Dubai’s business scene is changing—and women are leading the way. According to a new report by Dubai SME, there’s been a 12% increase in women-led businesses in just one year. More than 6,000 Emirati women entrepreneurs are now officially registered with Dubai SME for the year 2024–25, showing a strong rise in female participation across the emirate’s growing economy.
This marks a major milestone for the city’s economic development plans. The figures reflect a steady increase in female entrepreneurship, supported by government initiatives and changing social trends. From tech startups to retail brands and wellness ventures, women in Dubai are becoming powerful drivers of innovation and success.
Empowering Women in Business
Dubai SME, a division of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), focuses on helping small and medium enterprises grow. It provides support such as funding, training, and networking opportunities. Their latest report shows that local women are taking full advantage of these resources.
Out of all the entrepreneurs registered with Dubai SME, 6,082 are Emirati women, marking the highest number ever recorded in this category. Compared to the previous year, this number is up by 12%, reflecting the fast pace at which women are launching businesses.
This growth didn’t happen overnight. Over the past decade, Dubai has built a strong ecosystem to support female entrepreneurs. The city offers a range of programs that aim to remove barriers women face when entering the business world—such as access to finance, mentorship, and legal advice.
And now, the results are clear: more women are choosing to lead, start their own companies, and become job creators themselves.
A Range of Sectors
The new report highlights that women-led businesses are not limited to one or two industries. Instead, women in Dubai are breaking into all kinds of sectors. These include:
- Retail and Fashion
- Health and Wellness
- Education and Training
- Technology and E-commerce
- Food and Beverage
- Consulting and Marketing Services
This shows how diverse and dynamic the female entrepreneur community is becoming. Many women have turned their passion into profit, especially with the rise of digital platforms and online businesses. Social media has also played a big role, helping small brands reach larger audiences at a low cost.
One standout trend is the rise of homegrown beauty and wellness brands, many of which are led by Emirati women. These businesses are combining local culture with global trends, creating unique brands that appeal to both residents and tourists.
Government Support Makes a Big Impact
The Dubai government continues to make entrepreneurship more accessible to women. Dubai SME has designed special packages to support startups led by women. These include low-interest loans, rent-free workspace for the first year, and free training workshops on business strategy, finance, and marketing.
There’s also been a focus on digital transformation. With the rise of AI, fintech, and e-commerce tools, more women are learning to run digital-first businesses. Training programs on website building, social media marketing, and digital payment solutions are helping many first-time founders feel confident and capable.
Dubai SME also runs mentorship programs, where new female entrepreneurs are matched with experienced business leaders. These relationships offer real-world advice, boost confidence, and help new business owners avoid common mistakes.
A Shift in Mindset
Alongside government support, there has also been a visible change in how society views women in business. Entrepreneurship is no longer seen as a “risky move,” especially for women. Instead, it’s becoming a respected career path—and even a preferred one.
More families are encouraging their daughters to become business leaders. Educational institutions are teaching entrepreneurship at earlier stages. And with more success stories coming from the region, many young women feel inspired to follow in those footsteps.
What was once a male-dominated space is now becoming balanced, with women offering fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and new leadership styles.
Young Entrepreneurs Rising
Another key finding in the report is the rise in young women entrepreneurs, especially those under the age of 30. This younger generation is more digitally savvy, socially aware, and willing to take risks.
Many are creating businesses that combine profit with purpose—such as eco-friendly fashion lines, wellness startups, and inclusive educational platforms. This shift reflects how the new wave of entrepreneurs is thinking not just about money, but also about making a positive impact on society.
Dubai’s modern infrastructure and international outlook make it a perfect place for these young changemakers to test new ideas and scale them quickly.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Women in Business?
With the numbers showing strong growth and success, the future of women-led businesses in Dubai looks brighter than ever. Experts believe that this is just the beginning. As more support systems, funding options, and community networks open up, even more women will take the leap into entrepreneurship.
Dubai SME aims to continue expanding its efforts by offering new tools and resources tailored to women’s needs. This includes sector-specific guidance, business clinics, and targeted investment opportunities. There’s also discussion around building more co-working hubs for women in different areas of Dubai.
At the same time, private companies are also stepping in to create networking events, accelerator programs, and female-focused investment funds. It’s a growing ecosystem—and everyone’s playing a role.
Final Thoughts
The rise in women-led businesses in Dubai isn’t just a statistic—it’s a sign of a deeper shift. It reflects the hard work of thousands of ambitious women, the support of the community around them, and a city that believes in giving everyone the chance to succeed.
With over 6,000 Emirati women now leading businesses, and a 12% year-on-year growth, it’s clear that Dubai is quickly becoming a global leader in women’s entrepreneurship. And if the current momentum continues, the next few years could see even more record-breaking success.
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