Women’s Rights in UAE

Women’s Rights in UAE: In the United Arab Emirates, women have the same rights as men according to the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates. They can go to school, jobs, and receive social and health benefits. Even women can hold government positions in the United Arab Emirates. In 2014; the country was recognized for its respect towards women and for that it ranked as the first in the world for treating women respectfully.

UAE is strongly dedicated to promoting women’s rights and they consider it as a crucial aspect to build a modern and progressive society. Women actively participate in all aspects of life including economic, or political works on an equal footing with men. Since 1971, the UAE has prioritized empowering both male and female citizens.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Women in the United Arab Emirates and their rights in UAE in detail.

Women’s Rights in UAE

In the UAE, gender equality is a top priority, standing out in the Arab world according to the 2023 Global Gender Gap report. Women and men enjoy equal rights in everything from education to job opportunities. Moreover, women play an active role in diplomacy, with 42.5% serving in the diplomatic corps, including eleven Emirati women serving as ambassadors and consuls general. Here are the major women’s rights as mentioned below.

Aspect of Women’s Rights	Status in the UAE
Legal Equality	Guaranteed
Education	Accessible
Employment	Available
Social Benefits	Accessible
Health Benefits	Accessible
Government Positions	Attainable
Respect and Recognition	Highly Valued
Political Participation	Encouraged
Empowerment	Promoted
Commitment to Progress	Strong

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in UAE

• UAE ranks first in gender equality in the Gulf but 49th globally, highlighting contradictions.
• Despite progress, UAE maintains a highly traditional culture.
• The country has signed progressive international treaties for women’s rights but faces challenges in implementation.
• Women have constitutional rights equal to men but lack protection in key areas.
• Women can vote, drive, own property, work, and access education, though approval from guardians may be required.
• Expat women in UAE should be aware of legal nuances and rights, despite cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi feeling familiar.

Attitudes Towards Women in UAE

• The UAE holds the top position worldwide for its treatment of women with respect, as evidenced by various indicators.
• Instances of street harassment are practically unheard of in the country, creating a safer environment for women.
• Many expatriates report feeling significantly safer in the UAE compared to their home countries, attributing this to the absence of street harassment.
• Whether it is walking down the street at 3 am or taking a late-night taxi, women in the UAE experience minimal interactions or threats from strangers.
• There is a prevailing narrative in the Emirates that emphasizes the protection and elevation of women, contributing to a culture of respect and safety.

Women’s Political Rights in UAE

• The UAE is not a democracy, so Emiratis do not elect heads of state.
• However, since 2006, the government has allowed both men and women to vote or run for the Federal National Council (FNC).
• In 2015, nearly a quarter of a million people participated in the elections, with almost half of them being women.
• The FNC comprises 40 seats, half of which are elected by voters and the other half appointed by representatives of the Emirates.
• In the 2015 elections, 330 candidates competed, with 20% of them being women.
• One woman won through the elections, and eight others were appointed, making the overall representation of women in the FNC 20%.
• For the 2019 election, the President mandated that half of the FNC members must be women.

Women’s Economic Rights in UAE

• Women in the UAE receive equal pay for equal work, and they have the freedom to pursue jobs of their choice, including in the government, though with the consent of their guardian, typically their father.
• Approximately two-thirds of public sector jobs are held by women, and they constitute around 40% of the general workforce.
• Pregnant women are entitled to paid maternity leave, although the duration and pay rate vary depending on the employer, with no official paternal leave policy in place.
• Women can establish businesses freely in the UAE, with recent initiatives supporting female entrepreneurship, exemplified by groups like Womena driving the discourse. Currently, women entrepreneurs account for 10% of the UAE’s private sector and hold 15% of board seats in chambers of commerce and industry across the nation.
• Emirati women have the right to purchase property and secure mortgages, with statistics showing that 30% of property in Dubai is owned by women. However, it is advisable for women to draft wills due to variations in inheritance under Islamic law, where male heirs typically receive higher percentages unless stated otherwise in written directives.

Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights in UAE

• Healthcare for women in the UAE is widely accessible, with plenty of specialized and general hospitals offering almost any kind of treatment.
• The maternal mortality rate in the UAE is about 6 deaths per 100,000 births, similar to that of the United States.
• Abortion is illegal and criminalized in the UAE, except in very specific instances that are difficult to prove.
• Emirati women are generally living longer than ever before, but their health isn’t always optimal.
• Many Emirati women suffer from high rates of Vitamin D deficiency and obesity, leading to reproductive and general health complications.

Women’s Educational Rights in UAE

• The UAE boasts a high literacy rate of around 95% for both men and women.
• Women have access to education at all levels, from primary to secondary school.
• After secondary school, a significant 77% of Emirati women enroll in higher education.
• Women constitute a substantial 70% of all university graduates in the UAE.

Women’s Freedom From Violence in UAE

• The UAE has ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and considers gender equality a top priority, yet government policies often fall short of these ideals.
• Domestic violence is legal in the UAE due to Islamic principles allowing husbands to discipline their wives and children, leading to police sometimes dismissing reports as private matters.
• Women are obligated to obey their husbands, and rape victims seeking support risk being charged with illicit sex, reflecting shortcomings in women’s rights compared to global standards.
• Emirati law, rooted in Islamic principles, applies to everyone in the country, resulting in imbalanced rights in cases such as custody and divorce disputes.
• Instances exist where both parties in assault accusations, such as husbands and wives, face punishment, highlighting the need for expats to understand their rights and have an exit strategy.
• Marriage, family, and divorce laws in the UAE can be confusing, with men permitted to marry up to four wives and unilaterally divorce them, while wives require a court order for divorce under limited conditions.
• Women working without their husband’s consent may be viewed as misbehaving, and custody matters post-divorce are crucial considerations for expats, with wives having limited custody rights after certain ages.
• Forced marriages are NOT documented, but arranged marriages are common, and a woman’s male guardian must approve of her marriage before it can proceed.

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FAQs on Women’s rights in UAE

What are the rights of women in the UAE?

Women can vote, drive, own property, work, and get an education – however, some of these require approval from their guardian. Expat women should keep this in mind because, although places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi can feel very much like home, it pays to do your research on the law and your rights.

What are the strict rules for women in Dubai?

Keep necklines high, and shoulders and knees covered. Trousers or pants shouldn’t be too tight. Loose fitting is cooler in the heat. Foreign tourists are not required to cover their heads in Dubai unless visiting a special place (like a mosque) where this is required.

Are women allowed to drive in UAE?

The UAE lifted its ban on women driving in 2018. Women in the UAE have the same rights to drive as men, and they can obtain a driver’s license by passing the same tests. They can also drive any type of vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks.

Can women walk alone in UAE?

Yes, Dubai is definitely safe for solo female travelers, and it is the perfect destination for solo female digital nomads.

Is it safe to live in Dubai as a woman?

In Dubai, women are largely safe. According to a Georgetown University study in 2021, the UAE holds the greatest percentage of women who feel safe in their communities worldwide. 98.5% reported they felt safe.