To support and encourage these changes the UAE has instituted laws and a legal framework to safeguard women's rights, improve the business and political climate for women, and to protect women from violence.

Following is a discussion about the legal reforms and measures that have driven change and looks at what remains to be done to reach equality for women and enhance women's economic potential in the UAE

Constitutional Protection

The UAE Constitution stresses the importance of equality for all UAE citizens. Article 14 provides that “Equality, social justice, and providing safety, security, and equal opportunities to all citizens are pillars on which the community stands. Solidarity and shared sympathies are close links that tie the Emirates together”.

Article 25 further states that “All individuals are equal in Law. There shall be no distinction among the citizens of the UAE on the basis of origin, nationality, faith or social status”.