Why Dubai is a Hotspot for Women Entrepreneurs

There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in Dubai—more women are stepping into the world of entrepreneurship than ever before. A recent Mastercard study shows that 84% of women in the UAE are considering starting their own businesses. This isn’t just ambition—it’s a sign that the city is offering real support, trust, and opportunity.

So, what makes Dubai such a hotspot for women entrepreneurs? Is it the strong government backing, the inclusive business environment, or the ease of setting up through free zones? The answer lies in all of these and more. Women here aren’t just encouraged—they’re equipped with funding options, mentorship programs, and even exclusive setup packages that make the path to business ownership more accessible.

With long-term visa options, flexible return-to-work policies, and growing partnerships across industries, Dubai isn’t just opening doors for women—it’s making sure they have everything they need to walk through them with confidence. In this article, we explore how and why Dubai has become a leading destination for women-led businesses.

Impact of Women on Dubai’s Economy

Women are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping Dubai's economic landscape. Recent data from the Emirates Businesswomen Council indicates that women's participation in the UAE workforce rose to 34.6% in 2024, up from 32.5% in 2023. Additionally, women now constitute 18% of all entrepreneurs in the UAE, with a significant 77.6% of women-led businesses managed by women under forty.

The potential economic impact of further increasing female participation is substantial. The World Bank highlights that closing gender employment gaps in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region could result in a remarkable 51% increase in per capita income.

Entrepreneurial aspirations among women in the UAE are notably high. A recent Mastercard study reveals that 84% of women in the UAE are considering starting their own business, reflecting a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The study also found that a nearly equal proportion of men and women identify as entrepreneurs—49% of women and 47% of men—underscoring the country's rapidly evolving business landscape.

These trends underscore the significant and growing impact of women on Dubai's economy, highlighting the importance of continued support for female participation in the workforce and entrepreneurial ventures.

Inclusive Business Environment

Dubai has cultivated a robust and inclusive ecosystem that actively promotes and supports female entrepreneurship through various platforms, initiatives, and events.

Supportive Ecosystem

The Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), established in 2002 under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, plays a pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs. It offers a comprehensive mentorship program designed to enhance professional development, providing members with access to experienced industry experts who offer guidance and support. Additionally, DBWC organizes workshops, seminars, and networking events, creating opportunities for women to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge.

Beyond DBWC, the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) focuses on policies that empower women in the workplace and foster innovation. Established in 2006, DWE conducts research into the quality of life of women in Dubai's workforce and advocates for policies that support women's retention in the workforce, including initiatives that help balance career and family responsibilities.

Networking Opportunities

Strategic partnerships further enhance the support available to female entrepreneurs. For instance, the DIFC Innovation Hub has partnered with Women Choice, an organization led by social entrepreneur Nezha Alaoui, to create a thriving ecosystem for female leaders and innovators. This collaboration includes hosting quarterly panels on cutting-edge topics and organizing monthly networking events that connect female entrepreneurs with industry leaders and mentors, providing valuable insights and fostering potential collaborations.

In addition to these, numerous events and initiatives in Dubai are tailored to support and connect female entrepreneurs. The Women Entrepreneurs Conference and Awards, held annually on International Women's Day, is the largest gathering of women entrepreneurs in Dubai, focusing on showcasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of women in business. Similarly, organizations like Women Who Thrive offer free monthly networking events, providing a platform for women to share experiences and support each other's professional growth.

Strong Government Support

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented a series of robust policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women in business, reflecting a deep commitment to integrating women into the nation's economic development.

Policy Initiatives

The UAE Constitution enshrines the principle of gender equality, guaranteeing women equal rights in various spheres, including education, employment, and social welfare. Building upon this foundation, the government has enacted specific legislation to further these objectives. Notably, the Equal Pay Law, introduced in 2018, mandates equal remuneration for men and women performing the same roles in the public sector, a provision extended to the private sector in 2020. This legislation underscores the nation's dedication to eliminating wage disparities and fostering an equitable work environment.

In addition to wage equality, the UAE has enhanced maternity leave benefits, providing extended paid leave to support working mothers during pregnancy and childbirth. These measures aim to facilitate a balance between professional and family responsibilities, thereby encouraging greater female participation in the workforce.

Financial Support Programs

Central to the UAE's strategy for empowering women entrepreneurs is the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. Established as a not-for-profit entity by the Government of Abu Dhabi, the fund is dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through financial assistance, training, and mentorship. The Khalifa Fund offers interest-free, long-term loans with flexible repayment terms, targeting both new and expanding enterprises, with a focus on priority sectors. Beyond financial support, the fund provides capability-building programs, including workshops and mentorship opportunities, to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge. Notably, the SWAN (Support for Women’s Advancement and Networking) Programme is tailored specifically for Emirati women entrepreneurs, assisting them in transforming home-based businesses into licensed commercial enterprises.

Strategic Plans

The UAE has articulated comprehensive strategic plans to create an enabling environment for women in the labor market. The National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023-2031 aims to enhance women's participation across all fields and improve their quality of life. This policy serves as a framework for decision-makers in government institutions, the private sector, and civil society to promote women's empowerment and leadership.

Complementing national efforts, the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) has launched its strategic plan for 2023-2027, focusing on three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labor market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society. The plan emphasizes strengthening legislative frameworks, providing incentives for women's entrepreneurship, and identifying future opportunities in various sectors to attract female talent.

Benefits of Free Zones

Dubai's free zones offer a wealth of advantages for entrepreneurs, particularly women seeking to establish and grow their businesses in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Advantages for Women Entrepreneurs

Setting up a business in Dubai's free zones provides several key benefits:

100% Foreign Ownership: Unlike mainland companies that often require a local sponsor, free zones permit full foreign ownership, granting entrepreneurs complete control over their ventures.
Tax Exemptions: Businesses operating within free zones enjoy significant tax advantages, including exemptions from corporate and personal income taxes, as well as import and export duties.
Streamlined Licensing Procedures: Free zones offer efficient and straightforward business setup processes, with many providing one-stop-shop services to expedite licensing, visa applications, and other administrative requirements.
Repatriation of Capital and Profits: Entrepreneurs can repatriate 100% of their capital and profits, ensuring flexibility in financial management.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Free zones are equipped with modern facilities, including office spaces, warehouses, and logistics centers, catering to diverse business needs.

Tailored Packages

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, certain free zones have introduced specialized packages:

RAKEZ BusinessWomen Package: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) offers a tailored package designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs. Starting from AED 6,000, this package includes a free zone license, a shared workstation, and eligibility for a residency visa. It encompasses various license types, such as commercial, e-commerce, and service licenses, providing flexibility across different sectors.

Opportunities Through Company Partnerships

Dubai has emerged as a dynamic hub for women entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of opportunities through strategic partnerships and corporate support aimed at fostering female-led businesses.

Collaborative Ventures

One notable initiative facilitating such collaborations is SheTrades MENA, a partnership between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Dubai Exports. Launched in 2018, SheTrades MENA serves as a resource center for women entrepreneurs, providing business-related skills training, access to ITC SheTrades resources, and opportunities to connect with international markets. The initiative has empowered over 1,000 female entrepreneurs by offering capacity-building workshops and mentoring programs, thereby enhancing their confidence and ability to engage in global trade.

Additionally, the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) plays a pivotal role in encouraging corporate entities to support female-led startups. During the Global Women's Forum Dubai 2024, DWE emphasized the importance of mentorship and capacity building, highlighting that only 2% of investments were directed toward female-led startups at the time. The forum called for increased corporate investment and support to create a sustainable ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.

Corporate Support

Multinational corporations have also launched programs to support female entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and market access. For instance, Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Women initiative is a global program that provides women entrepreneurs with business education, mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to capital. Since its inception in 2008, the program has reached thousands of women worldwide, contributing to the growth of their businesses and local economies.

Furthermore, the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI) supports female entrepreneurs through awards, fellowships, and leadership programs. Since its launch 15 years ago, CWI has assisted 262 fellows and distributed over six million dollars in grants to companies whose work is a force for societal good. The 2022 event, held during Dubai Expo 2020 on International Women's Day, featured actor and activist Yara Shahidi as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the initiative's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Exclusive Business Setup Packages for Women

Dubai offers a range of exclusive business setup packages tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs, providing comprehensive support to facilitate their entry and success in the business landscape.

Virtuzone’s Women Entrepreneur Package

Virtuzone has introduced the Women Entrepreneur Package, designed to empower female entrepreneurs with a suite of essential services:

Trade License: A UAE business license tailored for women entrepreneurs, ensuring 100% company ownership and operational control.
Workspace: Access to a premium Dubai workspace, including executive meeting rooms and professional receptionist support.
Residence Visa: One UAE residence visa, facilitating legal residency and business operations.
DBWC Membership: Complimentary membership to the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), offering networking opportunities, exclusive events, workshops, and access to a members-only B2B platform.

The package is available in two options:

Option 1: Priced at AED 10,999.
Option 2: Priced at AED 17,999.

Both options include the core features mentioned above, with Option 2 offering additional benefits.

RAKEZ BusinessWomen Package

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) offers the BusinessWomen Package, an affordable and flexible solution for female entrepreneurs:

Cost-Effective Setup: Starting from AED 6,000, this package includes a free zone license and access to coworking spaces.
Flexible Business Activities: Allows for up to 5 business activities across various sectors, including commercial, consultancy, media, e-commerce, and educational services.
Shareholders: Accommodates up to 5 shareholders, facilitating collaborative ventures.
Bank Account Eligibility: Assistance with bank account opening, streamlining financial operations.
Networking Opportunities: Access to business networking events, fostering connections and growth.
Value-Added Services: These offer additional services such as VAT registration, accounting, and compliance support.

This package is designed to lower entry barriers and support women in transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into successful businesses.

Return-to-Work Options for Women After Childbirth

Returning to the workforce after childbirth presents numerous challenges for women, including balancing professional responsibilities with family obligations. Recognizing these challenges, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has implemented various initiatives to support new mothers in their transition back to work.

Flexible Work Arrangements

To facilitate a smoother reintegration for new mothers, the UAE government has introduced policies promoting flexible work options:

Remote Work Policies: Proposals have been made to allow mothers with children under ten years old, or those caring for children with special needs and elderly parents, to perform their duties from home. This initiative aims to help mothers balance their professional and family responsibilities more effectively.
Part-Time and Flexible Schedules: The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has implemented measures supporting work flexibility, including part-time, temporary, and flexible employment patterns. These arrangements are designed to accommodate the unique needs of working mothers.

Such flexible working arrangements enable mothers to manage their professional duties while attending to family needs, contributing to increased productivity and reduced stress.

Support Programs

In addition to flexible work policies, specific programs have been established to assist women returning from career breaks:

Mashreq’s Reignite Program: Launched in August 2023, this global initiative by Mashreq Bank is tailored for female professionals seeking to resume their careers after a hiatus of at least 12 months. The program offers structured return-to-work plans focusing on training, mentoring, and upskilling participants to competently resume their prior job responsibilities. Eligible candidates can apply for current vacancies at Mashreq across the globe with personalized support, including career counseling and leadership development modules.

These initiatives reflect a broader commitment within the UAE to create an inclusive and supportive work environment for new mothers, facilitating their successful return to the workforce.

Availability of Long-Term Visa Packages for Female Investors and Entrepreneurs

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced the Golden Visa program, a long-term residency initiative designed to attract and retain investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talents by offering them extended residency and a host of exclusive benefits.

Golden Visa Program

Launched in 2019, the UAE's Golden Visa provides foreign nationals with the opportunity to reside in the country for extended periods, facilitating long-term business planning and personal stability. This initiative aligns with the UAE's vision to establish itself as a global hub for business and innovation.

Eligibility and Benefits for Female Entrepreneurs

Female entrepreneurs aiming to obtain the Golden Visa must meet specific criteria:

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Applicants should be owners or partners in a startup registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SME) category, with the enterprise generating annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
Business Incubation Approval: Alternatively, entrepreneurs can secure approval from an accredited UAE-based business incubator to establish their proposed venture within the country.

Upon meeting the eligibility requirements, female entrepreneurs can access a range of advantages through the Golden Visa:

Long-Term Residency: The visa grants a renewable 10-year residency, offering entrepreneurs and their families the security to plan and grow their business endeavors in the UAE.
Family Sponsorship: Golden Visa holders have the ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their ages, ensuring family unity during the entrepreneurial journey.
No Sponsorship Requirement: The visa eliminates the need for a local sponsor, granting female entrepreneurs full ownership and control over their business operations.
Extended Stay Flexibility: Visa holders can remain outside the UAE for periods exceeding six months without jeopardizing their residency status, providing flexibility for international business engagements.
Support for Domestic Staff: The visa permits the sponsorship of an unlimited number of domestic helpers, aiding in managing personal and professional responsibilities.

Dubai’s true strength lies not only in its policies or packages, but in its long-term vision for female entrepreneurship. This isn’t a city that’s reacting to global trends—it’s actively shaping them. The introduction of long-term residency options like the Golden Visa gives women the space to plan, grow, and build with confidence. It signals that women-led businesses aren’t just welcome here—they’re essential to the country’s future.

Perhaps what sets Dubai apart is how seamlessly it blends ambition with access. It’s not about flashy slogans or token initiatives. It's about real infrastructure that allows women to build careers, families, and futures without having to compromise one for the other. From access to leadership forums to global trade connections, the opportunities are designed to last—not fade with the hype.

For women looking to make their mark, the question isn’t whether Dubai is the right place—it’s how soon you’ll get started. Because here, the doors don’t just open—they stay open. And behind them is a city ready to grow with you.