UAE mandates female board members for private joint-stock firms starting 2025

UAE Mandates Women on Board for Private Joint-Stock Companies by 2025

The UAE made it mandatory for private joint-stock companies to provide at least one seat to women on their board of directors after the current board’s term ends.

The UAE Ministry of Economy asked private joint-stock businesses to include this provision in their future board reorganization plans, announcing that it will begin enforcing the order in January 2025.

The ministry said on Wednesday that the move is considered a significant milestone in the nation’s larger plan to support diversity in the business sector and raise the proportion of women in leadership positions.

Ministerial Resolution 137 of 2024 regulating the management and operations of private joint-stock companies follows a similar initiative previously used for public joint-stock companies. Organizational performance and economic outcomes.

Minister of Economy Abdullah Bin Duq Al Marri emphasized that the decision boosts the UAE’s vision of improving gender balance, empowering women in the business sector and increasing their presence in leadership and decision-making roles.