The UAE has been vastly emerging as a global leader in empowering women entrepreneurs in every possible way, offering an array of opportunities for them to thrive in business and compete equally in the corporate world. From government-backed initiatives to business-friendly regulations and a supportive ecosystem for women of all ages, nationalities, and professions, the UAE is one of the best places for women to scale up on the professional ladder.
Here are some of the many opportunities available for women, along with success stories of female entrepreneurs in the UAE.
100% Ownership and Free Zone Benefits
Women entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UAE can own 100% of their company without a catch and without needing a local sponsor. This makes the UAE an ideal destination for business setup and company formation. Women can register a company in UAE free zones such as:
- Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
These business-friendly free zones provide tax benefits, simplified business registration, and low-cost business setup options tailored to female entrepreneurs.
Networking Events and Community Support
The UAE hosts several entrepreneurship events and business networking forums where women can connect, collaborate, and learn from industry experts. Key events include:
- Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
- The Global Women’s Forum Dubai
- Finance Summit Dubai
These platforms help women entrepreneurs build valuable business connections, find investors, and grow their startups.
Thriving Business Sectors for Women Entrepreneurs
Many women in the UAE are successfully entering and excelling in various business sectors, including:
- Health & Wellness
- E-commerce Business Setup
- Tech & Innovation
- Consulting and Freelancing
With the ease of LLC formation, business registration, and online business setup, women in the UAE can easily launch small businesses, startups, or large-scale enterprises in their chosen fields.
Success Stories of Women Entrepreneurs in the UAE
Hana Al Rostamani
Hana made history at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, by being appointed as the first female CEO after 20 years in the banking industry. She has been vocal about digital transformation, financial inclusion, and her leadership at FAB proves that women can lead and dominate even the most male-dominated industries.
Huda Kattan
From launching her first false lashes to becoming a global beauty mogul, Huda Kattan turned her passion for makeup into an international brand. She expanded into e-commerce, skincare, fragrances, and beauty retail, making her a leading female entrepreneur in the UAE.
Mona Ataya
Mona Ataya is the founder of one of the leading e-commerce platforms for mothers across the Middle East. Her journey began with a vision to create a one-stop-shop for mothers, offering baby essentials, parental support, and childcare products. She successfully built a platform that empowers mothers while revolutionizing the e-commerce industry.
These are just a handful of the many female entrepreneurs in the UAE who are leading the way in business, driving innovation, and raising the bar in their industries. With a supportive business setup environment, corporate formation services, and simplified company registration processes, the UAE continues to be an ideal destination for women looking to start a business and grow their brand globally.
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