The UAE Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) published an update showing a sharp rise in women’s representation on the boards of UAE-listed public joint-stock companies, with female-held board seats increasing from 47 in 2021 to 141 in 2024, an increase of about 200%. The release also highlighted a renewed partnership with Aurora50 to support female representation on boards. The increase follows the SCA’s 2021 amendment to Chairman’s Decision No. (3/Chairman) of 2020, which requires each listed company to have at least one female board member. The SCA linked the results to the effectiveness of its gender-equality regulations and broader corporate-governance agenda, while Aurora50’s co-founder, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bint Khalifa Al Nahyan, reiterated continued efforts with the regulator to promote women’s board participation.
UAE Securities & Commodities Authority 2025-01-16
UAE Securities & Commodities Authority reports 200% increase in women’s board seats at listed public joint-stock companies and renews Aurora50 partnership
The UAE Securities & Commodities Authority reported a significant rise in women's representation on boards of UAE-listed public joint-stock companies, with female-held board seats increasing from 47 in 2021 to 141 in 2024. This growth is attributed to the SCA's 2021 amendment mandating at least one female board member per listed company and its partnership with Aurora50 to enhance gender equality and corporate governance.