The Rise of the ‘She-Economy’: How women are boldly reshaping the Middle East’s entrepreneurial landscape

Women are emerging as key players in the Middle East entrepreneurial space. A growing number of women are starting businesses, driving innovation, and contributing to economic growth. This rise of the ‘She-Economy’ is being powered by reforms, digitalisation, and increasing access to capital. However, the journey toward equality in entrepreneurship is not without its challenges.

Traditionally, women have found themselves sidelined in economic equity and access to worthwhile opportunities as compared to their male counterparts. The Middle East, often billed as a more conservative society, has drawn flak over the years for the limited or often, negligible representation of women in economic activity. Contributing factors include restrictive legal frameworks, deep-rooted cultural norms, and limited access to finance. Legal frameworks in some countries limited women’s ability to own property or establish businesses independently. Cultural expectations, financial constraints, and lack of education further compounded these challenges. 

However, in recent years, legal reforms in several countries, such as Saudi Arabia’s decision to grant women the right to drive and allowing women to establish businesses without male guardianship, have been game-changers. The post-pandemic rise of the digital economy has also proven to be a great equaliser, enabling women to bypass many traditional barriers. The increasing acceptance of digital education programmes and degrees has opened educational pathways for many women across the Middle East.

Global Momentum and Regional Parallels

Across emerging markets globally, women are steadily carving out space in the entrepreneurial ecosystem—and the Middle East is rising as a formidable contender. In Southeast Asia, for example, women-owned SMEs contribute nearly 60% to GDP in countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, backed by robust microfinance and inclusive digital platforms. Similarly, in Africa, where women represent 58% of the continent’s self-employed population, there is a growing wave of gender-focused fintech solutions and pan-African accelerator programmes. Comparatively, the UAE’s statistic of 18% women entrepreneurs may seem modest, but the pace of change, access to capital, and government-led empowerment initiatives signal a region in rapid evolution. As the Middle East continues to unlock potential through policy reforms and ecosystem support, it is well-positioned to become a global model for women-driven economic transformation.

Policy Changes and Empowerment

Many countries have introduced reforms and launched programmes designed to foster female-led businesses, hence empowering women entrepreneurs across the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Badir Incubator, a national programme promoting technical entrepreneurship, offers mentorship, courses, and incubation hubs for women to launch their startups. Its programmes have helped scale over 44 women-led businesses in Saudi Arabia to find their place under the sun.

The Dubai Women Business Council (DBWC), since 2002, has been actively championing women entrepreneurship ecosystems in the UAE and highlights the issues of pay parity, job participation, and professional growth of women in the economy through better opportunities. Under its aegis, the She Leads Accelerator Programme initiates vocational training and seminars for women to explore viable entrepreneurial ventures. Sheraa, located within the premises of the American University of Sharjah, is another ecosystem that supports startups and women-led businesses. The Emirates Businesswomen Council reported that women’s participation in the economy improved to 34.6% in 2024, and 18% of all entrepreneurs in the UAE are women. Public-private partnerships to create ecosystem-wide support for women entrepreneurs are also rising.