An assembly of some 150 women executives representing firms from across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently established a local businesswomen’s council, reported Al-Ittihad. The council consists of a 27-person constituent committee and will be responsible for promoting female involvement in the Arab world of business. The UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry will offer the council technical support.
A growing number of women have joined the Dubai workforce in recent years, reflecting a significant shift in the Emirate’s labor market. Presently, the Dubai Municipality employs 450 women in professional positions, constituting more than 30 percent of the Municipality’s entire staff, reported Al-Bayan.
Various other state-owned agencies in the Emirate, including the Dubai Land and Property Registry Bureau, have also been hiring a growing number of women. UAE women are also beginning to play a growing role in the Emirates’ armed forces and the police, as well as in the commerce, banking and the oil sectors.
However, the roles women play in the business world are largely restricted and essentially limited to women-oriented sectors. On the whole, they account for less than 15 percent of the Emirates’ businesses, reported Abu Dhabi Economy magazine. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
