Unequal Opportunities? Examining Gender, Financial Access, and Innovation in UAE Digital Entrepreneurship

Abstract

This study examines gender dynamics in digital entrepreneurship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on the challenges and opportunities encountered by male and female entrepreneurs. Drawing on institutional and gender role theories, the research explores how financial resources, technological development, and entrepreneurial networking impact entrepreneurial success and innovation capability. Using a quantitative approach, data from 400 entrepreneurs in the UAE digital sector were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that access to financial resources, technological development, and networking significantly influence entrepreneurial success, but their impact is stronger for male entrepreneurs due to societal norms and structural advantages. Female entrepreneurs face restrictive cultural barriers, particularly regarding access to financial resources and digital tools, which moderate their entrepreneurial success negatively. Innovation capability emerges as a key mediator in entrepreneurial success for both genders. The study highlights the need for gender-sensitive policies that enhance financial accessibility, technological literacy, and networking opportunities for female entrepreneurs. By providing empirical evidence from a Middle Eastern context, this research contributes to the broader discourse on gender disparities in digital entrepreneurship and offers policy recommendations to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Future studies should explore cross-cultural comparisons and longitudinal analyses to deepen insights into the evolving gender dynamics in digital entrepreneurship