New KPMG Global Female Leaders Outlook provides insight into UAE female leaders’ perspectives

Half of UAE-based female leaders feel driven to make a positive impact on the world compared with 32 percent of global peers, according to KPMG’s latest UAE Female Leaders Outlook. In addition, a majority (74 percent) feel it is their personal responsibility to align their organization’s environmental, social and governance policies to reflect customers’ values.

The report also showed that although 78 percent of UAE-based female leaders are optimistic about growth for their own company, only 40 percent are confident about the global economy. Female leaders view agility and innovation as vital components of their company’s success in the future, with a majority (84 percent) saying agility is the new currency of a successful business.

Pilar De Miguel, Partner, Digital & Innovation at KPMG Lower Gulf, said: “UAE female business leaders understand that being personally invested in the success of their companies, and taking stakeholder concerns and expectations seriously is likely to promote long-term growth. Our second edition of the UAE Female Leaders Outlook finds that female executives in the UAE are not only acutely aware of existing business challenges and shifting business priorities but strive to tackle them head on. This is very encouraging for women in the local workforce, as gender balance continues to be encouraged by government policies and initiatives.”

As the impact of digitalization continues apace, data protection and information security are becoming central to business operations. Sixty percent of UAE-based female executives consider information security critical to the success of their companies. Three-quarters (76 percent) believe that in order to grow their company’s consumer base, they have a responsibility to secure customers’ data.

In addition, survey results indicate that gender equality is becoming the norm in many families, with over half saying that they are on an equal footing with their partner regarding work and family life. There are, however, still areas where more action may be desirable. For example, although eight in ten (80 percent) women have a career development plan and 52 percent expect to make their next career move within their current company, about one-third assume they will have to change companies to advance.

Looking ahead, UAE female business leaders are focused on long-term growth, while incorporating internal and external stakeholder priorities and values. Improving business processes through innovation and modernizing the workforce will be among their priorities as they pursue success.