, legal reforms and partnerships aimed at embedding gender balance across national institutions and economic systems.
Hi Dubai
17 hours ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Gender Balance Council Leads GCC Push to Advance Women's Economic Empowerment
A high-level regional dialogue led by the UAE Gender Balance Council and the World Bank concluded in Dubai this week, with GCC countries reaffirming their shared commitment to accelerating women's economic empowerment through policy reform, legal innovation, and institutional collaboration. The two-day GCC Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Women's Economic Empowerment gathered top policymakers and gender equality advocates from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Held under the UAE Gender Balance Centre for Excellence & Knowledge Exchange, the workshop provided a platform to share reform experiences and strengthen cross-border cooperation on inclusive economic development. H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, described women's empowerment as 'a force for transformation,' and emphasised the UAE's vision for regional collaboration to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth. Supported by the World Bank, the forum highlighted initiatives such as investments in childcare and maternity support, recent legal reforms, and country-specific strategies to boost female workforce participation. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain showcased progress in gender-responsive policymaking, skills development, and labour market inclusion. Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, called the event 'a powerful example of shared leadership,' underscoring the importance of uniting efforts to close economic gender gaps across the region. The workshop concluded with a joint brief outlining key insights and future cooperation plans. Organisers say the momentum will continue through a growing regional network aimed at building inclusive economies driven by equal opportunity. News Source: Emirates News Agency
TAG 91.1
17 hours ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE hosts GCC policy dialogue to advance women's economic empowerment
A dialogue on women's economic empowerment concluded in Dubai, with GCC countries backing efforts for joint legal reforms, childcare investment and knowledge exchange across institutions. Led by the UAE Gender Balance Council and the World Bank, the workshop brought together leaders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to share policies and strategies that expand women's participation in the workforce. A joint brief was presented to guide future cooperation, marking a key step toward building inclusive, opportunity-driven economies across the region. Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of the Dubai Women Establishment and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said, 'Women's economic empowerment is not simply a policy objective, it is a force for transformation. It strengthens institutions, drives innovation, and ensures that progress is inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.' Since its establishment in 2015, the Council has led policies, legal reforms and partnerships aimed at embedding gender balance across national institutions and economic systems.
Al Etihad
12-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Gender Balance Council showcases national achievements at G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group Meeting in South Africa
12 May 2025 23:00 DUBAI (WAM)The UAE, represented by the UAE Gender Balance Council, participated in the second technical meeting of the G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group, held in South Africa on 8–9 May under the country's G20 UAE delegation included Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and delegation highlighted key national initiatives aimed at advancing gender balance and promoting women's empowerment across Council's presentation focused on the UAE's success in three key areas: eliminating gender-based violence, strengthening the care economy, and expanding financial inclusion. The delegation also highlighted national strategies to increase women's representation in leadership Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, underscored the UAE's steadfast contributions to G20 discussions and the close alignment between the Working Group's priorities and the nation's women's empowerment emphasised that empowering women across sectors is a national objective, achieved through progressive legislation, institutional support, capacity-building programmes and ambitious targets. These measures have driven notable gains in women's leadership within government, business, technology and the green also highlighted the value of international collaboration through platforms such as the G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group. Guided by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Council remains committed to sharing its achievements and adopting global best practices.'We are proud to share our success stories in care economy development, financial inclusion and women's leadership, while drawing on insights from global partners to build more equitable, prosperous societies,' she at the meeting, Mouza Al Suwaidi highlighted the UAE's efforts to advance women in leadership roles across all sectors. Backed by national policies and the strong support of the country's leadership, these initiatives have significantly increased women's representation in decision-making women hold 50 percent of the seats in the Federal National Council and around one-third of cabinet positions. Their presence has also grown across the judiciary, diplomatic corps, and senior executive roles in both the public and private sectors. The implementation of the Equal Pay for Equal Work Law in 2018 has further strengthened the foundation for more women to move into top leadership Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to financial inclusion, underscoring the constitutional guarantees and Central Bank policies that ensure women have equal access to financial services.'The UAE remains committed to advancing women's financial autonomy and participation in economic life,' Al Suwaidi said. 'Our Constitution and laws guarantee equal rights for women to own property, access credit, and participate in commercial activities.'She also highlighted the country's expanding care economy, supported by comprehensive laws and policies such as maternity and parental leave, remote work options, and the provision of on-site nurseries in government workplaces. In 2024, the UAE launched the Ministry of Family Affairs to further strengthen family stability, reinforcing the family's role as a cornerstone of both society and the addition, she outlined the UAE's multi-layered approach to addressing gender-based violence, which includes robust legislation and protective frameworks to safeguard women's safety and her remarks, Al Suwaidi said, 'We value the platform the G20 provides to share knowledge, shape global dialogue, and drive collective action toward gender equality. The UAE looks forward to continuing this important partnership—with all of you—as we work toward a future where our daughters and sons enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal safety.' On the sidelines of the meeting, Mouza Al Suwaidi held discussions with several high-level officials to explore partnerships and exchange expertise in gender balance policy. Her engagements included meetings with Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in South Africa; Dr. Maimoona Al Khalil, Secretary-General of Saudi Arabia's Family Affairs Council; Anil Malik, Secretary at India's Ministry of Women and Child Development; Reinaldo Luther Yusak Lolong, Head of the Indonesian delegation; Leow Sui Lin, Director at Singapore's Ministry of Social and Family Development; and Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi).
Hi Dubai
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Mohammed bin Rashid Approves National Strategy for Islamic Finance and Tourism Growth Targets
The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, has approved the UAE Strategy for Islamic Finance and Halal Industry, alongside key initiatives targeting economic growth, biosafety, tourism, and SME development. The strategy aims to position the UAE as a global leader in Islamic finance by growing Islamic bank assets to AED2.56 trillion and increasing sukuk listings to AED660 billion by 2031. A committee led by the Central Bank governor will oversee its implementation. The Cabinet also reviewed strong results from the tourism sector. In 2023, the industry contributed AED220 billion to the national economy and supported over 800,000 jobs. Hotel guest numbers rose 9.5 percent to 30 million, and the sector's 2024 contribution is projected to reach AED236 billion. Plans are in place to raise this to AED450 billion within six years. An updated National Biosafety Framework was approved to strengthen the UAE's capabilities in biological risk management, research, and emergency response. The Cabinet also reviewed biofuel initiatives supporting the country's sustainability goals. Further discussions covered the growth of the SME sector, which saw a 160 percent increase in business licenses. The UAE ranked first globally in the 2024–2025 International Business Leadership Observatory and maintained strong positions in other international competitiveness rankings. Other approvals included restructuring the UAE Gender Balance Council and the UAE Council for Environmental and Municipal Work, new performance frameworks for federal employees, legislative updates across sectors, and ratification of international agreements focused on trade, investment, and cooperation. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to economic diversification, innovation, and sustainable development through a series of forward-looking strategies and reforms. News Source: Emirates News Agency
