Across the Arabian Gulf, a wave of female entrepreneurs is transforming the business landscape—driving innovation, economic diversification, and social change.
1. A Driving Force in Economic Diversification
Women entrepreneurs are playing a pivotal role in helping Gulf nations reduce oil dependence. From e‑commerce and fintech to healthcare and education, female-led startups are innovating in sectors critical to future growth.
2. Bold Growth in Business Ownership
- In Kuwait, a remarkable 41% of startups are now female-led, showing major strides in entrepreneurial engagement.
- In the UAE, women own 36% of small businesses, with 80% of these ventures launched in just the past five years.
- Across the Gulf, female-founded startups account for nearly 41% of all new startups.
3. Leadership & Self-Reliance Making Gains
Thanks to Vision 2030 and parallel efforts in other GCC countries, women-led business ownership in Saudi Arabia rose from under 4% to 14% by 2023; similarly, entrepreneurial activity among women reached 23%.
4. Supportive Ecosystem & Targeted Initiatives
Governments and organizations across the region have stepped up support for female entrepreneurs:
- The UAE leads globally in the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) rankings and supports women via councils in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
- Programs like Monsha’at in Saudi Arabia, the SheTrades Hub, and Riyadat Financing in Bahrain are providing training, grants, and networking for women entrepreneurs.
- Initiatives from public and private sectors—such as She’s Next by Visa and She WINS Arabia—offer mentorship and capital to emerging women‐led ventures.
5. The Numbers Don’t Lie
Progress is bringing tangible change: In Saudi Arabia, female employment has surged—from 17% to 36%, surpassing Vision 2030 targets. This shift is powered by expanded digital access, education, and entrepreneurship among women.
6. Game-Changing Success Stories
- Mona Ataya, founder of Mumzworld, has built the most prominent online marketplace for mothers and children across the region.
- Elissa Freiha co-founded Womena and the tech accelerator Womentum, empowering female founders through investment and storytelling.
- Sarah Al‑Suhaimi became the first woman to chair the Saudi stock exchange, Tadawul, and dramatically grew assets under management during her leadership.
- Deemah AlYahya launched Women Spark, Saudi Arabia’s first women’s angel investment network, training over 26,000 women in tech.
Final Thoughts: A Business Landscape Redefined
Female entrepreneurs in the Arabian Gulf are more than participants—they are shapers of the region’s economic and cultural future. Fueled by reform, support ecosystems, and relentless ambition, these women are lifting economies, redefining industries, and paving the way for generations to come.
