Among the ministers of the UAE government, 9 are women. Women ministers handle the new portfolios of tolerance, happiness, youth and food and water security.

The participation of women in the UAE Cabinet is amongst the highest in the world, reflecting the strong position reached by the Emirati women. This way, the UAE empowers and promotes the political inclusion of all.

As for the distribution of positions in government institutions by gender, women make up 66 per cent of the public sector workforce. 30 per cent women are in leadership roles and 15 per cent are in technical and academic roles. Read more facts related to the women in the UAE. 

Women in the FNC 2019 elections

As per a directive by the late H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the then President of the UAE, Emirati women must occupy 50 per cent of the Federal National Council’s (FNC) seats. 

The step reflects the country's future approach aimed at achieving full empowerment of Emirati women and ensures women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political life.

Source:

• Emirates News Agency-WAM

Women in the FNC 2015 elections

In the elections for the Federal National Council (FNC) held on 3 October 2015, there were 78 women candidates (23.6 per cent of the total).

Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi was elected as the President of the Federal National Council, making her the first woman to chair a parliamentary institution at the regional level.

Women in the diplomatic corps

Women make up 30 per cent of the diplomatic corps, where they occupy 234 positions, 42 working on missions abroad, and 7 being ambassadors. The UAE has started appointing women as ambassadors ever since 2009.