A significant Cabinet Decree issued in 2018 endorsed a bill for a major piece of legislation that ensures equal pay for men and women in the public sector. This was extended to the private sector in 2020.
A Directive issued in 2019 ensures that women hold 50% of the UAE Federal National Council seats.
A Federal Decree issued in 2019 ensures equal representation in the UAE judiciary.
A Federal Decree issued in 2019 protects women against domestic violence.
The 2019 Family Protection Policy explicitly criminalises all forms of violence against women.
In 2019, a Circular passed by the UAE Central Bank ensures all banks and financial institutions provide financial services to all customers equally and without discrimination against women.
The 2020 Federal Decree Law No. 6 made the UAE the first Arab country to grant 5-day joint parental leave following amendments to the Federal Labour Law.
In 2021, the Securities and Commodities Authority requested all listed companies appoint at least one woman to their board.
In 2023, the UAE government increased law enforcement efforts to combat human trafficking, strengthening Federal Law No.51 of 2006 and its amendments in Federal Law No,1 of 2015 which criminalises sex and labour trafficking.
In 2023, the UAE passed a law so that women no longer require their husband’s consent to undergo emergency abortions.