4 Reasons Why the UAE is the Perfect Place for Female Entrepreneurs

You may have heard that the UAE’s economy is booming and it isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Particularly with the upcoming Dubai EXPO 2020, the region is set to see many more business opportunities, economic benefits, and job openings. Moreover, as the area has less market saturation than in other parts of the world, the possibilities here are available and waiting for you — if you choose to take them. 

One sphere that is significantly increasing is female-owned businesses, making it clear that there has never been a better time to be a female entrepreneur in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

To learn more, read on for four reasons why the UAE is the perfect place for female entrepreneurs. 

1. The government continues to open more straightforward routes for setting up a business. 

For all entrepreneurs, UAE is an appealing country to start doing business because the government continues to show their support for small business owners. 

Currently, more than 37 Free Zones are operating in UAE, with each one providing entrepreneurs with an abundance of benefits. These include tax exemption on personal or corporate income or gains, total ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, exclusion from all import and export duties and corporate tax for 15 years. Additionally, you don’t need to have a capital deposit to get the business up and running. 

Additionally, even for foreigners, the banking options in UAE are extremely flexible, enabling you to open a corporate bank account quickly and efficiently. 

2. The female business community is one of the most proactive in the world. 

There is no denying that female business owners are looking to support and assist their fellow entrepreneurs as much as possible. Over the past couple of years, the female business community of the UAE has become more and more proactive. There has been a growth in the number of groups and networking events to encourage and help more women gain the practical skills and confidence needed to run their own company successfully. 

If you choose to open a business in the UAE, you are guaranteed to be able to find a network that will encourage your endeavors and seek to pair you with a mentor that can work as a motivational and inspirational leader for you. After all, it is impossible for anyone to attain their full potential without a supportive atmosphere around them. 

3. New laws are empowering women. 

While women in the UAE are breaking barriers themselves, recent laws and legal updates have shown the powerful commitment that the government has to help them go further. At the end of last year, the UAE Cabinet passed a new bill that ensures women and men receive equal pay for equal work. 

Furthermore, in 2012, the Cabinet made it compulsory for females to be on the board of directors for all government groups and firms, and also declared that female employees working in the public sector are allowed three months of maternity leave.

These new laws are a testament to the growing power of females in the UAE and proof that this nation is paving the way for ladies to become critical decision-makers, both today and in the future. 

4. You will be in good company.

There are plenty of successful female entrepreneurs from the UAE whom you can look to for guidance and motivation. Nayla Al Khaja is an incredibly successful filmmaker who also owns a production company. Huda Kattan is at the top of one of the highest grossing beauty companies in the world. 

Other women who are at the top of their game include Alanoud Badr, Rania & Zaina Kanaan, Kelly Lundberg, Nadine du Toit, and Negin Fattahi-Dasmal. In other words, you will be in good company when your business reaches record-heights. 

Are you a female entrepreneur? Have you ever considered starting a business in the UAE? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts and reasons in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Sharon Danso-Missah is the Head of Marketing  at Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the Middle East, with 17 offices across nine countries. Established in 1989, they are a full-service commercial firm combining knowledge, experience, and expertise to ensure all clients have access to the best legal solutions that are commercially sound and cost-effective.