Women in the UAE are taking an increasingly active role in managing their finances, with a growing number investing for long-term financial security rather than short-term gains, according to new research from investment platform eToro.
The company’s latest UAE Retail Investor Beat survey suggests that outdated assumptions about women and investing no longer reflect reality. As more women enter the workforce and take on leadership roles, many are making deliberate decisions about how to build and protect their wealth.
According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), women now hold more than one million jobs in the UAE’s private sector, including over 72,000 managerial and leadership positions, underscoring their expanding role in the country’s economy.
The survey found that financial independence is the primary motivation for 60% of women investors, while many are also investing to supplement their income and create long-term financial security.
Unlike the perception that investing is focused on quick returns, the findings suggest women are taking a patient approach. More than seven in ten women surveyed have been investing for over three years, and many prefer to hold investments for several years rather than trade frequently.
Savings accounts remain the most common financial product among women investors, but many are also investing in shares, bonds and funds, reflecting a balanced approach that combines capital preservation with long-term growth.
Gold continues to be a popular investment choice, with many respondents viewing it as a reliable store of value. Real estate, financial services and technology also feature prominently in women’s investment portfolios, while renewables and communications are among the sectors attracting the greatest interest for future investments.
The research also suggests women are responding thoughtfully to global economic uncertainty. More than three-quarters of respondents believe geopolitical developments could affect their investments, and many have adjusted—or plan to adjust—their portfolios by increasing exposure to assets such as precious metals while maintaining confidence in the UAE economy.
Despite wider global concerns, optimism about the local market remains strong. Seven in ten women surveyed expect the UAE stock market to rise over the next 12 months, while 86% say they are confident in the country’s economy.
Another notable finding is the role of conversation in financial decision-making. While professional advisers and online investment platforms remain important sources of information, women are significantly more likely than men to discuss money and investing with family, friends and colleagues.
Commenting on the findings, Nagham Hassan, Market Analyst at eToro, said the survey reflects a broader shift in how women approach personal finance.
“The survey finds that women are hands-on with their investments. They are adjusting to market conditions as they evolve and staying diversified. Women investors in the UAE are looking ahead with purpose.”
She added: “The story is not that women are catching up. It is that the old assumptions have not kept pace with how women in the UAE are already growing their wealth in 2026.”
As women’s participation in the workforce continues to grow, the survey suggests that financial independence is becoming an increasingly important priority, with more women taking a long-term view of investing while building diversified portfolios designed to support their future goals.
