Portsmouth Business School

Thesis summary

The dream of owning their own business is something women all around the world aspire to. It is no different for many women in the Middle East, specifically Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries. As these countries begin to compete in the global marketplace, opportunities for local women increase. The Saudi government under the direction of newly elected King Abdullah are changing legislation and creating programs to foster entrepreneurs among Saudi women. The same is happening in other gulf countries with the United Arab Emirates leading the way. Allowing and encouraging women to participate in the private business sector is a dramatic shift economically and culturally. Women in the GCC countries welcome the change and are taking advantage of the new opportunities available to them.

There are still a number of challenges facing female entrepreneurs. Some of the regulations are not being changed quickly enough. There is also some cultural opposition, specifically in Saudi Arabia where there is a clear separation between men and women. Women may not have the full support of their families. Despite the challenges women are deciding to take the risk to have a business of their own.