Intention Meets Action: GCC Countries' Sincere Efforts to Empower

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Friday, 19 September 2025

Can a community really claim to be successful when half of its population is discriminated against?

We don’t think so.

Any country or region can become truly prosperous, when its women are provided equal rights and opportunities to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The GCC, a band of six affluent nations in the Gulf region has taken this under serious consideration and has committed to empowering women by promoting their education, training and participation in the workforce. Each GCC nation has categorically added women’s empowerment as an imperative in their future goals.

Gender equality is one of Saudi Arabia’ key focus areas under its Vision 2030. The UAE has implemented various gender reforms to strengthen women’s labour force participation, which has resulted in the country having the highest female labour force participation rate in the MENA region. Kuwait’s development plan, New Kuwait 2035 has committed to boosting women’s participation in the workforce and aims to bring their number up to 35 percent of executive roles (Hamel & Dexter, 2021).

With a focus on boosting skill development for women, Oman’s Vision 2040 intends to empower Omani women by enhancing access to opportunities. Bahrain has also identified advancement and sustainability of Bahraini women under the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Similarly, Qatar’s National Vision 2030 sees women’s participation as a crucial step to boost the country’s economy and is focused on improving vocational training for women in order to empower them.

While progress is being made, there still exists ample room for improvement in boosting women’s participation in the workforce in the GCC. But steps have been made in the right direction.

GCC’s commitment to empower its women can also be seen in the existing women leaders and their strong position in the corporate world. One such name is Rania Nasr, the Founder and Managing Director of Risalla Al Ghad Consulting and Training, a KHDA-approved consultancy in Dubai specializing in teacher development and sustainable school improvement.

Another name is Annie Rose, Head of Marketing for Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery, who has deep expertise across the marketing spectrum, particularly in executive communication, digital engagement, and content operations. Her roles encompass strategic brand positioning, market analysis, and amplifying the customer voice, giving her a well-rounded understanding of brand dynamics.

These women are true testament to women’s rise across the GCC region. Read in-depth interview featuring these women leaders and their success stories.

Your thoughts are welcome.