Page 213 - KFED PR REPORT LOCAL - AUGUST 2025

8/26/25, 9:40 AM Women account for 18% of all UAE-based entrepreneurs | Khaleej Times

While Sovereign primarily works with large regional and international conglomerates — where female
ownership still represents only a small proportion — the entrepreneur and SME space is rapidly
flourishing, supported by a rising number of incubators, accelerators, and women-focused business
networks across the Emirates. This ecosystem is creating new opportunities for female entrepreneurs
to launch and scale their ventures.

“Female entrepreneurs are at the forefront of innovation in the UAE,” said Zana Jablan Musa,
Operations Director at Sovereign. “From AI-driven FinTech applications to wellness and fitness
ventures, women are leveraging the UAE’s business-friendly environment to launch innovative,
future-proof enterprises. At Sovereign, we are proud to support them every step of the way – from

company formation and licensing guidance to residency solutions and ownership structuring.”

Sector highlights:

FinTech: Several female-led businesses have applied for the AI Innovation License in DIFC to
develop trading applications.

Health and wellness: Clinics, laser and beauty salons, and fitness ventures are seeing strong
growth among female entrepreneurs.

Industrial services: Unique licensing solutions, such as a female client securing 75 per cent
ownership for a power station contracting and repair business, illustrate the UAE’s regulatory

flexibility.

Visa and residency enquiries for skilled professionals and remote workers relocating to the UAE from
the UK, Ireland, and beyond are also on the rise, reflecting a broader trend of international female
talent contributing to the UAE economy.

The UAE government continues to champion female entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, which offers low-interest loans, mentoring, and business-
plan guidance for women, and the National Policy for Empowerment of Emirati Women 2023–2031,
which seeks to enhance women’s participation across all sectors.

The release of this data ahead of Emirati Women’s Day highlights the significant role women are
playing in shaping the UAE’s business landscape – from Emirati nationals to international
entrepreneurs leveraging the country’s supportive policies and business-friendly environment.
Through its work facilitating company formation, licensing, regulatory guidance, and residency

solutions across the UAE and GCC, Sovereign continues to empower female entrepreneurs to turn
opportunities into thriving businesses.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/women-account-for-18-of-all-uae-based-entrepreneurs 2/3