A recent report published by the Times of India revealed that Kuwaiti women lead 41% of startups in the country, an unprecedented percentage among Gulf countries and one of the highest rates in the Middle East. The report indicates that this shift reflects the gradual change in women’s economic and social roles, particularly in the e-commerce, financial technology, and creative fields linked to culture and identity.
Economists attribute this phenomenon to several factors, most notably the institutional support provided by the state to promote entrepreneurship and innovation as part of its economic diversification plans, in addition to the proliferation of technological solutions and digital platforms that have enabled women to launch and promote their projects locally, in the Gulf, and globally, thereby overcoming traditional constraints that previously limited their active participation in the economy.
The report cited numerous examples of Kuwaiti female entrepreneurs who founded successful startups, including a project producing modern women’s cultural content and another providing smart e-commerce solutions targeting the Kuwaiti and Gulf markets. The report noted that these pioneering women are not limited to managing technology companies, but are also contributing to changing societal perceptions of women’s role in the economy and development.
Despite these achievements, financing challenges still exist for many female entrepreneurs. The report noted the difficulty women receive in obtaining financing equal to that of male entrepreneurs, in addition to biases in the investment environment, as well as bureaucratic obstacles. However, many women’s projects have proven their worth and high profitability, prompting some investment funds to reconsider their financing priorities and include more women’s projects in their plans.
This growth comes as part of Kuwait’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, with the government placing emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship as key elements of its future economic vision. Programs such as the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development provide a supportive environment for startups, with a particular focus on empowering women and young people.
Experts believe this experience could serve as an inspiring model for other GCC countries, especially in light of the growing global trend toward women’s economic empowerment and inclusiveness. They recommend providing additional support to women’s entrepreneurship programs by providing training, mentorship, and funding, and by creating a legal framework that protects the economic rights of female entrepreneurs.
According to the report, Kuwaiti female entrepreneurs are no longer content with knocking on traditional doors, but are instead forging new paths toward a more diverse and inclusive economic future, paving the way for a new phase of growth driven by innovation and gender equality. This upward trend is expected to continue, making Kuwait one of the most prominent environments supporting female entrepreneurship in the Arab world in the coming years.
