• Startup innovation is opening new avenues for Emirati women to engage in entrepreneurship.
• The UAE is witnessing a pivotal shift as Emirati women take up leadership roles.
• Increased female-led ventures in innovation bolster the UAE’s diverse economy.

Empowering Emirati Women Through Innovation

The newly unveiled partnership between startAD, an accelerator program at NYU Abu Dhabi supported by Tamkeen, and the Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF) is catalyzing female entrepreneurship. 

This collaboration provides Emirati women with critical resources, mentorship, and international networks.

Most importantly, it effectively fosters a new generation of business leaders in technology and social enterprises. Nihal Shaikh, Associate Director of startAD, articulated this vision succinctly.

She said: “Through this partnership, we aim to further empower these dynamic women and young leaders by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to continue driving economic growth and innovation.”

Initiatives such as the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers and specialized bootcamps focus on bridging local innovation with global market reach.

Thus, creating pathways for Emirati women to lead ventures not only in the UAE but internationally as well.

Fostering Economic Growth Through Inclusivity

Emirati women are actively redefining their roles in the tech and startup ecosystems, with nearly 18% of UAE entrepreneurs now being women.

This growth is facilitated by government initiatives that lower barriers to entrepreneurship for women. For example, simplified business licensing and increased access to funding. 

Moreover, women now own a significant share of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In fact, a considerable number of female-led firms are leveraging technology to advance sectors from healthcare to sustainable energy.

The national focus on diversifying economic participation aligns with regional and global trends in gender inclusivity in business.

Haifa Al Kaylani, President of AIWF, emphasized, “Emirati women are making remarkable strides in innovation and entrepreneurship, playing a critical role in shaping the future of the UAE’s economy and society.”

A Competitive Landscape and Global Impact

Evaluating the impact of Emirati women’s entrepreneurship highlights the UAE’s competitive positioning in the MENA region.

By 2024, women-led ventures have contributed notably to the UAE’s GDP growth, with a marked increase in ventures focusing on social innovation and technology—a sector where Emirati women are emerging as key stakeholders.

This progress not only reinforces the UAE’s economic gender diversity but also aligns with global trends. That is the rise of female investors and innovators in impact-driven markets.

Challenges remain, however, as competition intensifies both regionally and globally. Female entrepreneurs often face structural challenges, from limited access to high-value networks to societal biases that influence investment decisions.

Addressing these barriers is crucial to sustaining growth in this sector. Initiatives like startAD’s Conscious Investor Fellowship, focused on impact investing, play an essential role.

They equip Emirati women with the resources to overcome these obstacles and foster sustainable development.