In spite of global downturns that shook and are shaking many of the world's economies, the GCC - and the UAE especially - seems to be back on the road to recovery.
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During tough times countries look to utilise their national labour force but there are a significant number of unemployed, highly skilled women in the country, whose skills are not being put to good use.
Since the establishment of the UAE 40 years ago, the late Sheikh Zayed always stressed the importance of Emirati women's role in building the economy and the country.
Through the establishment of government-sponsored schools and universities, his ambition has been achieved, with Emirati women now outnumbering their male counterparts in obtaining university degrees, as well holding important decision-making roles in government organisations.
These highly qualified women are capable and willing to work, but I was shocked to learn that only a minority of them do so.
A report by Booz & Co stated that in 2008 43.3 per cent of Emirati women with university degrees were unemployed, compared to only 6.8 per cent of men.
That means half the population of educated women are not contributing to the economy - a waste of human resources that could be used to create positive change, invent new products, as well as to ease the burden of hiring expatriate workers.
What amazed me more is the almost complete absence of Emirati women in the private sector: only 4 per cent of working Emiratis opted to work in this important part of the economy.
Integrating one of the country's most valuable resources, its Emirati women, into the private sector is critical to achieving the aim of building a knowledge-driven economy that fulfils Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030.
Before that, however, it is important to first look at the reasons behind their absence in this sector.
Family-orientated decision making is a key process in an Emirati woman's life. Many of these women's choice of career is made after extensive discussion with family members on what they agree is best and the outcome is always a preference for government jobs.
A 25-year-old friend of mine, Mariam, has just started working in the marketing department of a private airline. Three months into her job, her father suggested that a government job would have several benefits: it would be more secure, allow her to work fewer hours, and give her extra time to spend with her family.
Commuting, work locations and office hours are important factors that contribute to the lack of Emiratis in the private sector.
While many expatriates as well as Emirati men commute daily to different cities for work, Emirati women rarely opt for that choice, unless the two cities are nearby, like Sharjah and Dubai.
"I would really love to work at Dubai's media sector. I received many offers from there, but I simply can't drive an hour or so from Abu Dhabi every day. I will be drained and not have time to see my family or friends," says Nada, a 24-year-old Emirati.
Working hours are another major factor when it comes to applying for a job, with many women, especially mothers, preferring to work shorter hours.
That could be the reason for their heavy predominance in the government sector. A recent newspaper report stated that women accounted for 66 per cent of all the Emiratis working in the government sector. Integrating Emirati women into the private sector could also help the Government to reach its Emiratisation targets.
Private-sector companies could attract talented Emiratis by communicating with them through university and college fairs, and by conducting seminars and workshops that stress the importance of this sector to building the UAE's economy.
This should be done in collaboration with Emiratisation Council and the Ministry of Education.
A good example is illustrated by Microsoft, which provides equal work opportunities for women in the Middle East, as well as internship and workshops for undergraduates.
In addition, given the cultural background of the UAE, international organisations should tailor their employment policies to fit around the local culture, instead of using international standards.
They should appreciate the family orientated culture of the UAE, and encourage women to work by offering similar perks to those provided by the government sector, such as fewer hours, maternity breaks and national holiday leave.
Integrating Emirati women into the private sector will not be a smooth ride, and it might take time to plant an ideology in undergraduates' minds regarding this sector and its importance.
But in the long run, this will be inevitable as Emiratisation efforts will increase, along with the ever-growing number of Emiratis entering the workforce every year.
Companies should consider the benefits of being a pioneer in attracting and retaining a pool of talented Emirati women, who are not only representatives of the country, but also understand the regional market.
Manar Al Hinai is a fashion designer and writer. She can be followed on Twitter @manar_alhinai
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