Empowering Dubai's Workforce Through Inclusive Hiring and the New Gender Equality Mandates

At Brookwood Recruitment, we take pride in supporting businesses across Dubai in their pursuit of securing top-tier talent that not only meets but exceeds expectations. Our unique, inclusive hiring methodology is designed to help companies find the best and most diverse candidates to thrive in today’s fast-evolving market. With the UAE’s announcement of the 2025 mandate requiring private joint-stock companies to have at least one female board member, we believe this is a pivotal moment for businesses to reevaluate their hiring strategies and take steps towards building more inclusive, equitable workplaces.

What This Mandate Means for Your Business

The UAE’s decision to enforce female board representation across private joint-stock companies is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a bold step toward fostering diversity in leadership, decision-making, and corporate innovation. This move, driven by the Ministry of Economy, signals the UAE's commitment to gender equality, as well as the belief that diversity drives better business outcomes.

Research consistently shows that companies with more diverse leadership teams—across gender, ethnicity, and experience—are more likely to outperform their competitors. As such, this new law isn't just a challenge to meet a quota but an opportunity to gain a competitive edge. At Brookwood Recruitment, we see it as a chance for companies to lead the market through a more inclusive approach to recruitment and retention.

How Brookwood Recruitment Can Help

At Brookwood, we believe that finding the right talent is about more than just checking boxes—it's about aligning the right skills, perspectives, and experiences with your company's culture and goals. Our inclusive hiring practices are designed to attract a wide pool of candidates and ensure diversity at every level of the recruitment process. Here’s how we can support your business in navigating this new landscape:

1. Inclusive Talent Search

We specialize in finding diverse talent across sectors. Our expert team takes a proactive approach to searching, ensuring that the candidates we present not only have the qualifications for the job but also bring fresh perspectives and experiences that enrich your company. Whether you’re looking to fulfill the new gender representation requirements or to diversify your executive team, we can tailor our search to match your specific goals.

2. Advisory on Inclusive Recruitment

We go beyond traditional recruitment by offering advisory services to help you build an inclusive recruitment strategy. From inclusive job descriptions to unbiased interviewing techniques, we ensure that your hiring process welcomes all qualified candidates, reducing unconscious bias and widening your talent pool. This will not only help you comply with the new board mandate but also cultivate a more vibrant and innovative workplace.

3. Executive Search for Female Leadership

With the new mandate in place, many companies will need to focus specifically on finding female candidates for board-level positions. Our executive search service is tailored to find female leaders with the expertise, vision, and leadership skills needed to drive your business forward. We leverage our extensive network and industry insights to identify women who can make a significant impact at the board level.

The Impact of the UAE’s Gender Equality Efforts

The UAE’s commitment to gender equality, including the newly announced board member mandate, is part of a broader vision to empower women at all levels of society. With equal pay mandates, increasing female representation in government, and progressive policies supporting women’s entrepreneurship, the UAE continues to lead the region in fostering an environment where women thrive in professional roles.

Incorporating women into leadership positions is not only a legal requirement starting in 2025 but also a strategic business decision that can lead to better corporate governance and stronger financial performance. Companies that embrace gender diversity tend to be more innovative and agile in responding to challenges. This mandate aligns perfectly with the UAE’s larger vision of being a global leader in women's empowerment and economic participation.

A Call to Action: Prepare for 2025

For companies in Dubai, now is the time to act. Whether you are a private joint-stock company preparing to meet the 2025 mandate or a company committed to building a diverse workforce, embracing inclusive hiring practices will position your business for long-term success.

Brookwood Recruitment is here to help you stay ahead of the curve, and we are dedicated to supporting your organization in building a more diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team. By securing top talent—regardless of gender, background, or ethnicity—you will not only comply with the UAE's forward-thinking policies but also unlock the full potential of your organization.

Together, let’s turn this mandate into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and lasting impact.

At Brookwood Recruitment, our mission is to empower companies to find the talent that drives business success. If you're looking to build a diverse and talented team, we’re ready to support your business every step of the way. Contact the team on MENA@brookwoodrec.com to learn more about how we can help you navigate this new chapter in Dubai's corporate landscape.

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