Shamsa Saleh: Champion of Gender Equality in the UAE

With a career of professional landscape restructuring dedicated to her work as CEO of Dubai Women Establishment, Saleh has led innovative initiatives, including the Arab Women Leadership Forum and policy support in promoting gender balance. Saleh’s work goes beyond providing opportunities; she’s changing the script on women in leadership. Her journey is one of powerful determination, vision, and commitment, which has made her one of the most influential figures in the region for advancing gender equality.

Shamsa Saleh started her journey with Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) in 2008 as Director of Strategic Development and Corporate Development. Her strategic thinking, passion for equality, and commitment to women’s empowerment led her to become the CEO in 2011. Under her leadership, DWE has been a prime mover of activities aimed at promoting Emirati women across all sectors. Saleh’s work at DWE resonates well with the UAE government’s vision on gender balance and female leadership. She has collaborated with entities like the UAE Gender Balance Council to establish policies and platforms that could allow women to succeed within traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Among the various accomplishments that Saleh is known for is her leadership in the Arab Women Leadership Forum. It is an annual gathering aimed at facilitating dialogue and cooperation among women leaders in the Arab world, which has brought together thought leaders, policymakers, and influencers who share experiences, success stories, and action-oriented strategies for enhancing women’s participation in business and governance.

Saleh has also been crucial in implementing workplace policies that encourage inclusion, such as flexible working hours, maternity leave policies, and mentorship programs for young women. These measures not only encourage female participation in the workforce but also open doors for future generations of women leaders.

As a leader in the UAE Gender Balance Council, Shamsa Saleh’s impact goes beyond DWE. The council tries to bridge gaps in gender imbalances along various sectors, ensuring equal opportunity for women on both sides, the private and public spheres. This would be a key effort for Saleh toward seeing the vision that UAE has, one of becoming one of the top 25 countries by gender equality in 2025. Her saying “Government bodies like Dubai Women Establishment and the UAE Gender Balance Council are playing a big role in creating an environment where women have the opportunities and support they need to pursue building their careers,” she truly is working towards this cause.

Shamsa Saleh’s journey is an inspiring testament to what dedicated leadership can achieve. Her work has not only elevated the status of women in the UAE but has also set an example for the region and the world. By focusing on actionable change, she has demonstrated that achieving gender equality is not just a moral imperative but also a critical factor for economic and social development. Saleh’s contributions will see to it that women are always going to be part of the success story. Her legacy shows that when women are empowered, the whole community prospers.