Joint panel emphasizes on importance of boosting investment opportunities for people, particularly women, to foster economic development in the UAE
Dubai, UAE, 01 March, 2023: National Bonds, the nation’s leading savings and investment company, and Arab Women Authority, a leading NGO focused on empowering women in the MENA region, hosted a joint panel discussion on the importance of investing in the UAE, with a special emphasis on women. Bringing together prominent experts from the finance and real estate sectors, the panel served as a powerful platform to discuss the significance of investment in building a secure financial future for women in the country.
The UAE is experiencing a rise in female investors, with more women taking an interest in building their financial portfolios. Recent data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) shows that 26,698 women have invested in real estate, contributing over AED 58.8 billion to the burgeoning sector. This growth has led to women currently owning 30% of the property in Dubai, according to a recent Dubai Government study. Emirati women have also reported profitable businesses, with over 23,000 currently running enterprises valued at AED 50 billion in the country.
Recognizing the important role of women in the UAE's economic development, National Bonds and the Arab Women Authority are committed to further empowering women by promoting financial independence through saving and diversifying investments. The panel was a testament to the commitment of the two entities to building the financial strength of women in the UAE.
Held at the ballroom of The Palace, The Old Town in Dubai recently, the panel, was led by Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bonds, Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of National Bonds, Ahmad Almsaeed, Chief Executive Officer of Investment and Treasury at National Bonds Group, Mohammed Al-Dulaimi, Secretary-General of the Arab Women Authority, Dr. Lina Abu Bakr, Executive Director of the Arab Women Authority, and Dr. Maysoon Essa, Member of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Women Authority, along with Mohanad Alwadiya, Chief Executive Officer of Harbor Real Estate, and Mohamed Hareb Al Falahi, Founder of Royal Liwan Real Estate, and moderated by Mirhan Mustafa Dosouqi, TV presenter with Noor Dubai.
The discussion brought together over 150 high ranking officials from consulates and businesses in the UAE and addressed any uncertainties in the field of investment, and the growing need for more women to be involved in financial decision making.
Speaking about the current investment outlook in the UAE, Mohammed Qasim Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer at National Bonds, said: “It is encouraging to see the number of investors grow in the country, especially female investors. However, rising inflation has impacted asset pricing, which has compelled investors to rethink traditional approaches, and review assets that offer long-term security and competitive returns. As was highlighted in today’s discussion, many opportunities, especially in real estate, offer secure avenues for people to invest and grow their wealth."
Speaking at the panel, Rehab Lootah, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer at National Bonds, stated: “Investing is crucial for economic development and women, in particular, play a vital role in the advancement and prosperity of communities. Empowering them with financial education and investment avenues is essential for their financial security, as well as that of the country. Today, 50% of National Bonds’ Sukuk holders are women, and we see this number growing rapidly. Our goal is to equip women with the necessary knowledge and tools to bridge the gender investment gap, inspiring them to dream big and reach new heights. Because when women thrive, society thrives."
Dr. Lina Abu Bakr, Executive Director of the Arab Women Authority, added, “We were delighted to participate in this insightful discussion on investment opportunities for women with National Bonds. Encouraging women’s involvement in investing and making them more financially-savvy is something Arab Women Authority is deeply passionate about. Our goal is to work with National Bonds to create a more inclusive and level-playing field for women in the UAE and Arab world when it comes to investing and managing finances. The beautiful thing about the UAE’s success is that it inspires people to think bigger, and better. That’s what we want for the women of this nation.’’
Women investors are growing in the region, as highlighted by a Saxo Bank report which showed an 18% increase in the share of female investors in the UAE over the past five years. Yet, far fewer women are seen to invest as compared to men. Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre reported that the proportion of female investors in the UAE is only 21%, compared to 79% for men.
With a joint mission to promote financial literacy and inclusion, National Bonds and Arab Women Authority are committed to offering women a platform to learn about investment options and to develop their financial skills. With this partnership, the organisations are setting a new standard in the industry, as they work together to educate, empower, and inspire women to take control of their finances and reach their financial goals.
