The UAE government has undertaken a number of initiatives to narrow the gender gap in the country’s workforce. And to a large extent, the results are showing.
Earlier this year, the UAE leadership formed the Gender Balance Council, which aims to boost the country’s efforts to evolve and enhance women’s role as key partners in building the future of the nation. Pioneering females – Mariam Al Safar, the first woman to operate the Dubai Tram; Mariam Al Mansouri, the UAE’s first fighter pilot; and Ayesha Hassan AbdulRahman Al Marzooqi, the country’s first female crane operator – all have one thing in common: they are inspirational mentors who hold positions in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The gender disparity has narrowed considerably at the UAE’s ICT education level. The Economist Survey: Women in Science, Technology and Engineering, reveals that more women are currently studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) at UAE government universities than men. Furthermore, in Stem-related courses, the number of female graduates has reached 56.8 per cent at government universities.
While these statistics are very positive, there is an alarming undertone. If all these women have graduated from difficult Stem-related courses, why are the numbers not reflected in the industry?
More women needed in the ICT sector
According to Intel (2013), bringing 600 million additional women to the ICT sector can boost the GDP of developing countries by an estimated US$13 billion to $18bn. Furthermore, the World Bank (2012) found that the underrepresentation of women dampens productivity and ICT innovation – and eliminating discrimination in the workplace could almost double overall productivity.
While this remains a global issue, in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) a large proportion of females are underrepresented in the ICT sector. According to the World Bank, only 4.1 per cent of firms in Mena have a female top manager, which is an improvement on a few years ago, when there was no female representation at all. There are at least four women influencing ICT in their countries and sitting at the helm of some of the region’s fastest-growing operators. Majd Shweikeh, minister of information and communications technology, Jordan; Rafiah Ibrahim, president, Ericsson, Middle East & East Africa; Ghada Gebara, chief executive, Korek Telecom; and Elisabeth Medou, managing director of Orange Cameroon, are championing the way forward for women in ICT. But in such a large region, the numbers are few and far between.
Although working women contribute about $3.4bn to the UAE’s economy, their average number is nonetheless small, compared to the overall labour force. If women are aggregators of a significant rise in GDP, what is deterring them from working in ICT?
What discourages women from joining the ICT sector
A number of Middle East studies have found that women have difficulty realising a work-life balance can be achieved, which prevents them from entering the workplace. A 2012 poll by the Dubai Women Establishment discovered that 62 per cent of poll respondents were reluctant to join the UAE workforce despite many organisations implementing childcare facilities, flexible work schedules and longer maternity leave to address these issues. The work-life balance challenge is not unique to the UAE and the study, Jordanian Women in the ICT Space, recorded similar factors keeping women away from the sector. The same study says these challenges can be overcome when women gain confidence, knowledge and financial support.
Creating positive narratives
We have to start challenging the existing stereotypes and attitudes that exist within the sector. Firstly, we must champion the achievements of successful women in ICT, to encourage young girls to look up to them as role models. More importantly, we have to ensure easier access to mentors in the sector for aspirants. Having positive role models will further entice young girls studying Stem-related courses to turn their degrees into viable and successful careers within the ICT industry.
Things are slowly changing; du’s Fujairah call centre is run by a 94.4 per cent Emirati female workforce; and companies such as ExpatWoman.com and Mother, Baby and Child are owned and managed by female entrepreneurs. According to the Ministry of Economy, about half of the small-to-medium enterprise sector in the UAE is handled by women. Furthermore, 48 per cent of women business owners are also the sole owners of their firms. In the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, 43 per cent of the investors are women, reflecting their ambition to be part of the UAE’s vibrant economic activity.
The transformative thinking that channelled our growth from a desert mass into one of the world’s most sought-after destinations is being called into play to change mindsets. The infrastructure and opportunities have been set up and the Gender Balance Council has been established. There are no quick fixes, but there are definitely actions that can be taken today to influence a more balanced ICT tomorrow. Are you ready to be a part of this transformation?
Hala Badri is the executive vice president, brand and communications for du.
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VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
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Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
MATCH INFO
Champions League last 16, first leg
Tottenham v RB Leipzig, Wednesday, midnight (UAE)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Day 2 at the Gabba
Australia 312-1
Warner 151 not out, Burns 97, Labuschagne 55 not out
Pakistan 240
Shafiq 76, Starc 4-52
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
'Munich: The Edge of War'
Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
Race card
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (Dirt), 1,900m
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB), Dh120,000 (D), 1,400m
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB), Dh92,500 (D)1,400m
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB), Dh95,000 (D), 2,000m
Read more from Johann Chacko
Brief scores:
Manchester United 4
Young 13', Mata 28', Lukaku 42', Rashford 82'
Fulham 1
Kamara 67' (pen),
Red card: Anguissa (68')
Man of the match: Juan Mata (Man Utd)
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
The Cairo Statement
1: Commit to countering all types of terrorism and extremism in all their manifestations
2: Denounce violence and the rhetoric of hatred
3: Adhere to the full compliance with the Riyadh accord of 2014 and the subsequent meeting and executive procedures approved in 2014 by the GCC
4: Comply with all recommendations of the Summit between the US and Muslim countries held in May 2017 in Saudi Arabia.
5: Refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries and of supporting rogue entities.
6: Carry out the responsibility of all the countries with the international community to counter all manifestations of extremism and terrorism that threaten international peace and security
Bareilly Ki Barfi
Directed by: Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring: Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao
Three and a half stars