UAE Gender Balance Council Embarks on New Era of Governance and Global Influence

The UAE Gender Balance Council has entered a transformative phase, holding its first meeting under its newly re-formed structure following a UAE Cabinet resolution chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

The reorganization marks a bold step towards deepening gender equity efforts, reinforcing national priorities, and strengthening the UAE’s standing in global indices.

Renewed Mandate and Broader Scope

The Cabinet’s recent decision significantly enhances the Council’s mandate, empowering it to drive legislative and regulatory frameworks that promote gender balance across both public and private sectors. With an expanded scope of work, the Council is now positioned to create transformative impact aligned with the UAE’s vision for inclusive growth and global competitiveness.

Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the UAE Gender Balance Council, the restructured body reflects a commitment to sustained progress.

She stressed that the renewed mission is designed not only to advance opportunities at home but also to influence regional and global agendas, ensuring inclusive societies and resilient economies rooted in diversity and equal participation.

Strengthened Leadership and Expertise

The new Council comprises senior leaders from key ministries and national institutions, bringing together a blend of governance expertise, policy-making experience, and sectoral knowledge. Members include undersecretaries, secretaries-general, and directors-general from finance, economy, foreign affairs, women’s empowerment, human resources, and competitiveness.

Chaired by Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the Council, the first meeting focused on reviewing Cabinet resolutions, the revised charter, and expanded responsibilities.

Members also assessed progress made between October 2024 and September 2025, while charting forward-looking initiatives to enhance the UAE’s presence in global gender balance rankings.

Strategic Focus: From Policy to Global Partnerships

Key priorities discussed included advancing legislative and institutional reforms, strengthening collaboration with federal and private entities, and creating an enabling environment for gender balance nationwide. The Council also emphasized the importance of evidence-based reporting, stronger governance, and innovative policy design.

Her Excellency Mona Al Marri highlighted the importance of alignment and collaboration, noting that the Council’s success will hinge on leveraging its diverse expertise to reinforce governance and coordination.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General Her Excellency Mouza Al Suwaidi underlined that the updated governance model equips the Council with tools to ensure measurable impact and sustained progress, while expanding global engagement to cement the UAE’s role as a model for gender balance.

Towards a New Chapter of Impact

With its refreshed governance framework and ambitious outlook, the Council is preparing to intensify its efforts both nationally and internationally.

By fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and expanding international collaboration, the UAE Gender Balance Council is set to reinforce the nation’s leadership in shaping inclusive policies and driving gender parity across the globe.