UAE's Cabinet reorganizes Gender Equality Council to fortify parity in public and private sectors
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken significant strides in its commitment to gender equality with the reorganisation of the UAE Gender Balance Council. Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Council has been restructured to serve as a strategic force in promoting gender balance and sustainable development.
The Council, now reporting directly to the Cabinet, has been expanded to develop legislative and regulatory frameworks that advance gender balance across public and private sectors. Its mandate includes proposing and reviewing policies and laws to enhance gender equality, coordinating among federal and private entities to create an enabling environment, and supporting both men and women’s contributions to sustainable development.
The Council is also dedicated to monitoring global reports, establishing a comprehensive national database, conducting specialised studies on regional and international trends, and representing the UAE in international forums on gender issues.
One of the key areas of focus for the reorganised Council is women's economic empowerment. In July 2025, during the G20 Empower Working Group technical meeting, the Council showcased the UAE’s achievements in this area, particularly in strengthening the care economy and financial inclusion. The Council emphasised key priorities like ending gender-based violence, advancing the care economy, and promoting women’s financial inclusion, which are fundamental to sustainable prosperity and social cohesion.
The UAE's dedication to gender equality is evident in its achievements. The country ranked 13th globally and 1st regionally in the 2025 UNDP Gender Equality Index, a testament to significant progress in gender equality policies and women’s empowerment.
The reorganisation of the Gender Balance Council is a step towards the UAE's ambition to serve as a global benchmark for gender equality. It is part of the UAE's broader vision for inclusive growth, demonstrating the country's commitment to fostering a society that values gender balance.
Under H.H. Sheikha Manal's leadership, the reorganised Council is supported by a team of senior government officials. The initiatives focused on data-driven policymaking, international collaboration, and progress monitoring are part of the UAE's gender equality agenda, reflecting the Council's focus on evidence-based decision-making and global cooperation.
In summary, the reorganised UAE Gender Balance Council, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a testament to the UAE's dedication to promoting equal opportunities for both men and women. The Council's expanded role includes shaping legislation, developing strategic frameworks, and coordinating national efforts to ensure gender balance, all in the pursuit of a more inclusive and prosperous future for the UAE.
- The UAE Gender Balance Council, under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Manal, aims to collaborate with both federal and private entities to create an enabling environment for sustainable development, focusing on women's economic empowerment and minimizing gender-based violence.
- The reorganised Council is dedicated to monitoring general news and global reports to establish a comprehensive national database, conducting specialized studies on regional and international trends, and representing the UAE in international forums on gender issues.
- The UAE's policy-and-legislation efforts are committed to advancing wellness and health-and-wellness, ensuring equal access to healthcare for women and men, and supporting the contributions of both genders to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- The UAE's scientific community also plays a crucial role in the Council's work, with collaborations taking place to develop evidence-based policies and legislations that promote gender balance in education, research, and technology.
- The government's dedication to gender equality is evident in its collaboration with the international community, as shown by the UAE's active participation in important global forums on gender policies and women's rights, such as the G20 Empower Working Group.
