Ministry of Economy and Tourism participates in UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference

>> Badreya Al Maidoor: The UAE continues to solidify its advanced business environment and foster women’s entrepreneurship in the new economy through transformative national initiatives, most notably the ‘Future 100’ initiative.

H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’ at the UAE-Africa Women Leaders Conference. This conference, organised in collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Women’s Union (GWU), was held today under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation,’ Chairwoman of the GWU, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

During the session, H.E. Badreya Al Maidoor highlighted that the UAE has successfully developed a forward-looking economic model that enhances the competitiveness of its business and investment ecosystem, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading global hub for male and female entrepreneurs and investors. H.E. noted that this progress is supported by a robust framework of flexible legislation, pioneering national initiatives, and world-class digital and logistics infrastructure.

Her Excellency stated that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues to advance policies that promote economic openness and simplify business establishment procedures, particularly in future-oriented sectors. H.E. added: “These efforts are strengthening the economy’s integration with regional and global markets while creating broader growth opportunities for startups and entrepreneurial ventures.”

H.E. Al Maidoor further noted that the UAE provides a comprehensive and competitive business environment, offering 100 per cent foreign ownership across a broad range of economic sectors, more than 2,000 business activities, over 10 major government programs supporting entrepreneurship, a competitive tax framework, and advanced infrastructure that includes ports, airports, and free zones. H.E. also highlighted the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa program for entrepreneurs.

On women’s entrepreneurship, H.E. affirmed that the UAE has achieved significant progress in advancing women’s economic empowerment. H.E. explained that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues to develop strategic initiatives and programs aimed at increasing women entrepreneurs’ participation across diverse economic sectors while supporting access to financing, markets, and specialised expertise.

Additionally, H.E. highlighted that the UAE is further reinforcing the role of women entrepreneurs in the new economy through impactful national initiatives, most notably the ‘Future 100’ initiative. H.E. continued: “Women make a vital contribution to the UAE economy, with women business owners holding approximately 290,000 trade licenses, representing more than 21 per cent of active licences nationwide. Emirati businesswomen own or co-own nearly 44 per cent of these licences, companies, and enterprises across key economic sectors.”

H.E. Al Maidoor also underscored the growing representation of women in corporate leadership roles, noting that the number of businesswomen serving on the boards of public joint-stock companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai has increased by more than 92.3 per cent in recent years, reaching 148 female board members.