UAE shapes Gender Balance Strategy 2031 with focus on AI and future workforce

The UAE is incorporating artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, workplace culture, and future workforce participation into the development of its Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031, as government entities and private-sector organizations work to identify priorities for the coming years.

The UAE Gender Balance Council convened a national dialogue that brought together more than 100 representatives from government institutions and private-sector signatories to the SDG 5 Pledge. The consultations are intended to support the formulation of the country’s next gender balance strategy and align policy priorities with emerging economic and social trends.

Discussions focused on the impact of artificial intelligence, evolving workplace models and emerging economic opportunities on gender balance. Participants explored six priority areas that will shape the strategy, including education, family support, health and wellbeing, leadership and workplace culture, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, and the future economy and AI.

The sessions also examined key challenges, opportunities and the role of public and private-sector stakeholders in implementing future initiatives.

According to the UAE Gender Balance Council, the consultation process forms part of a broader collaborative approach to policy development aimed at strengthening workforce participation, economic inclusion and future readiness.

The event also marked the addition of eight organizations to the SDG 5 Pledge: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Stellantis, Deloitte, Sanofi, Al Nabooda Automobiles, SAAL, Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Goumbook. Their inclusion brings the total number of participating organizations to 88.

The Council said the growing number of signatories reflects increasing private-sector engagement in promoting workplace inclusion, equal opportunities and broader national development objectives.

During the event, the Council also announced the opening of nominations for the Family-Friendly Workplace Award 2026, which recognizes organizations that have implemented workplace policies supporting family wellbeing, work-life balance and long-term institutional impact.

The UAE Gender Balance Council said insights gathered through the national dialogue will contribute to the development of the Gender Balance Strategy 2027–2031, with the aim of strengthening future readiness, supporting workforce participation and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.