Post by : Badri Ariffin

The UAE Gender Balance Council has kicked off a national dialogue aimed at shaping the new UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031. This event united over 100 participants from government bodies and private sector organizations under the SDG 5 Pledge initiative.

This dialogue sought to collect recommendations, feedback, and insightful ideas from major stakeholders, with an objective to form future policies that advocate for gender balance and sustainable development, enhancing the UAE's competitive edge globally.

Exploring National Goals and Prospects

Interactive workshops facilitated discussions on national goals and prospective pathways to bolster gender equality across various sectors.

Conversations revolved around pivotal trends expected to influence the future, such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• The new economy

• The future of work

• Economic and social participation

• Quality of life enhancements

• National competitiveness

Participants unanimously exchanged perspectives on how these elements can foster new opportunities, ensuring equitable participation and leadership within society.

Pillars of the Future Strategy

The forthcoming Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031 will highlight several essential aspects:

It will prioritize education advancements, skill development, and career pathways, in addition to promoting family support systems, equitable caregiving, and balanced work-life integration. The strategy will also address health and wellness at all life stages, nurture leadership growth and inclusive workplace environments, and facilitate entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. In discussions, stakeholders pinpointed challenges and opportunities and suggested actionable solutions for impactful, sustainable outcomes.

New Members of the SDG 5 Pledge

Eight esteemed organizations joined the SDG 5 Pledge initiative during the event:

• Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB)

• Stellantis

• Deloitte

• Sanofi

• Al Nabooda Automobiles

• SAAL

• Rosewood Abu Dhabi

• Goumbook

With these additions, a total of 88 national and international entities are now involved in the initiative within the UAE.

This uptick showcases a rising commitment from the private sector toward advocating equal opportunities, inclusive workplaces, and sustainable business practices.

Advancing Gender Balance in the UAE

The new strategy is a continuation of the UAE's longstanding commitment to gender balance through policies and initiatives designed to enhance opportunities for women across multiple sectors.

According to the UAE Gender Balance Council, the strategy aims to fortify readiness for the future with innovative solutions that propel sustainable development and enrich quality of life.

The Significance of Gender Balance: Insights from Sheikha Manal

H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted that gender balance is a crucial component of sustainable development and national competitiveness.

She remarked that the UAE’s leadership is dedicated to investing in its people as the core of development and growth. The Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031 will leverage past successes while introducing innovative policies to enhance the UAE’s stature as a global leader in gender balance.

Forging Partnerships for Future Success

H.E. Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, noted that the UAE has laid a solid groundwork for gender balance through progressive policies, enhanced decision-making participation, and stronger intersectoral collaboration.

She indicated that the upcoming phase will concentrate on generating measurable impacts within workplaces, while fostering career progression, leadership opportunities, and institutional adaptability for future economies.

Centering Quality of Life in the Strategy

H.E. Mouza Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, stressed that the strategy aligns economic growth with social development and the imperative of quality of life.

She pointed out the significance of creating family-friendly work environments that aid individuals in juggling professional and familial responsibilities, significantly enhancing productivity, family stability, and long-term societal sustainability.

Launch of Family-Friendly Workplace Award 2026

The UAE Gender Balance Council announced the start of nominations for the Family-Friendly Workplace Award 2026.

This award is aimed specifically at organizations committed to the SDG 5 Pledge, recognizing those effectively implementing family-oriented workplace policies that encourage work-life balance and positively affect employees and society at large.

The national dialogue signifies a vital step in articulating the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031. With involvement from diverse government and private sector stakeholders, this initiative seeks to forge practical policies that will bolster gender balance, enhance quality of life, and advance the UAE’s position as a globally competitive and future-ready nation.

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