The Emirates Gender Balance Council has launched the “National Gender Balance Survey” as part of its strategy development for gender balance in the UAE from 2027 to 2031. This initiative aims to enhance community participation and expand the database and insights that will inform the prioritisation of upcoming goals in this vital area.
Strengthening Development through Human Investment
The new strategy represents a continuation of the UAE’s commitment to placing the human element at the core of its development agenda. By investing in human capabilities, the UAE seeks to develop policies, legislation, and initiatives that support equal opportunities, all while preparing for the rapid economic, social, and technological transformations that impact the future of societies, labour markets, and the global economy.
Leadership Vision and Future Aspirations
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Emirates Gender Balance Council, affirmed that under the wise leadership of the UAE, the nation continues to refine its developmental model. This model aims to invest in individuals and broaden opportunities for them to contribute to shaping the future. She highlighted that the UAE’s achievements in gender balance lay a significant foundation for embarking on more ambitious objectives in the following phases.
Sheikha Manal stated, “We want the UAE’s strategy for gender balance from 2027 to 2031 to reflect the nation’s ambitions for the next phase, to align with rapid global transformations, and to open new horizons for capabilities and talents to engage in development and opportunity creation, enhancing competitiveness and reaffirming the UAE’s leadership among the world’s best for gender balance.”
A Proactive Approach to Future Changes
Deputy Chairwoman of the Emirates Gender Balance Council, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, emphasised that the development of the new strategy adopts a forward-looking approach that transcends merely assessing the current reality to anticipate changes that will affect individual lives and opportunities in the coming years. This includes shifts in the labour market, the new economy, artificial intelligence, future skills, as well as social changes and quality of life aspects.
She expressed, “The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and so too are the nature of work, skills, opportunities, and responsibilities. Therefore, the leading question shaping the future strategy is not just: Where do we stand today? But rather, how do we prepare for the changes that will reshape the coming years? And how do we turn these into opportunities that enhance the participation of all community members in the economy and development?”
Data-Driven Strategy Development
The strategy for 2027-2031 is built on a comprehensive methodology that integrates data analysis, dialogues with stakeholders, institutional and sectoral experiences, and community engagement. This approach ensures that priorities are grounded in a holistic understanding of the current landscape and a precise reading of forthcoming changes, while simultaneously respecting the nation’s identity, uniqueness, and national priorities.
The Role of the National Gender Balance Survey
Within this framework, the “National Gender Balance Survey” serves as a cornerstone in the strategy development process, broadening the scope of consultation to include members of society from various demographics and life stages. This expansion aims to enrich the database and insights with direct perspectives on experiences, needs, and aspirations.
Secretary-General of the Emirates Gender Balance Council, Moza Mohammed Al Ghais Al Suwaidi, noted that while data and indicators provide an important aspect of the broader picture, listening to individual experiences adds a dimension that is equally significant. Through the national survey, the council seeks to widen the spectrum of insights and capture diverse experiences from various community groups across the Emirates.
Comprehensive Focus Areas
Al Suwaidi further stated, “The results of the survey will not be evaluated in isolation from the other phases of strategy development. Instead, they will complement the gathered and analysed data, consultations, and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of opportunities and challenges, and identifying priorities that require focus in the upcoming phase.”
The survey will cover several areas related to individuals’ daily experiences and future transformations, including economic participation, professional development, financial security, social care, quality of life, as well as future skills and the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on opportunities and career pathways.
Wider Community Engagement
The survey aims to engage both citizens and residents, men and women, across various age groups, sectors, and professional stages throughout the UAE, thus supporting participant diversity and allowing for a broader interpretation of experiences and opinions.
Taking less than 10 minutes to complete, the survey is available in both Arabic and English and can be accessed through the following link:
https://sapience.survey-research.net/GBC-Insta?lang=ar
Building on Accomplishments for a Sustainable Future
The UAE continues to build upon its achievements in gender balance while looking ahead to new avenues that will foster significant qualitative leaps in the future. This effort is aimed at enhancing the nation’s competitiveness, improving quality of life, and sustaining its developmental path.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed:
• The UAE’s achievements in gender balance represent a crucial foundation for launching towards greater ambitions.