Dubai: A major regional policy dialogue led by the UAE Gender Balance Council, in collaboration with the World Bank, concluded today in Dubai with renewed commitment from participating GCC countries to advance women's economic empowerment through reform agendas, legal innovation, and institutional cooperation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 'GCC Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Women's Economic Empowerment', organized under the UAE Gender Balance Centre for Excellence and Knowledge Exchange, brought together policymakers and gender balance leaders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, in addition to leading experts from the World Bank. The two-day event marked a key milestone in advancing GCC collaboration on gender balance, providing a platform to share reform experiences, highlight high-impact policies, and lay the groundwork for a regional network focused on expanding women's economic participation.
The gathering shared critical insights and discussed action plans for driving gender-responsive development across the region, reinforcing GCC countries' shared commitment to promoting women's leadership in the workforce through evidence-based policymaking, legal reform, and practical implementation strategies. H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that women's economic empowerment strengthens institutions, drives innovation, and ensures inclusive, resilient, and sustainable progress.
H.H. further stated the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing as vital to advancing the cause of women's economic empowerment. The UAE Gender Balance Council is committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with countries in the GCC region to foster shared learning, accelerate reform, and create a model for women's economic empowerment unique to the region.
Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, highlighted the power of collective action and shared leadership in accelerating sustainable development. She emphasized that regional collaboration drives progress and amplifies collective impact, ensuring that every woman in the GCC has the chance to contribute to shaping a more inclusive future.
Mouza Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, welcomed the participating delegations and emphasized the importance of regional collaboration as a driver of lasting progress. She noted that while each national journey is unique, the countries are united by a common goal: to build inclusive and resilient economies where both women and men can thrive.
The workshop focused on policy frameworks for improving women's access to employment, particularly through investments in childcare and maternity support. Discussions also addressed recent legal reforms and the evolving methodology of the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law report. The second day centered on country experience-sharing, with each nation presenting its progress and strategies.
The gathering concluded with a session on next steps and future collaboration, presenting a joint brief capturing key insights and opportunities. This event underscores the growing momentum of cooperation in the GCC toward creating an inclusive regional economy that brings widespread economic and social benefits.