The UAE’s Ministry of Economy issued a directive on Wednesday mandating private joint-stock companies to represent women on their boards of directors.

The ministry said through its account on X that the new decision, which aims to enhance the role of women in the private sector, will take effect in January 2025.

“The decision aims to enhance the role of women in the private sector. The new decision requires private joint-stock companies in the UAE to allocate at least one seat for women on their boards of directors after the completion of the current board’s term,” the ministry tweeted.

In 2021, listed companies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were mandated to appoint at least one female director to their boards. A study conducted the following year revealed substantial progress in improving women’s access to leadership positions, The National reports.