Abu Dhabi: A new report released by Heriot-Watt University has confirmed that all GCC countries have seen year-on-year growth in the representation of women on public company boards, with the United Arab Emirates topping the list at 14.8 percent - accounting for 185 out of 1,248 board seats - compared to 10.8 percent in 2024, marking a 37 percent increase.
According to Emirates News Agency, the report, launched in collaboration with Aurora50, is the second edition of the 'GCC Board Gender Index' and reveals a doubling of women's representation on boards since 2024. As of January 2025, the percentage stood at 6.8 percent, compared to 5.2 percent the previous year - or 379 out of 5,535 board seats across 729 public companies in the region.
The report indicates that Bahrain ranked second with 8.5 percent (30 out of 353 seats), followed by Oman at 6.6 percent (56 of 849 seats), Kuwait at 5.5 percent (52 of 946 seats), Saudi Arabia at 2.9 percent (53 of 1,809 seats), and Qatar at 2.8 percent (13 of 459 seats).
The report, published annually each April, serves as a regional benchmark and analytical tool to track trends, challenges, and opportunities in achieving gender balance on boards, amid growing commitments to inclusive governance practices among public companies in the GCC.
H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Director of Aurora50, commented on the launch of the report, noting the significant increase in the UAE's board representation from 3.5 percent in 2020 to 14.8 percent. She emphasized the importance of tracking progress through the Board Gender Index to sustain a strong pipeline of female talent and highlighted Aurora50's commitment to promoting gender balance across the GCC.
Professor Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, reiterated the importance of gender parity on boards and the ongoing collaboration with Aurora50. She noted the UAE's progress as a crucial step towards achieving gender balance and committed to providing credible data for continued advancement.
The GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025 can be accessed on the Heriot-Watt University Dubai website, with annual updates planned until 2027 as part of a joint research project with Aurora50 to advance diversity and equality efforts across the region.