The UAE’s private-sector labour market is undergoing a significant transformation, with new data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) revealing rapid advancements in women’s workforce participation particularly in skilled and leadership roles.
According to MoHRE, women in the UAE now hold approximately 1.03 million jobs across eight major professions and economic sectors. Of these, 45.4% of the female workforce is classified as skilled, reflecting a steady shift toward higher-value, knowledge-driven employment.
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Rising Influence of Women in Leadership
The report highlights that more than 72,000 women currently work in managerial and leadership roles within the private sector, accounting for 16.6% of all employed women. These roles span private-sector companies, departmental leadership, and affiliated projects, showcasing the growing presence of women in strategic decision-making positions.
This trend is supported by a notable 33.8% increase in women holding leadership posts particularly in legislative, managerial, and business leadership functions during 2024 and the first half of 2025.
Private-Sector Participation Continues to Expand
Women’s overall participation in the private sector recorded a strong 20.95% increase during the same period, reflecting both policy support and the growing demand for skilled female talent.
Additionally, 27.54% more private-sector establishments now contribute to employing women, indicating widespread organisational commitment to gender balance and diversification. By Q3 2025, 35.8% of private-sector firms were actively hiring women.
Skilled female employees now represent 28.86% of the skilled private-sector workforce, underscoring the rising competitiveness and capabilities of women in the UAE’s evolving labour market.
Sector Breakdown: Healthcare Leads the Way
The distribution of women across sectors shows areas of strong representation and ongoing growth:
- 64.05% of healthcare sector jobs are held by women
- 16.61% of positions in private-sector education are occupied by women
These figures highlight the critical role women play in essential sectors critical to the UAE’s social and economic development.
UAE Strengthens Gender-Parity Measures
The rise in women’s skilled employment is strongly supported by the UAE’s labour legislation, which provides some of the region’s most comprehensive gender-equality protections. Key provisions include:
- Strict ban on gender-based discrimination in the workplace
- Equal pay for equal work, ensuring parity across genders
- Removal of restrictions on women’s employment in night shifts and physically demanding sectors such as manufacturing, construction, mining, agriculture, energy, and transportation
- Prohibition on employers terminating or warning women due to pregnancy
- Protection against discrimination in recruitment, promotion, and performance assessments
These measures have collectively contributed to higher participation, stronger career progression, and more equitable working environments for women across the country.
A Workforce Aligned With the UAE’s Economic Vision
The steady rise in skilled and leadership roles for women reflects the UAE’s commitment to building a diversified, competitive, and inclusive economy. As female participation strengthens across sectors, the private sector stands to benefit from enhanced innovation, improved productivity, and a more balanced talent pipeline.
The MoHRE data reinforces a clear trend: women are becoming central drivers of the UAE’s economic transformation, and companies that embrace gender inclusivity are better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
