March 8 and women's rights in the UAE: modern opportunities for business and women's lives in Dubai

International Women’s Day is not only a holiday, but also an occasion to remember the progress made in the field of women’s rights. In the United Arab Emirates, a country with deep Muslim traditions, many positive changes have taken place in recent years that make life and work easier for women, especially foreign women. In this article, we will talk about what restrictions existed before, what opportunities have appeared now, and how the Antwort Law team helps women resolve legal issues in the UAE.

If previously there were strict restrictions on women in business and social spheres in the UAE, now the situation has improved significantly. Here are some important changes:

– Company registration. In certain areas of business, foreign women were once prohibited from becoming founders or directors of a company. Now these restrictions have been lifted, and women can open a business in their own name without the need to attract a local sponsor.

– Opening bank accounts. Previously, women faced difficulties in opening corporate and personal accounts. Today, the banking system has become more flexible, and some banks even offer special programs for women entrepreneurs with preferential terms.

– Family sponsorship. A few years ago, in most cases, only a man (husband, father) could be a family sponsor, which complicated the situation for women who wanted to independently apply for Dependent visas for children. Today, women can take on financial responsibility for children and ensure their legal residence in the UAE.

– Work visas and women's rights. Previously, women who were in the country on a Housewife visa did not have the right to work officially. Now they can obtain an additional work permit.

– Support for women's entrepreneurship. The UAE has state programs to support women in business. For example, Women Entrepreneurship Programs offer free bank account maintenance for the first two years and reduced fees to entrepreneurs.

Why it matters?

These changes show that the UAE is actively working to create comfortable conditions for women - both locals and expats. Today, women can not only live and work in the UAE, but also fully manage a business, take on financial responsibility for their family and use all the opportunities of the modern business environment.

At the same time, it is important to remember that the UAE still has strict rules in certain areas. For example, there are dress codes in government institutions. In some cities, such as Ras al-Khaimah, women are required to wear closed clothing when visiting immigration authorities.

Our Antwort Law team provides comprehensive support to women in all legal matters related to business and residence in the UAE:

– Consulting on company registration and choosing the optimal business structure

– Assistance in opening bank accounts, including choosing a bank with the best conditions

– Support in the visa application process

– Consulting on tax and legal regulations

– Assistance in adapting to the UAE business environment, taking into account all cultural and legal nuances

This day is another reminder that opportunities for women are expanding, and the UAE offers favorable conditions for doing business and a comfortable life. If you are planning to open a company, apply for a visa or resolve legal issues in the UAE – contact us and we will help you.

Diana Gulevskaya

Head of Office in UAE
Antwort Law