Why Dubai is becoming a top destination for ambitious women and entrepreneurs

Did you know that women now make up 37% of the world’s entrepreneurs? Another fact that shows the glass ceiling breaking is that startup activity has gone up for women. The GEM Global Entrepreneurship Monitor has already reported an increase to 10.4% throughout 30 GEM-participating nations, and established business ownership rates have gone up to 5.9%, as per the World Bank.

Even more interestingly, Dubai has become one of the foremost destinations for women entrepreneurs and ambitious female professionals in recent years. It offers exciting opportunities across fast-growing business sectors and a massive global market to leverage, and stands out for its stringent laws and higher safety standards.

It’s also one of the world’s biggest luxury markets in terms of accommodation, lifestyles, amenities, shopping, dining, and plenty more. So, all in all, the Emirate is the playground of choice for women who dare to dream big and carve their paths.

A city that welcomes female entrepreneurs

Dubai is rolling out the red carpet for female entrepreneurs through a series of path-breaking reforms and Government initiatives. Some of them include the following:

The UAE has introduced Equal Pay for Equal Work through a law in 2020, ensuring that women get the same compensation for their work as their male counterparts.
Paid parental leave has also been introduced in the private sector around 2019-20, a first for the MENA region.
Reforms have transformed the country’s Personal Status Law, enabling women to choose where to travel and live independently.
The free zones in the UAE offer 100% ownership and tax exemptions, along with an easier process, making it easier for women to start and grow their businesses.
Government programs like Enmaa and Forsa offer mentorship and financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, while the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) helps with networking, industry insights, and workshops.
Back in 2021, the UAE mandated at least one woman on the board of directors for listed companies, while the UAE Gender Balance Council is targeting to place women in 30% of all private sector leadership positions by 2025.
1000 Female Leaders is another unique initiative that aims to give women more opportunities and training in their chosen roles.
SheTrades MENA Hub is another initiative linking women entrepreneurs to global markets and resources.

Here’s a look at some other interesting developments that testify to the UAE’s growing status as a women-friendly destination for startups and entrepreneurship.

The UAE is witnessing rapid growth in female entrepreneurs, with 77.6% of women-owned businesses in the country being led by those under the age of 40.
At the same time, 25,000 Emirati women entrepreneurs had 50,000 trade licenses as of 2021.
#SheLeads Accelerator Program is offered by the DBWC and Creative Zone, providing entrepreneurial and educational support.

What’s the big takeaway? It’s clear that a major contribution to the UAE’s GDP is being driven by young women leaders, supported by government initiatives and a diversifying economy.

The legal and lifestyle perks for women

The UAE has updated its laws to ensure more inclusivity, particularly for expats. Take the new Federal Decree- Law No. 41 of 2024, which was implemented this April. It has ushered in several changes on marriage, divorce (no-fault mechanism for non-Muslims), parental rights and custody, and more.

The effect of these updated laws equates to higher autonomy for women and freedom of movement, along with the removal of mandatory guardian approval for marriage, particularly for expats. There’s also a stronger focus on equality between men and women in inheritance, compensation, and divorce, while ensuring the greater well-being of children.

Visa benefits

Another calling card is the UAE’s multiple long-term residency options, like the remote working visas and the Golden Visa. The latter is a long-term program for skilled investors, professionals, and other high-value people who can get residency for up to 10 years with renewal options, and that too without a sponsor.

Virtual work visas are also available for those working for an entity outside the country. They can stay for up to one year remotely and explore the UAE conveniently. Other options include Green visas for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals, and Retirement Visas for those who are 55 years of age and older.

Security and infrastructure

One of the biggest reasons to live in the UAE for women is the huge focus on security and policing. The legal system is robust and punishes harassment severely, while the police presence is strong throughout public zones.

The UAE has negligible crime rates and strong law enforcement, which enables a secure environment for women to move around freely during the day and even at night. Infrastructure-wise, the UAE has well-maintained public zones, transportation, disciplined traffic culture, and a respectful environment for women.

Networking and community support

You can’t go wrong as a female entrepreneur in the UAE, with abundant networking and community support available for everyone. You’ll discover multiple networking groups and communities led by women and tailored to their unique needs.

Co-working spaces like The Bureau offer flexible working zones and wellness areas along with community events for female entrepreneurs. Astrolabs offers flexi-workspaces and community events, while the NOOK DXB and Nasab Dubai also offer several benefits for women entrepreneurs.

Other events and initiatives worth noting include Women in Tech with its local chapters, Women Who Thrive with its networking and support functions, and the Ellevate Network of female entrepreneurs and leaders who attend programs, events, and other sessions regularly.

There’s also International Afterwork Abu Dhabi and other social groups like WIBI (Women in Business International) and Homepreneurs Club.

Budget luxury living and working with flexibility

Dubai offers high living standards and premium lifestyles, a philosophy that also extends to its diverse mix of rental and lifestyle choices. Women entrepreneurs and newcomers to Dubai are embracing the flexible living concept for maximum convenience and lower overheads simultaneously.

You will discover multiple serviced apartments across all parts of Dubai, offering ample space, great amenities, home-like comfort, security, and prime locations with flexible leases and reasonable rates.

For women relocating temporarily or exploring business prospects, flexible stay options like serviced apartments in Dubai from trusted providers such as TheSquare make settling in more seamless and stress-free.

Live and work flexibly with comparatively affordable luxury accommodation at your fingertips.

Work-life balance like nowhere else

Supportive work-life policies nurture female entrepreneurs, including childcare and maternity leave, while more companies are offering flexible and remote work arrangements to ensure unmatched work-life balance above all else.

At the same time, almost every community in Dubai comes with all the necessary social amenities like nurseries, schools, healthcare, and a lot more. This makes it easier for women to balance their work and family lives.

Besides, the Emirate also offers the best sporting, shopping, dining, cultural, and beachside facilities for women to enjoy during their time off, contributing towards a healthier state of mind.

There’s no place like Dubai

As you can see, Dubai is the number-one destination for women entrepreneurs and offers exciting future possibilities, with a large chunk of the business sector being women-driven. If you’re an ambitious woman who wants to start a business, expand it into newer markets, or scale up your corporate career to greater heights globally, there’s no place like Dubai to do it!

Check out all the advantages and make a calculated foray into this prime market, which can take your career and lifestyle to unimaginable heights. Dubai ticks the boxes on all parameters and can actually be the right foundation to upgrade, upscale, and launch yourself to the next level.