The United Arab Emirates recently hosted a pivotal Gulf dialogue centered on “Policies Supporting the Economic Empowerment of Gulf Women,” organized by the UAE Gender Balance Council in collaboration with the World Bank. This event marked a significant step toward enhancing economic empowerment for women across the GCC nations, with participants reinforcing their commitment to implement innovative policies and legislative measures tailored to the evolving needs of the region. This discourse fostered collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing among stakeholders aimed at achieving this strategic goal.
Collaborative Workshop for Knowledge Exchange
The “Knowledge Exchange for GCC Countries” workshop, held under the auspices of the Emirates Gender Balance Council’s Center for Excellence and Knowledge Sharing, brought together key policymakers, experts, and officials from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, along with prominent World Bank experts. This workshop, taking place on June 17 and 18, 2025, in Dubai, served as a significant initiative to advance regional cooperation in gender balance, with an emphasis on expanding women’s participation in the workforce through impactful strategies.
Strategic Importance of Women’s Economic Empowerment
During the event, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized, “It is crucial to view women’s economic empowerment as a strategic goal in the national development journey. It enhances institutional efficiency, stimulates innovation, and ensures that communities achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable progress.” She highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and the exchange of expertise in elevating women’s roles.
Accelerating Sustainable Development Through Knowledge Sharing
H.E. Mona Ghanem Al Merri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, affirmed the positive impact of knowledge exchange on accelerating sustainable development. She stated, “Regional cooperation propels progress, and by uniting our efforts to enhance gender balance, we demonstrate our ability to create a substantial difference in this vital area, with women contributing effectively to building a prosperous future.”
Insights from Key Stakeholders
In her opening remarks, H.E. Moza Mohammed Al Guwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, underscored how this dialogue exemplifies the ways Gulf countries can leverage their unique experiences to build high-growth economies. She noted that this meeting not only reflects our joint commitment to gender balance but also emphasizes the appreciation of regional cooperation as a catalyst for progress and development.
Furthermore, Eva Hamel, the World Bank representative in the UAE and Bahrain, expressed pride in the partnership with the UAE Gender Balance Council. “Through the Center for Gender Balance Excellence and Knowledge Sharing, we welcomed government delegations from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain to exchange experiences in creating economic opportunities for women,” she remarked. This collaborative spirit embodies the potential to further enhance women’s economic inclusion in the region and beyond.
A Comprehensive Approach to Economic Opportunities
The workshop attracted a significant breadth of participation from key government entities in the involved countries, including representatives from various ministries focused on human resources, social development, and women’s empowerment. The first day concentrated on policy frameworks that enhance women’s access to job opportunities, addressing legal reforms and methodologies highlighted in the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” report.
The second day centered on sharing national experiences, with the UAE spotlighting its initiatives for gender balance in the public sector and equitable employment opportunities. Saudi Arabia showcased its advancements in female workforce participation and social security enhancements for women, while Bahrain presented its national strategies for skills development and women’s empowerment.
Concluding the dialogue, a session was dedicated to discussing next steps and future cooperation, presenting critical insights and opportunities crafted by the UAE Gender Balance Council alongside the World Bank. This ensures that this dialogue initiates a sustainable Gulf collaboration aimed at building an inclusive economy throughout the Gulf region, delivering broad economic and social benefits to its populations.