The recent decision by the UAE Ministry of Economy requiring private joint-stock companies to allocate at least one seat for women on their boards starting in January 2025 has been met with widespread approval from female executives and board members across various industries. The move is seen as a significant step toward fostering greater inclusivity and diversity within corporate leadership structures.
Meera AlMheiri, a board member of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, praised the initiative as part of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in leadership roles. She highlighted the country’s previous efforts, such as the 2019 decision to promote Emirati youth participation on boards, which helped her join the Supreme Council. “This strategic vision reflects the leadership’s trust in the input of young people for future foresight,” she said. Meera added that the new mandate for female representation is a testament to the wealth of wisdom and expertise women bring to decision-making.
Noni Anand, co-founder of LEVA, echoed Meera’s sentiments, describing the new mandate as a “boardroom upgrade with a built-in diversity clause.” Anand, who has successfully navigated gender bias throughout her career, emphasized that this inclusion will enhance corporate culture by contributing to more dynamic decision-making processes, ultimately driving organizational growth.
Sulochana Betwala, a tech executive, welcomed the decision as a groundbreaking move toward fostering true inclusion. She highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership and anticipates that the mandate will create more balanced and innovative outcomes. Sulochana also stressed that women bring a people-driven approach to leadership, blending strong business acumen with a focus on the human side of decisions.
This decision builds on the UAE’s longstanding commitment to gender equality, including the 2018 directive to allocate 50% of seats for women in the Federal National Council and the 2020 decree ensuring equal pay for men and women in the same roles.
As the January 2025 deadline approaches, executives across the UAE believe this move will significantly impact corporate leadership and create more inclusive and collaborative environments within organizations.
