Prime Highlight
- SBWC shifted its strategy in 2025 to build long-term, scalable support for women-led businesses across the UAE.
- The Council expanded global reach for members through exhibitions, trade missions, and sustainability-focused forums.
Key Facts
- Women made up 54.1% of the UAE workforce in 2024, with the country scoring 100% in the Women, Business and the Law 2024 report.
- SBWC launched the NMU Initiative, Business Readiness Bootcamp, and organised a trade mission to China in 2025.
Background
The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) marked 2025 as a year of growth and stronger impact by building itself into a full support system for women entrepreneurs in the UAE.
Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said the Council made a strategic shift this year to focus on building long-term and scalable value for women-led businesses. She added that the Council’s work matches the UAE’s strong performance on global women empowerment indicators. According to the World Bank, women made up 54.1 per cent of the country’s workforce in 2024, while the UAE also achieved a full score in the Women, Business and the Law 2024 report.
The Council began the year by holding consultation sessions with members in Sharjah and Kalba. These meetings helped shape programmes that reflect the real needs of entrepreneurs. SBWC also took part in the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival and launched the NMU Initiative, which supports the growth of women-owned brands.
Another key step was the Business Readiness Bootcamp. The programme focused on essential business skills, including legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing strategies, helping women prepare for growth and investment.
SBWC also increased global exposure for its members. Women entrepreneurs joined major exhibitions such as the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show and Expand North Star, where they connected with buyers, investors, and partners.
In addition, the Council organised a trade mission to China. This gave members direct access to international suppliers and new market opportunities. The Council aimed to connect local businesses with global supply chains and boost their export potential.
Beyond business growth, SBWC played a role in national discussions on social entrepreneurship and the circular economy through specialised forums. These platforms encouraged women to explore sustainable business models.
The Council said these combined efforts show its aim to build a strong ecosystem that guides women entrepreneurs from the idea stage to global markets.