Women Are Changing the Face of Investing in The UAE – Survey

Comment by Dr Heloise Greeff, Popular Investor at eToro

Women are no longer on the sidelines of the UAE’s financial markets. Far from being cautious
newcomers, women in the UAE are building diversified portfolios, aligning with growth sectors, and
showing striking confidence in both the local economy and the long-term outlook of UAE companies.
eToro’s latest survey reveals that among UAE investors, women are leading in savings and pensions,
with higher participation rates than men in both areas. 81% have a savings account (vs. 74% of men),
and 26% invest in pensions (vs. 12% of men). More than half (54%) also hold crypto, highlighting
their openness to emerging asset classes.

Dr Heloise Greeff, Popular Investor at eToro, remarks that women are also seasoned participants.
More than 70% have been investing for more than three years, and a small but notable proportion
(5%) have more than a decade of experience. They are also much more likely than men to hold their
investments for years (43% of women vs. 30% of men), reinforcing their steady, long-term
commitment.
This aligns closely with their primary financial goals. While women share the same top ambition as
men — achieving financial independence (52% women vs. 51% men) — they are more likely to
invest with long-term security in mind (49% women vs. 46% men).
Real estate (44%) and financial services (54%) dominate their sector allocations, but their ambitions
extend further. In the next three months, many women investors plan to increase their allocations in
renewables (39%), healthcare (38%), technology (36%), and discretionary consumer goods (38%).
This approach aligns closely with the UAE’s broader growth agenda, signaling that women are
proactively and strategically anticipating its next moves.

Women investors in the UAE are also responsive to market developments. Results show that a
combined 91% have already adjusted (46%) or are planning to adjust (45%) their portfolios in
response to global trade tensions and tariff announcements.
Both women and men view gold (50% vs. 49%) and real estate (44% vs. 45%) as reliable assets during
periods of volatility. However, differences emerge in asset classes: men are notably more likely to
favour crypto (52% vs. 38% of women), while women show greater preference for local equities
(35% vs. 26% of men) and cash holdings (26% vs. 19%). These patterns suggest that in a volatile
market environment, women tend to prioritise relatively stable or familiar asset classes, whereas
men demonstrate a stronger inclination toward higher-risk digital assets.
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What clearly unites both genders, however, is their overwhelming confidence in the local economy.
92% of both men and women are confident in the current UAE economy, with similar trust in the
long-term performance of UAE-listed companies (92% men, 91% women). Optimism is firm across
everyone, with 81% of women and 82% of men expecting significant market gains in the next 12
months.

These insights challenge long-standing stereotypes. Women in the UAE are showing they are
comfortable blending traditional and alternative assets, adept at identifying growth sectors, and
willing to commit to a long-term view. They are experienced, empowered, and increasingly
influential in setting the tone for the UAE’s investment future.
This evolution is not happening in isolation. National initiatives such as the UAE Gender Balance
Council and the National Financial Inclusion Strategy are enabling an environment for women to
expand their financial literacy, access investment opportunities, and secure their independence. The
result is a growing cohort of female investors who are not only managing their personal wealth but
also contributing to the resilience and dynamism of the UAE’s financial markets.
In short, women investors are a driving force in the UAE’s retail investment landscape.