Breaking Barriers: Women in Dubai's IT Industry

The field of IT has become a critical sector driving innovation and progress across industries, and diversity is essential for companies to thrive in the current competitive landscape. Despite the increasing recognition of the value of diversity, women are still underrepresented in IT, both globally and in Dubai.

In this article, we will examine the current state of women in IT in Dubai and explore the government's initiatives to support and empower women in this field.
Are you thinking about relocating to Dubai? Read this article to learn about the benefits of working as an IT specialist in Dubai.

The State of Women in IT in Dubai

Despite Dubai's progressive stance, the representation of women in the IT industry is disproportionately low, with estimates suggesting that they make up only around 25% of the workforce. This trend is consistent with the global situation, where women are underrepresented in STEM fields, including IT.

What actions are taking place?

However, in the past few years, the government of Dubai has recognized the importance of gender diversity in the IT sector and has taken proactive steps to bridge this gap. Several initiatives and programs have been launched to encourage more women to pursue careers in IT. Women in Dubai have made progress in recent years, and the government's efforts to improve the lives of women in the city have also contributed to their empowerment in the IT industry.

Results by now

The UAE, including Dubai, has made significant progress in terms of gender equality, with the World Economic Forum’s 2022 Global Gender Gap report ranking it as a leading country in the region. This progress is reflected in the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security's 2021 WPS Index, which ranks the UAE as 24th among 170 countries and the highest regionally, demonstrating the country's progress in women's inclusion, justice, and security.

A word about safety


Dubai has consistently been recognized as the safest city for women year after year. According to a study by Georgetown University, an overwhelming 98.5% of women in the UAE feel safe in their communities, indicating the city's sustained low crime rates.


Initiatives

The UAE government is committed to promoting gender diversity in the tech industry, and there are several initiatives and programs to support women in IT.

Women in Tech

Women in Technology (WIT) is a community-driven initiative that connects and empowers women in the tech industry. Through various events, workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, women are inspired to share knowledge, learn from each other and advance their careers. WIT's flagship program aims to increase women's representation in technology by providing mentoring, training, and other resources to help women pursue careers in the industry. Their ultimate goal is to empower five million women and girls in the field by 2030.

Dubai Women's College (DWC)

DWC offers various programs and courses in the field of IT, with a particular focus on encouraging women to pursue careers in this field. The college provides a supportive environment where women can learn, grow, and develop their skills and knowledge.

Dubai Future Accelerators (DFA)

DFA is a government-led initiative that aims to support innovative startups and entrepreneurs in various fields, including IT. The program offers funding, mentorship, and access to resources to help women-led startups grow and succeed.

Women@DEWA

This initiative is led by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and aims to empower and support women in the energy and IT sectors. It provides training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women to develop their skills and advance their careers.

Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs)

WEPs is a global initiative that aims to empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Dubai-based companies can sign up to become WEPs signatories, committing to promoting gender equality and empowering women in their organizations.

Dubai Future Foundation's One Million Arab Coders initiative

This program provides free coding courses to individuals across the Arab world, focusing on empowering women and increasing their representation in the tech industry.

Future of Women in IT in Dubai

The future of women in IT in Dubai looks promising as the country has taken significant steps towards promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women in the technology industry.

Dubai's government has launched several initiatives to encourage women's participation in the workforce. As Dubai strives to become a global technology hub, there are many opportunities for women in IT. The government has invested heavily in technology infrastructure, such as 5G networks and artificial intelligence, and has established numerous technology accelerators and innovation centres.
Read more about the future of IT in Dubai in this article.
Despite the challenges, women in IT in Dubai are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success. Their stories offer inspiration and insight into what is possible in the tech industry.

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