Women On Boards in the GCC: Not a Priority to Business Leaders

Although individual examples of best practice among companies in terms of achieving gender balance were generally thought to be lacking in the region, study participants were able to identify more easily specific countries that were setting an example and making progress in terms of women’s advancement. Of these the UAE emerged as the most noted for the commitment of its leadership to women’s advancement, and its government was perceived by respondents to be working hard on this issue. Participating leaders in the study were also asked to look to the future to gauge anticipated progress toward greater gender balance at leadership level. With the majority predicting only a small increase in women’s board membership in the coming years, the report ends with questions around which further dialogue can be initiated to ensure targeted and effective action is taken.