Almost six in 10 professional women in the UAE enter the workforce to achieve financial independence, a new survey from Middle East jobs site Bayt.com and market research firm YouGov found.
According to Bayt.com's Working Women in Mena report, 57 per cent of the 600 women polled said they seek employment to be financially independent, while 48 per cent said their motivation was to support or financially contribute to the household.
“This survey shows that companies can increase productivity by finding new, innovative ways to support professionals with children to balance between work and life, as half of the respondents stated that their decision to have children has affected their career,” said Roba Al-Assi, Marketing Director, Bayt.com.
Women’s participation in the UAE labour force grew from 34 per cent to 46 per cent between 2000 and 2014, a 2017 report from The Boston Consulting Group found.
The Bayt.com survey found female empowerment was a driving force for women in the UAE. Fifty-two per cent of those polled said establishing a successful career was their main source of happiness and just under half said they work to broaden their perspectives on life.
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However, women are also motivated by money. The majority (58 per cent) said a higher salary was the most important benefit they considered when selecting their last job, while nearly two-fifths (39 per cent) stated that opportunities for long-term career growth were also very important.
Rasheda Khatun Khan, a wealth and wellness planner and founder of Design Your life, said modern professional women tend to have children later in life, by which point they already have established career paths and high incomes.
"That’s why a lot of women re-enter the workforce after having children because they want to continue their career path and earning cycle," she said. "Financial independence is important for any woman. Those dependent on their spouse may suddenly find their husband cannot provide – whether due to illness, job loss, death or divorce. Everyone should have their own pool of cash in their own name as security."
Flexibility is also key for women hunting for a new role, according to Bayt.com, with 25 per cent of those polled citing flexible working hours as important.
Kerry McLaren, head of Omnibus Mena at YouGov said: “While most of our respondents believe women and men are treated equally at their employer; when women report there is gender inequality at work, the No 1 cited issue is with respect to promotions. This survey will help employers focus on what matters to women in the workplace.”
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In the Land of Saints and Sinners
Director: Robert Lorenz
Starring: Liam Neeson, Kerry Condon, Jack Gleeson, Ciaran Hinds
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Pakistanis at the ILT20
The new UAE league has been boosted this season by the arrival of five Pakistanis, who were not released to play last year.
Shaheen Afridi (Desert Vipers)
Set for at least four matches, having arrived from New Zealand where he captained Pakistan in a series loss.
Shadab Khan (Desert Vipers)
The leg-spin bowling allrounder missed the tour of New Zealand after injuring an ankle when stepping on a ball.
Azam Khan (Desert Vipers)
Powerhouse wicketkeeper played three games for Pakistan on tour in New Zealand. He was the first Pakistani recruited to the ILT20.
Mohammed Amir (Desert Vipers)
Has made himself unavailable for national duty, meaning he will be available for the entire ILT20 campaign.
Imad Wasim (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
The left-handed allrounder, 35, retired from international cricket in November and was subsequently recruited by the Knight Riders.
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Switch Foods
Started: 2022
Founder: Edward Hamod
Based: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Industry: Plant-based meat production
Number of employees: 34
Funding: $6.5 million
Funding round: Seed
Investors: Based in US and across Middle East
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Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
WHY AAYAN IS 'PERFECT EXAMPLE'
David White might be new to the country, but he has clearly already built up an affinity with the place.
After the UAE shocked Pakistan in the semi-final of the Under 19 Asia Cup last month, White was hugged on the field by Aayan Khan, the team’s captain.
White suggests that was more a sign of Aayan’s amiability than anything else. But he believes the young all-rounder, who was part of the winning Gulf Giants team last year, is just the sort of player the country should be seeking to produce via the ILT20.
“He is a delightful young man,” White said. “He played in the competition last year at 17, and look at his development from there till now, and where he is representing the UAE.
“He was influential in the U19 team which beat Pakistan. He is the perfect example of what we are all trying to achieve here.
“It is about the development of players who are going to represent the UAE and go on to help make UAE a force in world cricket.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Clinicy
Started: 2017
Founders: Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman, Abdullah bin Sulaiman Alobaid and Saud bin Sulaiman Alobaid
Based: Riyadh
Number of staff: 25
Sector: HealthTech
Total funding raised: More than $10 million
Investors: Middle East Venture Partners, Gate Capital, Kafou Group and Fadeed Investment
SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.3L/100km
On sale: November/December
Price: From Dh205,000 (estimate)