Women are making steady gains in the workplace across the Gulf region, according to the latest findings from the Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) 2025 study by Avtar Group and Seramount.
The study, now in its second edition, highlights increased representation, hiring, and promotion of women in top-performing companies. Women make up 33% of the workforce in the recognized companies, and 42% of new hires are women. In addition, 28% of women were promoted in these organizations, rising to 34% among the top 10 companies.
Inclusive career practices
The study shows a strong commitment to developing women leaders. About 95% of the best companies offer leadership training, while 79% provide formal mentoring and executive coaching. These programs are helping create clear pathways for career progression.
To support employee engagement, 63% of the companies have employee resource groups. The same percentage also assures performance ratings for women on paid maternity leave, helping safeguard career equity.
Additionally, 63% offer counselling for postpartum stress and depression, addressing emotional well-being during and after maternity.
Focus on equity and inclusion
The BCWG study also found that 95% of companies have systems to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) grievances, reflecting a strong focus on building inclusive cultures.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group, said: “As the Best Companies for Women in Gulf (BCWG) study completes its second edition in the Gulf Co-operation Council, we are delighted to see the commitment to gender inclusion, growing in the region.
“Best companies, hailing from across industry sectors have instituted comprehensive inclusion frameworks, to ensure women’s advancement is recognised as a strategic growth priority. From leadership training to coaching, mentoring and sponsorship, these organizations promote a culture of allyship and advocacy alongside creating equitable pathways for career growth. By fostering opportunities for women to excel, lead, and thrive, the best companies have set a gold standard for progressive organizations in the region, inspiring the larger business ecosystem. We are proud to honour these frontrunners!”
Subha V. Barry, President of Seramount, added: “Seramount and Avtar share a deep commitment to advancing global inclusion, and we’re proud to celebrate the continued momentum of the Best Companies for Women in the Gulf initiative. This year’s Top 10 and Best Companies are taking meaningful action to support women in the workplace—through sponsorship, mentorship, ERGs, and benefits that empower talent advancement. These organizations are not only investing in equity, they’re helping shape a more inclusive future of work. At Seramount, we’re honored to recognize their leadership.”
Top 10 companies 2025
Listed alphabetically, the Top 10 Best Companies for Women in Gulf 2025 are:
A A Al Moosa Enterprises Car Rental Division (Thrifty & Dollar)
Al Shirawi Facilities Management LLC
Diversey – A Solenis Company
DKHOON AL EMIRATIA
Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group
Ecolab
EY
Finastra UK Limited
KONE MIDDLE EAST LLC
TruKKer
Additional recognized companies
Nine more companies made it to the 2025 BCWG list:
Apparel Group
Beauty Steps
Canon Middle East
CBRE Advisory Services LLC
GIG GULF Insurance
House of Shipping Management Consultancies FZCO
Ingram Micro Company
MCA MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS & MCA AUDITING
Wipro Limited
The BCWG list is part of a larger initiative to benchmark and recognize workplace practices that promote gender diversity and inclusion across the Gulf.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
