UAE: The New Global Hub for Women’s Growth & Safety

The United Arab Emirates is quickly establishing itself as a leading destination in the world for women. With a combination of security, opportunity, and progressive policies, the UAE has been seeing an increased number of women moving to, travelling to, and creating successful careers in the cities of its seven Emirates since 2025; this reflects a major change in how women will move around the world. For more news updates, visit our Gulf Independent News page.

Women of all backgrounds are deciding to move to, live, and thrive in the UAE

From professional and entrepreneur to solo traveller and student, women are increasingly looking to the UAE as a place to learn, grow, and thrive. This change has not happened overnight; rather, it is the culmination of extensive years of policy development, infrastructure support, and a strong national commitment to the advancement of women.

According to the significant increases in the issuance of visas, the world is shifting to support women. In 2025, women made up nearly 50% of all applications for visas to the UAE, marking the first time in the history of the UAE that such a large number of visas were issued based on women applicants. The substantial rise in applications from women demonstrates that the world is increasingly becoming aware of the UAE as a safe and opportunity-rich destination for women to work and create successful careers across a wide variety of sectors (Finance, Tech, Health Care, Media and Entrepreneurship, etc.).

Unlike the historic patterns of female migration, female applicants today are not just coming to the UAE as dependents of male family members; they are coming as primary professionals, business owners and independent income earners, demonstrating a deeper shift in the social and economic status of women globally.

Understanding the Bigger Trend

Evidence of this growth supports broader narratives about diversifying the workforce within the UAE, increasing women’s entrepreneurship throughout the Middle Eastern Region and globally, and on a global level, the increase in opportunities for professional women to be able to move from one geographic area to another. As we discussed in previous articles of how the UAE is attracting talent from across the globe and the reasons why women are making their way to the Gulf Region for employment, the UAE’s success has stemmed from its unique combination of safety, clear policies, and economic accessibility – additionally, it is an example of sustainable inclusion.

Safety is First – Why Women Are Choosing the UAE 

Safety is considered to be the strongest differentiator for the UAE. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to rank among the safest cities in the world, due to their low crime rates and due to strong enforcement of the law and the presence of women-friendly public facilities and infrastructure.

For women travelling alone and for expatriates, this sense of safety allows them the freedom to work later, have independence in how they travel around a city and to participate fully in all aspects of social and professional life. At this moment in time, as safety continues to be a concern for women travelling and relocating globally, the safety aspect for them is a huge factor in their decision as to which direction they will go to relocate or travel to.

Career and Business Opportunities are Continually Providing Women with Growth over Time. The UAE’s economic system has consistently helped women in the professional field and in business. As a result of the availability of flexible work visa programs and the introduction of long-term residency visa options such as the Golden Visa, coupled with the availability of access to global markets, it has proven to be an attraction to women who have the ambition to succeed.

Business Opportunities and Career Development Drive Long-Term Success

The economy of the United Arab Emirates is set up to support women with careers and businesses. Working in the UAE as a professional or entrepreneur is more appealing because of its ability to offer flexible working in the form of work visas, Golden Visas, and access to global markets. As a result, many ambitious women have chosen to relocate to the UAE.

Women starting businesses in the UAE have increased by more than 30% over the last three years. This growth has occurred because women are helped in establishing their businesses through accelerators, funding platforms, and mentoring networks. It is also possible for more women to hold corporate leadership positions than ever before, particularly in financial services, sustainability, technology, and government-affiliated entities.

The most distinguishing characteristic of the UAE, however, is the system-level support of women’s independence. This includes safe public transportation, coworking spaces for women, government-supported women’s business councils, and protection under law, which all create an environment that enables a woman who is an entrepreneur to operate with autonomy, as opposed to being restricted in her operations. 

Women also create and maintain community networks to assist with integrating both locally and internationally without any barriers. 

Women in Leadership and UAE Vision 2025

UAE Vision 2025 prioritises women’s participation in leadership, governance, and innovation. One of the successes of UAE Vision 2025 has resulted in many Emirati women now serving in leadership roles at prominent levels within the fields of diplomacy, science, defence, and corporate leadership. 

The visibility of Emirati women in these leadership positions is reshaping how people around the world view women in leadership from the Middle East. By showcasing women in these leadership positions, it creates confidence in people around the world that success and safety can be achieved through hard work and determination. 

Key Indicators at a Glance

FAQs

Q1. In what ways will the UAE be a growing draw to female workers in 2025?

The UAE will continue to attract more female workers due to significant levels of safety, a wealth of job opportunities, and supportive policies that promote female inclusion.

Q2. Is it safe for a woman to travel alone to the UAE?

Yes. The UAE has consistently been ranked as one of the safest places for female travellers travelling alone.

Q3. What are the professional work opportunities for women in the UAE?

Women have opportunities in many professional sectors, including finance, tech, healthcare, media (including entertainment), entrepreneurship, and leadership positions.

Q4. In what ways does the UAE Vision 2025 provide support to women?

UAE Vision 2025 aims to enhance women’s leadership, support their participation in the labour market, and create more opportunities for women on a global level.