The UAE Gender Balance Council has expanded its national drive to advance gender balance in the private sector, welcoming 11 new companies into its SDG 5 Pledge and reinforcing data-led action as a cornerstone of inclusive workplace reform.
The new signatories joined during a workshop themed Advancing Gender Balance Through Data-Driven Action, bringing the total number of participating companies to 80 across sectors including finance, healthcare, consumer goods, retail, and professional services. The expansion underscores the private sector’s growing role in promoting equal opportunity and women’s participation in leadership.
During the event, the Council launched a new Gender Balance Data Platform that enables companies to submit annual data on gender representation in middle management and senior leadership. The platform will also serve as the official gateway for nominations to the UAE Gender Balance Awards, which recognise excellence in policies, leadership representation, and private sector initiatives.
In alignment with the UAE President’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, the Council introduced a new Family-Focused Employer of the Year award. The category recognises organisations that support work-life balance through flexible and family-friendly workplace practices.
Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the importance of strong public-private partnerships in advancing national priorities and building competitive, inclusive workplaces. Council leadership reaffirmed that data-driven measurement and collaboration remain essential to translating commitments into measurable outcomes.
The workshop included a formal signing ceremony, knowledge-sharing sessions, and discussions on strategic priorities for 2026. Participating organisations also shared best practices on leadership development, mentorship, parental leave, and return-to-work programmes.
The Council reiterated that sustained collaboration will be vital to maintaining progress on gender balance as the UAE prepares for future labour market shifts driven by technology and innovation.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
