Latest news with #GCCBoardGenderIndexReport2025
Leaders
29-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
GCC Board Gender Diversity Records Steady Progress Since 2024
Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 have today, April 29, unveiled the 'GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025', according to Aurora50. The report marks the second edition of this landmark publication after the inaugural 'GCC Board Gender Index Report 2024'. The 2025 edition provides readers with thorough insights and analysis of women's representation on the boards of publicly listed companies in the GCC. Mainly, researchers collect data annually and release reports in April each year. Through these reports, researchers can accurately identify opportunities and challenges to boost gender diversity in boardrooms. Report's Key Findings Women Representation Women's board representation in the GCC increased to 6.8% as of January 2025, compared to 5.2% in 2024. Since 2024, the representation of women on the boards of publicly listed companies has increased in each GCC country year on year. The UAE leads female representation with 14.8% of board seats held by women, up from 10.8% in 2024 (a 37% increase). Bahrain has exceeded Oman since 2024 as the GCC country with the second-highest percentage of women on boards. Country-wise Representation Here is the percentage of board positions led by women at publicly listed companies across the GCC: UAE: 14.8% (185 of 1,248 seats) Bahrain: 8.5% (30 of 353 seats) Oman: 6.6% (56 of 849 seats) Kuwait: 5.5% (52 of 946 seats) Saudi Arabia: 2.9% (53 of 1,809 seats) Qatar: 2.8% (13 of 459 seats) Importantly, women held 379 (6.8%) of the 5,535 board seats in 729 publicly listed companies across the GCC. This remarkable growth stands as a testament to women's continued progress toward inclusive leadership. Meanwhile, the UAE's noticeable progress from 2024 reflects a growing recognition among publicly listed companies of the significance of gender parity in boardrooms. Remarks of Aurora50's Director Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Director of Aurora50 Upon the launch of the GCC Board Gender Index 2025, HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Director of Aurora50, commented 'When Aurora50 launched in 2020 with its vision of gender parity on corporate boards, only 3.5% of UAE board seats were held by women. As we mark our fifth anniversary, it is promising to see that figure rise over fourfold (to 14.8%) and to almost 7% across the region, highlighting the impact of our collective efforts.' Al Nahyan also noted the importance of tracking this progress as a key to creating, and bolstering, a strong pipeline of female talent at every level. 'Our second report with Heriot-Watt University Dubai helps advance gender balance not just in the UAE, but across the GCC as a whole,' she added. In addition, she stressed Aurora50's dedication to paving clear paths for women to step into board positions, ensuring fundamentally diverse and balanced gender representation in our nation's organizations. 'This dramatic shift in just five years reaffirms the UAE's role as a global leader in gender balance,' Al Nahyan said. Comments of Heriot-Watt University's Vice Principal Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor Meanwhile, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, said, 'Since moving to the UAE in 2022, I have continued my work in research into gender balance on public company boards, with a focus on the GCC region. As Heriot-Watt University celebrates its 20th anniversary in Dubai this year, we are proud to continue our collaboration with Aurora50 on this important work.' McGregor described the current progress as 'promising' noting that year-on-year growth in women's board representation signals real momentum. Although there is a lot of work to be done, the UAE has shown significant progress, which is a key step towards gender parity on boards. 'Along with Aurora50, I am committed to tracking this shift and providing reliable data that supports further advancement. It is encouraging to see the region moving in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing this crucial work,' she added. Looking ahead, researchers will continue to update and publish the reports each year until at least 2027 and other DEI research projects are expected to progress in parallel. Heriot-Watt University Dubai Heriot-Watt University Dubai has gained a great reputation for world-class teaching and practical research as the first British university to establish a campus in 2005. The university provides a vast array of programmes and disciplines, spanning postgraduate and undergraduate courses. In the light of this, its graduates are highly employable and sought after by the best organizations worldwide. Aurora50 As a DEI impact agency, Aurora50 encourages inclusive workplaces and diverse leadership. It is also building a network of allies through strong connections and community. Pathway is Aurora50's powerful 12-week board accelerator for busy executives: the boardroom launchpad for influential GCC women. The pathway has been running since 2020. It will welcome the next cohort in Q4 2025. Related Topics: Prince Sultan University Leads AI Innovation, Women Empowerment Saudi Arabia Tops Global Rankings in Empowering Women in AI Saudi Women Participation in Workforce Hits 36.2% Short link : Post Views: 72
Al Etihad
29-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tops GCC in women's board representation: Heriot-Watt Report
29 Apr 2025 15:27 DUBAI (WAM)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 UAE topping the list at 14.8 percent. The UAE accounts for 185 out of 1,248 board seats, compared to 10.8 percent in 2024, marking a 37 percent 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 to the report, 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 on the launch of the report, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Director of Aurora50, said, 'When Aurora50 launched in 2020 with a vision to achieve gender balance on boards, just 3.5 percent of board seats in the UAE were held by women. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, it is encouraging to see this number rise more than fourfold to 14.8 percent — and close to 7 percent region-wide — highlighting the impact of our collective efforts.'She added, 'Tracking this progress through the Board Gender Index is vital to building and sustaining a strong pipeline of female talent at all levels. Our second report with Heriot-Watt University Dubai supports the drive for gender balance not only in the UAE but across the entire GCC. In line with the vision of the UAE leadership, Aurora50 remains committed to paving clear pathways for women to reach board positions, ensuring diverse and inclusive representation across our institutions. This remarkable transformation in just five years affirms the UAE's global leadership in gender balance.'Professor Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said, 'Since moving to the UAE in 2022, I've continued my research into gender balance on public company boards, with a focus on the GCC. As Heriot-Watt marks 20 years in Dubai this year, we are proud to continue our partnership with Aurora50 on this important initiative.'She added, 'The UAE's notable progress represents a crucial step towards achieving gender parity on boards. Through our collaboration with Aurora50, I remain committed to tracking this evolution and providing credible data to support continued advancement.' The GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025 can be accessed on the Heriot-Watt University Dubai website, and will be updated annually until 2027, as part of a joint research project with Aurora50, aimed at creating a searchable database and advancing diversity and equality efforts across the region through consistent data publication and analysis.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC Board Gender Diversity sees steady growth since 2024, Report reveals
The index shows double-digit growth in every country since 2024, with female representation on boards now at 6.8% across the GCC. The UAE leads the region with board gender diversity at 14.8% female representation. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 have today released the 'GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025', marking the second edition of this landmark publication. Following the inaugural 'GCC Board Gender Index Report 2024', this year's edition continues to provide an in-depth analysis of women's representation on the boards of publicly listed companies in the GCC. As the only cross-GCC report of its kind, it represents a comprehensive data set that has been published collating information from across the region. The data is collected annually and published in April each year. This resource supports researchers in identifying trends, challenges and opportunities to enhance gender diversity in boardrooms while highlighting the region's collective progress toward more inclusive and diverse corporate leadership. Key findings from this report are as follows: As of January 2025, women's board representation in the GCC increased to 6.8%, up from 5.2% in 2024. The representation of women on the boards of publicly listed companies has grown in each GCC country year on year since 2024. The UAE is the leader in female representation with 14.8% of board seats held by women, up from 10.8% in 2024 (a 37% increase). Since 2024, Bahrain has surpassed Oman as the GCC country with the second-highest percentage of women on boards. Country-wise, the percentage of board positions held by women at publicly listed companies across the GCC is as follows: UAE: 14.8% (185 of 1,248 seats) Bahrain: 8.5% (30 of 353 seats) Oman: 6.6% (56 of 849 seats) Kuwait: 5.5% (52 of 946 seats) Saudi Arabia: 2.9% (53 of 1,809 seats) Qatar: 2.8% (13 of 459 seats) As of January 2025, women held 379 (6.8%) of the 5,535 board seats in 729 publicly listed companies across the GCC, signalling continued progress toward inclusive leadership. The UAE's significant growth from 2024 reflects a growing recognition among publicly listed companies of the importance of gender parity in boardrooms. Commenting on the launch of the GCC Board Gender Index 2025, HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Director of Aurora50, said, "When Aurora50 launched in 2020 with its vision of gender parity on corporate boards, only 3.5% of UAE board seats were held by women. As we mark our fifth anniversary, it is promising to see that figure rise over fourfold (to 14.8%) and to almost 7% across the region, highlighting the impact of our collective efforts. "Tracking this progress - as the GCC Board Gender Index does - is key to creating, and bolstering, a strong pipeline of female talent at every level. Our second report with Heriot-Watt University Dubai helps advance gender balance not just in the UAE, but across the GCC as a whole. "In line with the vision of the UAE's leadership, Aurora50 is committed to paving clear paths for women to step into board positions, ensuring fundamentally diverse and balanced gender representation in our nation's organisations. This dramatic shift in just five years reaffirms the UAE's role as a global leader in gender balance." Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, said, "Since moving to the UAE in 2022, I have continued my work in research into gender balance on public company boards, with a focus on the GCC region. As Heriot-Watt University celebrates its 20th anniversary in Dubai this year, we are proud to continue our collaboration with Aurora50 on this important work. "The progress we are seeing is promising; year-on-year increase in women's board representation signals real momentum. Although there is a lot of work to be done, the UAE has shown significant progress, which is a key step towards gender parity on boards. "Along with Aurora50, I am committed to tracking this shift and providing reliable data that supports further advancement. It is encouraging to see the region moving in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing this crucial work." The GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025 can be accessed on the Heriot-Watt University Dubai website. Researchers at Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 will update and publish it annually until at least 2027, and other DEI research projects are expected to progress in parallel. The development of a fully searchable database is underway. By releasing this data annually, Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 seek to sustain the spotlight on the progress achieved and contribute to advancing meaningful change across the region. About Heriot-Watt University Dubai As the first British university to set up a campus in 2005, Heriot-Watt University Dubai has established itself as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The University's reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research combined with its strong links to business and industry, has seen it attract a thriving population of undergraduate and postgraduate students. It offers an extensive range of programmes and disciplines, spanning postgraduate and undergraduate courses. Heriot-Watt graduates are highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. About Aurora50 Aurora50 is a DEI impact agency that promotes inclusive workplaces and diverse leadership. Through the power of connection and community, Aurora50 is building a network of allies. Based in the Middle East, it steers corporations to an inclusive future. Aurora50 supports corporate clients in their DEI goals and sees their impact grow through the power of diversity. Pathway / مسار is Aurora50's powerful 12-week board accelerator for busy executives: the boardroom launchpad for influential GCC women. It has been running since 2020; doors open to the next cohort in Q4 2025.
Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
GCC Board Gender Diversity sees steady growth since 2024, UAE shows 37% growth
Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 have released the 'GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025', marking the second edition of this landmark publication. Following the inaugural 'GCC Board Gender Index Report 2024', this year's edition continues to provide an in-depth analysis of women's representation on the boards of publicly listed companies in the GCC. As the only cross-GCC report of its kind, it represents a comprehensive data set that has been published collating information from across the region. The data is collected annually and published in April each year. This resource supports researchers in identifying trends, challenges and opportunities to enhance gender diversity in boardrooms while highlighting the region's collective progress toward more inclusive and diverse corporate leadership. Key findings from this report are as follows: · As of January 2025, women's board representation in the GCC increased to 6.8%, up from 5.2% in 2024. · The representation of women on the boards of publicly listed companies has grown in each GCC country year on year since 2024. · The UAE is the leader in female representation with 14.8% of board seats held by women, up from 10.8% in 2024 (a 37% increase). · Since 2024, Bahrain has surpassed Oman as the GCC country with the second-highest percentage of women on boards. Country-wise, the percentage of board positions held by women at publicly listed companies across the GCC is as follows: · UAE: 14.8% (185 of 1,248 seats) · Bahrain: 8.5% (30 of 353 seats) · Oman: 6.6% (56 of 849 seats) · Kuwait: 5.5% (52 of 946 seats) · Saudi Arabia: 2.9% (53 of 1,809 seats) · Qatar: 2.8% (13 of 459 seats) As of January 2025, women held 379 (6.8%) of the 5,535 board seats in 729 publicly listed companies across the GCC, signalling continued progress toward inclusive leadership. The UAE's significant growth from 2024 reflects a growing recognition among publicly listed companies of the importance of gender parity in boardrooms. Commenting on the launch of the GCC Board Gender Index 2025, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Director of Aurora50, said: "When Aurora50 launched in 2020 with its vision of gender parity on corporate boards, only 3.5% of UAE board seats were held by women. As we mark our fifth anniversary, it is promising to see that figure rise over fourfold (to 14.8%) and to almost 7% across the region, highlighting the impact of our collective efforts. "Tracking this progress - as the GCC Board Gender Index does - is key to creating, and bolstering, a strong pipeline of female talent at every level. Our second report with Heriot-Watt University Dubai helps advance gender balance not just in the UAE, but across the GCC as a whole. "In line with the vision of the UAE's leadership, Aurora50 is committed to paving clear paths for women to step into board positions, ensuring fundamentally diverse and balanced gender representation in our nation's organisations. This dramatic shift in just five years reaffirms the UAE's role as a global leader in gender balance." Provost and Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Professor Dame Heather McGregor, said: "Since moving to the UAE in 2022, I have continued my work in research into gender balance on public company boards, with a focus on the GCC region. As Heriot-Watt University celebrates its 20 th anniversary in Dubai this year, we are proud to continue our collaboration with Aurora50 on this important work. "The progress we are seeing is promising; year-on-year increase in women's board representation signals real momentum. Although there is a lot of work to be done, the UAE has shown significant progress, which is a key step towards gender parity on boards. "Along with Aurora50, I am committed to tracking this shift and providing reliable data that supports further advancement. It is encouraging to see the region moving in the right direction, and I look forward to continuing this crucial work." The GCC Board Gender Index Report 2025 can be accessed on the Heriot-Watt University Dubai website. Researchers at Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 will update and publish it annually until at least 2027, and other DEI research projects are expected to progress in parallel. The development of a fully searchable database is underway. By releasing this data annually, Heriot-Watt University and Aurora50 seek to sustain the spotlight on the progress achieved and contribute to advancing meaningful change across the region.
