Women are taking center stage in the UAE’s financial markets, no longer seen as cautious entrants. They are actively building diversified portfolios, engaging with growth sectors, and exhibiting strong confidence in both the local economy and the long-term prospects of UAE companies, a study revealed on Thursday.
According to eToro’s latest survey, women in the UAE are leading in savings and pensions, surpassing men in participation. A notable 81% have savings accounts (compared to 74% of men), and 26% invest in pensions (compared to 12% of men). Over half (54%) also invest in cryptocurrencies, demonstrating their openness to new asset classes.
Dr. Heloise Greeff, a notable investor at eToro, notes that women are seasoned investors. Over 70% have been investing for more than three years, and a small, yet significant, 5% have over a decade of experience. Women are more likely than men to hold investments for the long term (43% of women vs. 30% of men), highlighting their commitment to steady, long-term growth.
This aligns with their main financial goals. While both genders aim for financial independence (52% of women vs. 51% of men), women are more inclined to invest with long-term security in mind (49% of women vs. 46% of men).
Women dominate in real estate (44%) and financial services (54%), but their ambitions don’t stop there. Within the next three months, many plan to increase their investments in renewables (39%), healthcare (38%), technology (36%), and consumer goods (38%), aligning with the UAE’s growth agenda and anticipating future trends.
Women investors in the UAE are also quick to adapt to market changes. A combined 91% have already adjusted (46%) or are planning to adjust (45%) their portfolios in response to global trade tensions and tariffs.
Both genders rely on gold (50% vs. 49%) and real estate (44% vs. 45%) as stable assets during volatility. However, men tend to prefer crypto (52% vs. 38% of women), while women favor local equities (35% vs. 26% of men) and cash holdings (26% vs. 19% of men). These trends suggest women prefer stable or familiar assets, whereas men lean towards higher-risk digital assets.
What unites both genders is their confidence in the local economy. A remarkable 92% of both men and women trust the current UAE economy and the long-term performance of UAE-listed companies (92% men, 91% women). Optimism is high, with 81% of women and 82% of men expecting significant market gains in the next 12 months.
These insights challenge stereotypes. UAE women are blending traditional and alternative assets, identifying growth sectors, and committing to long-term perspectives. They are experienced, empowered, and influential in shaping the UAE’s investment landscape.
This transformation is supported by national initiatives like the UAE Gender Balance Council and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, which enhance women’s financial literacy and investment opportunities. As a result, a growing number of women are managing wealth and contributing to the resilience of the UAE’s financial markets.
