Women’s labor and business participation in the GCC: a comparative analysis of Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE

Over the past three decades, women’s participation in the labor market has experienced significant shifts, yet structural and institutional challenges persist. This study examines the evolving trends in women’s engagement in labor and business activities within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasizing changes in legal, financial, and entrepreneurial frameworks. The study provides data trends to highlight an overview of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, using key financial access indicators as the basis of the analysis. The core objective of the paper is based on the comparative case study for Bahrain, UAE, and Qatar using the Women in Business and Law Index (WBL). Findings indicate that while notable progress has been made in enhancing legal frameworks supporting women’s economic participation, challenges remain in translating policy advancements into tangible workplace equity. Despite Qatar’s relatively high labor force participation, its lower WBL score highlights an inconsistency that merits further exploration through primary studies. To achieve gender parity and strengthen women’s economic inclusion, this study underscores the need for comprehensive legislative reforms, effective enforcement mechanisms, and improved workplace policies. Addressing wage gaps, ensuring equal access to financial resources, and fostering an inclusive economic environment are critical steps toward sustainable progress in the region.