Women are no longer on the sidelines of the UAE’s financial markets. Far from being cautious newcomers, women in the UAE are building diversified portfolios, aligning with growth sectors, and showing striking confidence in both the local economy and the long-term outlook of UAE companies.

eToro’s latest survey reveals that among UAE investors, women are leading in savings and pensions, with higher participation rates than men in both areas. 81% have a savings account (vs. 74% of men), and 26% invest in pensions (vs. 12% of men). More than half (54%) also hold crypto, highlighting their openness to emerging asset classes.

Dr Heloise Greeff, Popular Investor at eToro, remarks that women are also seasoned participants. More than 70% have been investing for more than three years, and a small but notable proportion (5%) have more than a decade of experience. They are also much more likely than men to hold their investments for years (43% of women vs. 30% of men), reinforcing their steady, long-term commitment.

This aligns closely with their primary financial goals. While women share the same top ambition as men — achieving financial independence (52% women vs. 51% men) — they are more likely to invest with long-term security in mind (49% women vs. 46% men).

Real estate (44%) and financial services (54%) dominate their sector allocations, but their ambitions extend further. In the next three months, many women investors plan to increase their allocations in renewables (39%), healthcare (38%), technology (36%), and discretionary consumer goods (38%). This approach aligns closely with the UAE’s broader growth agenda, signaling that women are proactively and strategically anticipating its next moves.

Women investors in the UAE are also responsive to market developments. Results show that a combined 91% have already adjusted (46%) or are planning to adjust (45%) their portfolios in response to global trade tensions and tariff announcements.

Both women and men view gold (50% vs. 49%) and real estate (44% vs. 45%) as reliable assets during periods of volatility. However, differences emerge in asset classes: men are notably more likely to favour crypto (52% vs. 38% of women), while women show greater preference for local equities (35% vs. 26% of men) and cash holdings (26% vs. 19%). These patterns suggest that in a volatile market