Women in UAE Face Challenges Returning to Workforce

Feb 19, 2026

84 min

Feb 19, 2026 00:31

I feel seen for the first time: The hidden crisis facing women returning to work in UAE

## Resume Gaps and Rejection

In the UAE, many women encounter difficulties when re-entering the workforce after a career break. A significant number report being rejected due to gaps in their resumes. This issue is prevalent across the MENA region, with nearly half of women facing rejection for this reason.

## The "Re-entry Cliff"

The duration of a career break significantly impacts a woman's chances of successfully returning to work. Women who have been away for one to three years have a higher success rate compared to those who have been absent for over five years.

## Personal Stories

Aisha Mohamed, with extensive experience in AI, faced silence from employers after disclosing her pregnancy during interviews. Lujain Sawallha, who transitioned from dentistry to operations, found her career pivot questioned by recruiters. Maryam Munaf, a nutritionist, struggled with confidence after a long absence abroad.

## Support Initiatives

A return-to-work program at the Women's Pavilion at Expo Dubai has provided support to women like Aisha, Lujain, and Maryam. The initiative offers skills refreshment and confidence-building, helping women overcome barriers to re-entering the workforce.

## Changing Perspectives

The program has helped participants articulate their career goals and feel heard. It has also fostered a sense of solidarity among women, who have formed support networks to share job leads and encouragement.

## Future Outlook

There is a growing recognition of the need to reintegrate experienced talent into the workforce. While returnship programs are still rare, they hold potential for companies to access skilled professionals eager to re-enter the job market. The landscape for women returning to work in the UAE is slowly shifting, with more visible senior appointments of women in traditionally male-dominated industries.

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