Dubai: In a continued push for UAE Gender Equality, new policies have been introduced, including a law that mandates all companies must have at least one woman on their board of directors.
Under this law, every company in the country must include at least one woman on their board, starting with private joint-stock companies. The UAE has consistently prioritized women’s inclusion in leadership and legislation. In the Federal National Council (FNC), 50% of the seats are reserved for women.
In the upcoming FNC elections, more than half of the candidates are women. Additionally, nine women hold key positions in the national cabinet, and 66% of public sector employees are women. Since 2020, men and women in the same positions have been receiving equal pay. As of August, the number of businesses owned by Emirati women has risen to 135,000.
The UAE has championed women’s empowerment since its formation, with laws promoting gender equality passed early on. Education up to the university level is free and compulsory for both men and women, and this is enshrined as a constitutional right.
In the UAE’s next space mission, one of the two astronauts heading to the International Space Station will be a woman. Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female Emirati astronaut, is currently in the final stages of preparation. UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri stated that including women on boards of directors will accelerate the country’s efforts toward gender equality. This decision follows a recommendation from Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
Meanwhile, the number of Emiratis employed in the private sector has surpassed 114,000, driven by the success of the Emiratisation program, Nafis, which has been further enhanced with additional benefits.
The government offers various incentives such as salary support, pensions, child allowances, and maternity leave. According to data from the second quarter of this year, Emiratis are represented in 21,000 private companies. However, 1,818 companies were found to violate Emiratisation laws and were fined between AED 20,000 and AED 500,000. Violations can be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation via their hotline, website, or smart app.
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