Business networks for women in the UAE
Business women's councils, board accelerators, incubators and founder networks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah — and who can join each.
Every entry here had to pass one test: does it give the woman clicking it something concrete — training, introductions, market access, a route to a board seat — rather than simply existing. Several well-known names were cut for failing it.
Membership bodies are marked where they charge. Some of the strongest programmes here are free, including one run with the US Mission to the UAE.
Networks & business support
11 entries
Aurora50 — Pathway aurora50.com
A 12-week board accelerator for women in the GCC — 40 hours of training and a board governance certification. Over 80 per cent of graduates now sit as non-executive directors. Apply yourself, or have your employer sponsor you.
Dubai Business Women Council dbwc.ae
Membership body for women in business in Dubai — events, mentoring and a member network. You can join directly on the site.
Sharjah Business Women Council sbwc.ae
Membership, training and market access for women running businesses in Sharjah, under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. Use the /en address — the root opens in Arabic.
Dubai Women Establishment dwe.gov.ae
Runs ShEntrepreneur, Women on International Boards, Tamkeen+ and the YES! mentorship programme, plus corporate governance training with Hawkamah. Its remit is Emirati women.
NAMA Women Advancement namawomen.ae
Sharjah, under the Executive Office of Sheikha Jawaher. An events calendar, an e-library of research on women’s economic participation, and open roles — current vacancies are listed under Opportunities. +971 6 594 1362.
Female Fusion femalefusionnetwork.com
The largest women’s business community in the UAE. Membership you join directly, workshops, events, an annual awards judged by an independent panel, and a directory of women-founded businesses.
WE Global Network weglobalnetwork.com
Dubai-based network for established women founders. Brokers introductions to corporate procurement leads and decision-makers, not just meetups. Separate application routes for UAE residents and everyone else.
Women in Tech UAE women-in-tech.org
The official UAE chapter of the global Women in Tech movement. Networking events, mentorship and skill-building, open from students through to senior professionals. For women with careers inside companies rather than their own business.
in5 Innovation Centres infive.ae
Dubai’s incubator since 2013, 500+ startups through it. Startup programmes, workspace and business-setup support across tech, design and media. Not women-specific.
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs startad.ae
Free. Run by startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi with the US Mission to the UAE. A scaling plan, expert guidance and mentorship from a network of 150+ UAE women leaders. UAE participants have raised USD 9.2m and created 524 jobs over four years. The current fifth edition is aimed at Emirati women.
Dubai Chambers dubaichambers.com
Membership, certificates of origin, attestation, mediation, and the business councils and groups you can join. Not women-specific, but the practical first stop for a trading business in Dubai.
More for the UAE
Every link on this page was opened and checked by hand. Last reviewed 04 October 2026.