The rapid transformation of business and labour market in Middle East is evident by its incorporation and usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in different local and international sectors. AI technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing to robotics and automation are already penetrating sectors such as health‐care, logistics, finance, smart cities and public services across the Middle East. Governments in the GCC and MENA region is also increasingly adopting AI-driven initiatives to diversify their economies. In this scenario, the role of women workers in this evolving landscape becomes not just of social importance but of strategic national significance.
Participation of women in AI and emerging technology roles is essential for the Middle East’s economic transformation. Women are representing a significant share of the region’s educated youth. Their involvement strengthens innovation, improve decision-making, reduce algorithmic biases and produce more robust AI systems. Beyond productivity, it is obvious that women’s inclusion in high-growth digital careers supports household financial stability, accelerates social mobility and directly contributes to national goals for knowledge-based development. The participation of women in latest AI technology fosters inspiring leadership pathways for others.
Women have the potential to be powerful agents of transformation in the Middle East’s business and industrial landscape through the strategic use of artificial intelligence. Women can help reshape industries and accelerate diversification across the region by integrating AI into entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. Female entrepreneurs leveraging AI-driven tools such as predictive analytics, automation and generative design can create smarter business models that enhance customer experience. Female professionals are pioneering data-driven approaches to patient care and telemedicine in healthcare. Women in leadership roles in organizations can champion ethical and inclusive AI adoption by ensuring that technology aligns with human values and social priorities. Their growing presence in AI governance, policymaking and innovation hubs brings balance and long-term vision to a rapidly evolving economy.
Women occupy only around 22% of AI-related jobs and hold just about 16% of senior executive positions in tech and cloud-focused industries. Despite these gender inequalities, there are encouraging developments in the Middle East for women employees. The government of Saudi Arabia has a Vision 2030 agenda that emphasised building a knowledge-based economy and unlocking women’s talent in technology roles. In the United Arab Emirates, the organisation Women in AI has launched a dedicated Middle East chapter and named a regional lead that is signalling the growth of female-tech networks and community building. In Jordan and Qatar, partnerships pairing universities with industry and NGOs are providing women with training in GPT/data literacy, internships and mentoring. According to the Stanford Institute for Human‑Centered Artificial Intelligence “AI Index Report 2025”, Saudi Arabia has achieved the top global ranking for empowering women in AI as a result of initiatives like the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) “Elevate” programme in partnership with Google Cloud which aims to train more than 25,000 women in technology and AI. Women business leaders are increasingly integrating AI into leadership roles and shaping ESG-driven digital strategies in the United Arab Emirates and Oman supported by national policies such as the UAE Gender Balance Strategy 2026. These milestones reveal a shift for not only are women gaining better access to AI education and roles but the institutional ecosystem that supports women in tech is visibly strengthening across the region.
The pathway to maximum female participation in the AI-driven workforce across the Middle East is filled with both determination and complexity. One of the most significant barriers is the limited skills and education gap. The enrolment of female students in STEM fields is relatively strong in several Middle Eastern countries but translating that academic foundation into successful careers in data science, artificial intelligence and related fields requires more than theoretical knowledge. Limited access and exposure to AI technologies further escalates the problem. Moreover, cultural expectations about work-life balance, mobility or family responsibilities often restrict their participation in technology-focused professions. They continue to encounter systemic barriers such as biased hiring practices, unequal promotion opportunities and male-dominated professional networks even when they manage to enter the workforce.
An active collaboration is needed between the AI-driven economy, businesses, government and educational institutions to ensure that women can thrive in different areas of work. Investment in large-scale training and reskilling initiatives is essential to equip women with relevant skills such as data literacy, programming, AI ethics, machine learning and digital innovation.
Ultimately, it can be said that women are not just beneficiaries of AI innovation but they are vital architects of the Middle East’s digital future. Diverse perspectives enhance creativity, improve system design and drive stronger business outcomes. The region can create a future of work that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, equitable and sustainable for generations to come by ensuring that women are equipped, empowered and encouraged to participate fully in the AI revolution.
