UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031 to Unlock New Horizons for Talent, Says Sheikha Manal

The UAE's Gender Balance Strategy will unlock opportunities for a new generation of talent, according to Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council. Sheikha Manal made her remarks as the council launched a nationwide survey designed to expand community participation and gather critical insights to shape the priorities of its upcoming phase, state news agency Wam reported on Friday.

“We want the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031 to reflect the country’s ambitions for the next phase, keep pace with rapid global transformations and open new horizons for talent and expertise to enrich the development journey, while also unlocking promising future opportunities, strengthening the UAE’s competitiveness, and reinforcing its global leadership in promoting gender balance,” Sheikha Manal stated.

The survey is open to Emiratis and UAE residents of all genders across various age groups, sectors, and professional stages, Wam reported. Mouza Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, noted that listening to public experiences adds an essential dimension to numerical indicators.

“Through the National Survey, we are working to broaden the base of insights we draw upon and comprehend diverse experiences from different segments of society and across the emirates,” Al Suwaidi said. “The survey results will be integrated with data, consultations, and expertise to better understand future opportunities and challenges.”

The survey covers topics such as economic participation, career development, financial security, social care, quality of life, future skills, and the impact of technology, artificial intelligence, and economic transformations.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, emphasized the need to prepare for future shifts. “The question guiding the development of the new strategy is therefore not defined by where we stand today, but how we prepare now for the changes that will reshape the years ahead,” she said.

The UAE continues to advance female empowerment through major milestones, including the 2018 mandate ensuring 50 percent of the Federal National Council consists of women. Women currently comprise 46 percent of Stem graduates in the UAE and 80 percent of the scientific leadership team for the Emirates Mars Mission. Additionally, a Ministry of Economy directive issued in September 2024 requires private joint-stock companies to include female representation on their boards of directors. In March 2024, the UAE ranked seventh globally on the UN's Gender Inequality Index.