New research from Mastercard reveals a strong interest in entrepreneurship among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 84% considering starting their own business. This report, released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, highlights the potential for women entrepreneurs to drive significant economic impact in the region.

The survey indicates that women in the UAE are keen on entrepreneurship, with nearly equal proportions of men and women identifying as entrepreneurs—49% of women and 47% of men. This trend mirrors statistics across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region, where 51% of women and 54% of men consider themselves entrepreneurs. According to Mastercard, financial independence, flexibility, and social impact are the primary motivators for women pursuing business ventures.

Among the industries that women in the UAE are most likely to enter are food and drink (26%), online selling (22%), and cosmetics (19%). The optimism for growth is notable, as 98% of women business owners expect their revenues to rise over the next five years, a figure that surpasses the 85% expectation among their male counterparts. However, the report also uncovers a significant confidence gap, with 31% of women believing that starting a business is “not possible for someone like them.”

Despite showing strong ambition, women in the UAE face challenges that hinder their entrepreneurial aspirations. The study found that 67% of women cited insufficient funding as a primary barrier, compared to 59% of men. Additionally, women are three times more likely than men to identify a lack of confidence as a barrier to starting a business. Nearly 40% of female founders reported difficulties in developing a business plan or accessing necessary infrastructure, underscoring the need for enhanced mentorship and resources.

Encouragingly, many women are pursuing side hustles to achieve financial independence, with 56% currently engaged in such activities, compared to 52% of men. The report also highlights that 75% of women entrepreneurs are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses, with 85% reporting significant efficiency gains from its use. Conversely, 35% of women entrepreneurs have experienced fraud attempts, and fewer women than men express caution about expanding their businesses due to fraud risks.

As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, Mastercard emphasizes its commitment to fostering an inclusive digital economy, where women entrepreneurs are not only supported but celebrated as vital contributors to economic progress.