Are UAE banks doing enough to get women on board?

Recently, I stood on stage at the MENA BFSI Leaders Conclave in Dubai — facing a room full of CEOs and decision-makers from top banks across the region: Emirates Islamic, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD,  The Saudi Investment Bank, Mashreq, Wio Bank,  Doha Bank, and more.

What I told them is what I’ll tell you now: We’re about to witness one of the biggest wealth transfers in human history. And the face of that wealth is female.

Over the next decade, Gen Z and Millennials will inherit close to $100 trillion — and a significant share will go to women, according to Citi Private Bank.

Globally, women already control one-third of the world’s wealth. By 2030, that will rise to nearly 50%, as per Citi Private Bank.

Let that sink in. Women will no longer just be consumers. They’ll be investors. Decision-makers. Legacy builders.

This shift is global — and it’s happening right here in the GCC. More women are starting businesses, building financial literacy, and managing their own wealth. And yes, they’ll inherit significant assets in the years to come. Governments are paving the way, too.

The UAE mandates at least one woman on every listed board. Banks like Emirates NBD or FAB have pledged to reach 30% women in leadership by 2025.

And yet, the banking sector still feels like a men’s club. One executive whispered to me after the event: “This industry is still very male-dominated.”

The numbers prove it. Women hold just 18% of C-suite roles in banking globally, according to Deloitte). In the region, 70% of women cite gender bias as a major workplace barrier, says Bain & Company, and nearly half of women in finance say lack of sponsorship is what holds them back (Oliver Wyman).

So many end up leaving the workforce frustrated — because they don’t see enough role models, or they’re forced to navigate a workplace not built for them to thrive. There's often zero flexibility. So they leave.

What does this mean for your business — your bank or your insurance company?

It means you’re not ready.

Because many of you are chasing women as customers — investors or clients — but failing to promote them as leaders inside your companies.

The very women who could open new markets, understand female clients better, and drive growth are being overlooked. The point is that women you are chasing don’t just invest like men; they invest differently. They prioritize impact, sustainability, and long-term security. In this region, many feel more comfortable talking to a woman about money.

So let’s be honest. If you don’t understand them, if you don’t have top women to lead this new market share, someone else will. In a competitive market like ours — that’s a risk you simply can’t afford.

But not all is bleak. Some banks and institutions are making progress.

Wio Bank’s CEO told me proudly they’ve reached over 40% female workforce. And yes, we see strong women leading banks like FAB or Standard Chartered.

Still, too many are behind. Too many are underestimating the RoI and RoE (return on equity) of gender inclusion.

Let’s look at the numbers:

This isn’t charity. It’s smart business. It’s smart banking.

So here’s the question I left that powerful room with — and now I leave with you:

Will you keep doing business as usual? Losing talent. Missing growth. Falling behind. Trying to catch up later — when it will cost you more to claim that market share?

Or will you invest now — In the future of your bank or your company. In the power of your female talent. Not just to do the right thing. But to unlock the financial rewards for your shareholders and the ROI for your business.

The choice is yours.