The UAE Gender Balance Council convened a national dialogue, bringing together more than 100 representatives from government entities and private-sector signatories to the SDG 5 Pledge.
The interactive workshop and discussion sessions focused on shaping the UAE Gender Balance Strategy for the period 2027–2031, a framework that aims to sustain the country’s leadership in gender balance while supporting broader sustainable development goals.
Participants examined national priorities and explored future opportunities across a range of themes, including the new economy and the future of work.
The dialogue served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on key trends shaping the future, and it highlighted how emerging technologies and evolving labour markets can be leveraged to advance gender-balanced outcomes.
Attendees also discussed practical solutions for the core pillars of the upcoming strategy: education, skills and career pathways; family, caregiving and shared responsibilities; health and wellbeing across the lifecycle; leadership and workplace culture; entrepreneurship and financial inclusion; and the future economy.
The event marked the addition of eight new organisations to the SDG 5 Pledge – Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Stellantis, Deloitte, Sanofi, Al Nabooda Automobiles, SAAL, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Goumbook – raising the total number of participating companies to 88.
This growth reflects the private sector’s increasing commitment to policies and practices that promote equal opportunities, foster more inclusive workplaces and support national priorities.
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted the council’s collaborative approach to policy development, emphasizing that active stakeholder engagement is essential for translating dialogue outcomes into impactful and sustainable policies, programmes and initiatives.
The council’s work builds on the UAE’s longstanding national journey in advancing gender balance, which has been reinforced by a range of policies, legislation and initiatives that have expanded opportunities and strengthened women’s participation across sectors.
By aligning the new strategy with the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable development and competitiveness, the council aims to ensure that gender balance remains a cornerstone of the nation’s social and economic fabric.
The dialogue underscored the importance of shared responsibility among government, business and civil society in achieving the ambitious goals set for the 2027–2031 period.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027-2031?
The UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027‑2031 is a framework that aims to sustain the country’s leadership in gender balance while supporting broader sustainable development goals, as outlined by the Gender Balance Council.
How many companies have signed the SDG 5 Pledge in the UAE?
A total of 88 companies have signed the SDG 5 Pledge, with eight new organisations recently added during the council’s national dialogue.
What are the pillars of the UAE Gender Balance Strategy?
The strategy’s core pillars are education, skills and career pathways; family, caregiving and shared responsibilities; health and wellbeing across the lifecycle; leadership and workplace culture; entrepreneurship and financial inclusion; and the future economy.
Who leads the UAE Gender Balance Council?
H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum serves as the President of the UAE Gender Balance Council.
