UAE Gender Balance Council advances work on new national strategy

The UAE Gender Balance Council has held a national dialogue bringing together more than 100 representatives from government entities and private-sector companies to help shape the UAE Gender Balance Strategy for 2027 to 2031.

During the event, participants discussed priorities and future opportunities to advance gender balance, with a focus on areas including leadership, entrepreneurship, workplace culture, artificial intelligence and the future economy.

The council also announced that eight new organisations have joined the SDG 5 Pledge, bringing the total number of participating companies to 88.

The initiative encourages businesses to promote equal opportunities and more inclusive workplaces.

In addition, the UAE Gender Balance Council opened nominations for the Family-Friendly Workplace Award 2026, which recognises organisations that support families and promote work-life balance.

The award is open exclusively to organisations that are signatories to the SDG 5 Pledge and recognises companies that have translated their commitments into practical policies.

The UAE Gender Balance Council convened a national dialogue bringing together more than 100 representatives from government entities and private-sector signatories to the SDG 5 Pledge to contribute to the development of the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031. The event also… pic.twitter.com/ogeBfCZBcL

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 23, 2026