Dubai: More women are joining UAE business community.
Up to 30 per cent of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are run or owned by women.
According to the Sharjah Business Council, there are approximately 11,000 women entrepreneurs with Dh12.5 billion of investments in various sectors and Dh2.1 billion in the manufacturing sector alone.
"Women play a central role in the development of the society and in building nations, as they complement men's role in boosting economic development," said Shaikha Budoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Qasba Development Authority, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Ladies Club and Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shorouq).
Equal footing
"The status attained by UAE women in all fields has enabled them to participate in the nation's development on an equal footing with their male counterparts in many fields," she said.
Women entrepreneurs were able to take advantage of various business councils and start-up funds which cater to this rising segment.
The Sharjah Business Women's Council (SBWC) recently inaugurated the Rouge Couture Boutique in the Al Fisht Area of Sharjah.
The abaya outlet is run by the Emirati and Chinese duo — Sara Al Madani and Apple Wang.
"The success of our project was based on an innovative idea that bridged tradition and fashion. Apple and I combined our knowledge and experience to bring to modern women a line of luxurious, unique and stylish abaya and jalabiya," said Sara Al Madani.
The SBWC is studying other projects expected to be launched by the end of this year, said Ameera Abdul Rahim Binkaram, chairwoman of SBWC.
La Beaute Fashion boutique owned by Emirati entrepreneur Najat Al Reda is another recent success story.
Funded by the Al Tomooh Finance Scheme for Small National Business, Le Beaute Fashion is the latest addition to the 23 female-run businesses funded by Al Tomooh.
Ameera urged women entrepreneurs to join forces under the umbrella of the SBWC and benefit from its support and guidance.
