Only 10 per cent to 12 per cent of customers are women at our brokerage. That gap isn’t just a statistic – it’s a missed economic engine.
Across the Middle East and North Africa, women are launching businesses, running households and shaping purchasing decisions. Yet, too few are trading and investing – especially in the financial markets – where long-term wealth is compounded.
The good news: appetite exists. In Saudi Arabia, the number of women investing on the Tadawul stock market surpassed 1.74 million in the second quarter of 2025 – an all-time high and up sharply year on year, according to figures released by the Capital Market Authority.
That is not a niche; it’s momentum. In the UAE, women invested Dh118 billion ($32.1 billion) in Dubai real estate in 2024, representing about a third of all investors, according to the Dubai Land Department. This is evidence that when the asset class feels accessible and tangible, women show up in force.
For comparison, in the mature US market, women’s participation is mainstream, with roughly 62 per cent of US women reporting they own stocks (directly or through funds or retirement) – about the same rate as men, according to analytics company Gallup.
So, why hasn’t female participation in Mena’s financial markets kept pace?
Part of the answer is education and access. Wealth manager UBS’s region-wide study finds many women want to engage, but 71 per cent report low familiarity with investment instruments like stocks and bonds, even as 62 per cent say they want more information and seek to become more active investors.
There’s also a uniquely UAE imperative to invest. For expatriates, who make up a large share of the workforce, there is no state pension. Instead, most rely on an end-of-service gratuity, a lump sum that’s rarely enough to fund decades of retirement.
The government has begun reform, introducing voluntary end-of-service savings schemes that invest contributions. This is welcome progress, but still optional to enrol in.
In other words, for many residents, your retirement depends on the investment portfolio you build for yourself.
If we want more women investing, we should also bust an enduring myth that men are naturally “better” at it. In fact, the evidence points the other way.
A large-scale analysis by financial services company Fidelity found that female investors, on average, outperformed their male counterparts by 0.4 percentage points per year, thanks to steadier, long-term behaviour – lower turnover and fewer panic trades. That compounds.
Why it matters
When women invest, families are more financially resilient, businesses gain patient capital and markets deepen. In a region rapidly diversifying beyond hydrocarbons, activating half the population as long-term investors is not just fair, it’s macro-critical.
How to get started (and stick with it)1) Start with purpose, not products
Write down one primary goal (for instance, “retire at 60 with DhX per month”). Goals anchor behaviour when markets wobble.
2) Build a safety net first
Hold three to six months of essential expenses in cash or a money-market fund. This “sleep-well” buffer prevents selling investments at the worst time.
3) Automate a small, steady contribution
Set a standing monthly transfer into your portfolio (even Dh300 to Dh500). Automation beats motivation.
4) Keep costs low and diversify
Make bonds and broad, low-cost funds your core – regional and global equity index funds or exchange-traded funds, plus a bond fund if you want smoother swings. Add a Shariah-compliant option if that fits your values.
5) Use dollar-cost averaging
Invest the same amount on a schedule. You’ll buy more when prices are low and less when they’re high – no crystal ball required.
6) Limit trading
Behaviour – not brilliance – drives returns. Fewer, better-researched moves usually beat constant tinkering (and aligns with the performance edge women often show).
7) Measure what matters
Track progress against your goal once a quarter.
8) Learn in community
Join women-led investing circles, webinars or mentorship groups. In the UBS study, demand for approachable education was clear; peer learning removes the intimidation factor.
9) Leverage workplace schemes
If your employer offers a DIFC Employer Workplace Savings (Dews)-style or voluntary end-of-service savings plan, enrol and contribute. It’s a ready-made, diversified base – then layer a personal brokerage account on top.
10) Choose regulated partners
Use a locally regulated broker, understand fees and opt into investor-protection features.
The momentum in Saudi Arabia’s markets and Dubai’s property data show the desire – and the capacity – are already here.
The next step is giving women the education, tools and confidence to build long-term, diversified portfolios. For many of us in the UAE, where a government pension won’t be waiting, that’s not just empowerment. It’s essential.
Joy Dabeet is chief marketing officer at neo-broker amana
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsCABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
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Torbal Rayeh Wa Jayeh
Starring: Ali El Ghoureir, Khalil El Roumeithy, Mostafa Abo Seria
Stars: 3
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund “prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind”.
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
SPEC%20SHEET
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French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsEVIL%20DEAD%20RISE
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Match info:
Real Betis v Sevilla, 10.45pm (UAE)
In the Restaurant: Society in Four Courses
Christoph Ribbat
Translated by Jamie Searle Romanelli
Pushkin Press
RESULTS
2.15pm Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner Shawall, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer)
2.45pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Anna Bella Aa, Fabrice Veron, Abdelkhir Adam
3.15pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
3.45pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner Taajer, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
4.15pm The Ruler of Sharjah Cup – Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri
4.45pm Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Maqaadeer, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
The specs
Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-litre
Power: 325hp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh189,700
On sale: now
Teachers’ pay – what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here’s a rough guide as of January 2021:
– top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month – plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘very good’, followed by American schools
– average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
– it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
– some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
– maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
– at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
– in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, “accepted the political utility of violence”
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: “The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism.”
RESULTS
5pm Wathba Stallions Cup Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Munfared, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Sawt Assalam, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Dergham Athbah, Pat Dobbs, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Rajee, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
7pm Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Kerless Del Roc, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Pharoah King, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8pm Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner Sauternes Al Maury, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
The biog:
Favourite book: The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
Pet Peeve: Racism
Proudest moment: Graduating from Sorbonne
What puts her off: Dishonesty in all its forms
Happiest period in her life: The beginning of her 30s
Favourite movie: “I have two. The Pursuit of Happiness and Homeless to Harvard”
Role model: Everyone. A child can be my role model
Slogan: The queen of peace, love and positive energy
Tales of Yusuf Tadros
Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)
Hoopoe