The UAE recorded one of the highest participation levels for Emirati women in 2025, according to new international reports. Multiple global indices released the data and, together, they highlight women’s expanding roles across government and skilled sectors. As a result, the country maintains strong regional leadership in gender equality and continues to widen its workforce representation.
What changed in Emirati women workforce data
The latest findings show how Emirati women strengthened labour participation across both public and private sectors. Reports from the World Economic Forum, UNDP, and the World Bank added updated rankings and placed the UAE at the top of the region for gender balance and empowerment. Women hold 26 per cent of Cabinet positions and lead major portfolios such as education, climate change, environment, and community development. They also represent 71 per cent of UAE nationals employed across the full workforce, which further illustrates their expanding engagement.
Impact on labour market and national growth
Data shows that Emirati women report some of the highest average weekly working hours in the Arab region. The World Population Review ranked the UAE first in 2025, with women working 48.5 hours per week on average. Meanwhile, both male and female UAE nationals work nearly equal weekly hours, and this balance underscores shared participation in national growth. Authorities note that labour laws governing working hours and workplace standards continue to support a productive and sustainable employment environment.
Supporting data and skilled workforce indicators
New labour statistics indicate that 45.4 per cent of employed women in the UAE work in skilled roles. Women account for 29.9 per cent of all skilled workers nationwide, while 35.8 per cent of establishments hired women during the third quarter of the year. Sector-specific numbers also show strong representation: 66.4 per cent of healthcare roles, 72.3 per cent of education jobs, and 37.9 per cent of IT positions are held by women. Among UAE nationals, 71 per cent of those in technical and specialised roles are women, and 97.3 per cent are classified as skilled in the private sector.
How the new rankings reflect UAE policy direction
Emirati women continue to play a central role in national development, and the new rankings highlight this progress clearly. International gender-equality indices reinforce the impact of long-term UAE policies that support workplace participation, leadership access, and sector-wide diversity. Data from the 2025 World Population Review positions the UAE as the leading Arab country for women’s working hours, and it signals continued momentum across the workforce.
