The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC Dubai) has announced the launch of a new membership category aimed specifically at empowering women and young professionals. This initiative comes in response to a recent Mastercard study, which revealed that entrepreneurship is almost equally embraced by both genders in the UAE, with 49 percent of women and 47 percent of men identifying as entrepreneurs.

The newly established Affiliate Tier is priced at AED 500 and is designed to provide women of all ages and individuals under 45 with essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities in the UAE’s vibrant business landscape. This membership is part of IBPC’s broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive business community by diversifying leadership across various sectors.

Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of IBPC, emphasized that the Affiliate Tier represents a vital step toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic business environment. He stated, “It represents IBPC’s commitment to ensuring that all entrepreneurs—especially women and youth—have the support, tools, and networks needed to excel.” He also noted that the removal of size-based distinctions for corporate members in favor of a benefits-based approach ensures greater flexibility and value for the members.

In addition to the Affiliate Tier, IBPC has introduced a more streamlined membership structure that caters to professionals at various stages of their business journeys. The Silver membership offers voting rights and access to events, while the Gold membership provides exclusive event access and company spotlight features. The Platinum membership includes tailored support, and the Diamond tier offers lifetime membership with unparalleled mentorship and access to premium business opportunities.

Balachandran added that these initiatives reflect IBPC’s unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse business community in the UAE, which is essential for driving growth and success. The announcement of the new membership structure was made during a special Women’s Day event, which featured prominent speakers and panellists from various industries, including Dr. Nahla Abdul Razzaq Kazim and Chetna Buxani Shastri.

Haya Mashhood, a philanthropy consultant, presented the new membership categories, providing attendees with key details about the offerings. Overall, IBPC’s initiative aims to empower the next generation of leaders by creating opportunities for women and youth entrepreneurs, thereby contributing to the region’s economic growth.