Women in healthcare leadership possess the transformative power to enhance global health outcomes by promoting diverse decision-making, elevating patient care, and encouraging innovation. The Arab Health 2025 event highlighted the pivotal role of women in global healthcare leadership during the inaugural EmpowHER: Women in Healthcare forum.
The UAE stands at the forefront of the Arab world in the pursuit of gender equality, with The World Bank awarding the nation a score of 82.5 out of 100 for women’s rights in 2023, a stark contrast to the regional average of 53.2. This accomplishment is a testament to the success of initiatives such as the UAE Gender Balance Index, maternity leave policies, and flexible working hours that empower women to pursue leadership roles while balancing both personal and professional commitments.
Emphasizing women’s unique contributions
During the forum, Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, director of investment & partnership at the Dubai Health Authority, highlighted the distinctive insights women contribute to healthcare leadership and called for a stronger female presence in decision-making capacities.
“Women bring great insights into gender-specific health challenges and improving healthcare for all. Diverse leadership drives better decision-making and outcomes, with studies showing 21 percent higher profitability. Women represent 64 percent of the UAE healthcare workforce, highlighting the country’s significant progress in fostering gender equality in this field.”
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Addressing persistent barriers
Dr. Al Bastaki acknowledged the ongoing challenges women encounter worldwide, including gender bias, difficulties in balancing work and life, and wage disparities. She stressed the UAE’s proactive measures in tackling these issues by prioritizing mentorship, sponsorship, and educational programs designed to empower women.
“Leadership roles in digital health, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine present exciting opportunities for women. Programs like Women in Global Health and the UAE’s initiatives to increase female representation in policymaking are critical for fostering growth and innovation,” she added.
Exploring actionable strategies at the EmpowHER forum
The EmpowHER forum, launched at Arab Health 2025, delved into actionable strategies aimed at empowering women within the healthcare sector. Other sessions during the one-day event included “Female entrepreneurship – from passion to profit & impact,” moderated by Susan Amat, founder & CEO of Florida-based Venture Hive.
Key topics of discussion encompassed navigating gender bias within the investment landscape, recognizing transferable skills from clinical practice to business leadership, and strategies for scaling a healthcare business to achieve profitability.
Highlighting women’s roles in AI-driven healthcare
Additionally, discussions at the forum revolved around the contributions of women in AI-driven healthcare transformations and the essential role of women’s leadership in attaining sustainable healthcare objectives.
As Arab Health marked its 50th anniversary, the forum emerged as a vibrant platform to showcase inspiring stories of female success, advocate for equality, and emphasise the involvement of women in shaping the future of global health.
The Arab Health 2025 Congress, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Prevention from 27 to 30 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Conrad Dubai, attracted over 3,800 exhibitors, 400 speakers, and more than 60,000 healthcare professionals from upwards of 70 countries.
Arab Health 2025 is driven by various government bodies, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.
