Leading with Grace: How Femininity Enhances Executive Leadership in the Middle East

Happy Emirati Women's Day!

Leading with Grace: The Rise of Feminine Leadership in the UAE

On this Emirati Women’s Day, celebrated on August 28th, we honor the incredible contributions of women across the UAE and the wider Middle East. As an expat who was also exposed to the myths and misconceptions of what being a woman in business in this region meant, it has been an honor to recognize and celebrate the country that thrives despite all stereotypes every day. Today is a time for reflection, celebration, and anticipation of a future shaped by the powerful feminine qualities transforming leadership in this region. As we pause to appreciate the strides women have made, we also look forward to a future where these qualities—empathy, collaboration, and relationship-building—become the cornerstone of leadership, not just in the UAE, but globally.

What Does Femininity in Leadership Really Mean?

For too long, leadership has been predominantly associated with masculine traits like assertiveness and decisiveness. While these traits certainly have their place, the evolving business landscape has shown that the qualities traditionally associated with femininity are not just complementary—they are critical to success. In a region where interpersonal relationships and cultural nuances are paramount, the ability to lead with empathy and build genuine connections is invaluable.

Femininity in leadership goes beyond gender. It’s about embracing qualities like empathy, collaboration, and effective communication—people skills that anyone can learn to develop and use to lead with authenticity and strength. In the culturally rich and diverse environments like the Middle East, these qualities are not just desirable; they are essential.

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Myth-Busting: Women and Leadership in the UAE

As mentioned in the intro, one of the biggest misconceptions about the UAE (that it is so easy to fall for) is the belief that being a woman in this region equates to a lack of opportunity, especially in leadership. This is not however the reality. In fact, the UAE is a leader in gender equality in the Middle East, with numerous initiatives and achievements that showcase the progress and empowerment of women in leadership roles.

Consider these lesser-known facts that challenge outdated perceptions:

1. Women in Government:?Nearly 50% of the Federal National Council is female, one of the highest proportions in the world. The UAE was also one of the first countries to appoint a female minister, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Khalid Al Qasimi setting a precedent for gender equality in governance.
2. Global Rankings:?The UAE consistently ranks high in global gender equality reports, particularly in literacy, educational attainment, and labor force participation. The country has made significant strides in closing the gender gap, particularly in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
3. Supportive Legislation:?Progressive laws and policies in the UAE aim to empower women in the workforce and protect their rights. From mandatory female representation on company boards to policies that support work-life balance, the UAE is committed to creating an environment where women can thrive.
4. Educational Opportunities:?Emirati women are among the most educated in the world, with higher education enrollment rates surpassing those of men. This access to education has paved the way for women to take on leadership roles across various sectors, from technology to finance.
5. Economic Participation:?Women in the UAE play a significant role in the economy, contributing to and leading some of the largest and most influential companies in the region. The government’s Vision 2021 plan emphasizes increasing women’s participation in the workforce, and the results are evident in the growing number of women in executive roles.

These facts highlight a reality that is often overshadowed by outdated perceptions: the UAE is a place of opportunity for women, particularly in leadership. The progress made in recent years is a testament to the country’s commitment to gender equality, and Emirati women are leading the way with grace, strength, and resilience.

The Power of Femininity in Executive Leadership

So, how do these progressive changes tie into femininity in leadership? The answer lies in understanding that the traits traditionally associated with femininity—empathy, collaboration, and effective communication—are not just advantageous in leadership; they are essential. In a region where cultural nuances and interpersonal relationships are key to success, these traits are invaluable.

This is where the concept of manners and etiquette comes into play. As the founder of The School of Manners, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for leaders to understand and respect the cultural contexts in which they operate. Emily Post once said the manners are simply the sensitive awareness of the feelings of others and in that sense for generations, our mothers, grandmothers and aunties have been the genetic guardians of our social intelligence. The teachers of emotional and social intelligence in society. In the UAE, where respect, honor, and hospitality are deeply ingrained in the culture, leaders who ?learned to embody these values have the immense benefit of building stronger, more effective teams and create more meaningful connections with their clients and partners.

Manners, in this context, are not just about politeness—they are about understanding the social and cultural fabric of the region and leading with a sense of respect and care for others. This aligns perfectly with the feminine leadership traits of empathy and relationship-building, which are so critical in the Middle Eastern business environment.

Celebrating Emirati Women Leaders

On Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of the incredible women who are redefining leadership in the UAE. Their success is not just a result of their hard work and determination, but also of their ability to lead with both strength and grace. These women are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, all while staying true to the values of empathy, collaboration, and respect—values that are at the core of feminine leadership.

Emirati Women who stayed true to their dress, their femininity, their family and cultural values while taking leadership positions… are living proof that leadership is not about fitting into a predefined mold but about bringing your whole self to the table—embracing both the feminine and the masculine qualities that make you a well-rounded, adaptable leader.

Moving Forward: Embracing Balanced Leadership with Manners

As we honor the achievements of Emirati women today, it’s important to reflect on how we can continue to support and cultivate balanced leadership qualities in the UAE. This means recognizing that both feminine and masculine traits have their place in leadership, and that the most effective leaders are those who can adapt their style to meet the needs of their team and the challenges they face.

As an international etiquette trainer and coach I teach that effective leadership is about more than just making decisions—it’s about understanding the people you lead, the culture in which you operate, and the impact of your actions on those around you. This approach not only builds trust and respect but also drives better business outcomes.

Conclusion

Emirati Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the journey that lies ahead. The UAE has shown the world that success goes beyond stereotypical norms and that diversity in gender, culture, thinking can only bring us closer to achieving our goals.

As we look to the future, let’s commit to supporting the next generation of leaders—both women and men—who will continue to lead with empathy, respect, and adaptability. By embracing a balanced approach to leadership and understanding the importance of manners in our interactions, we can create a more inclusive, effective, and prosperous business environment in the Middle East and beyond.

The world is watching, and the UAE is leading the way. Let’s continue to lead with grace, strength, and a deep respect for the values that make us who we are. Happy Emirati Women’s day!