In a sector long defined by hard hats, oil rigs, and a predominantly male workforce, women are beginning to reshape the global energy industry, and nowhere is this transformation more visible than in the GCC region.

Amid volatile oil prices, climate imperatives, and technological disruption, the energy sector is not merely adapting; it is being reinvented, and women are increasingly at the heart of that change.

According to the 2025 Global Energy Talent Index (GETI) report, representation of women in traditional energy sectors like oil, gas, and petrochemicals has inched upwards from 10 to 12 per cent over five years.

In transitional sectors such as power and nuclear, the figure stands slightly higher at 14 per cent, while renewables and future energy technologies report the strongest presence at 22 per cent. Though progress is slow, it signals a profound shift in an industry historically slow to change.

In the UAE, however, the momentum feels different; faster, more deliberate, and deeply rooted in national strategy.

Companies like ADNOC are not just pledging inclusion; they are investing in it. Initiatives such as 'Women in Energy' are creating vital pipelines of female talent, enabling women to lead engineering teams, drive sustainability agendas, and shape digital transformations.

It is a reinvention powered not just by policy, but by a palpable cultural shift.

Venkatraman Mohan, Managing Partner – Oil & Gas Division at Innovations Group, notes the extraordinary impact diverse teams have on innovation and problem-solving. 'I’ve personally seen how gender-diverse teams solve problems faster, collaborate better, and bring fresh energy into the room,' he says. 'As more Emirati women pursue STEM education and step into the workforce, they are not just participating, they are leading. And that changes everything.'

Yet the global picture reveals enduring challenges. Systemic barriers, an ageing workforce, and competition from the tech industry continue to deter many women from energy ca-reers.

The GETI report highlights that fewer young professionals, including women, aspire to roles in traditional energy, seeing greater allure in robotics, AI, and high-tech industries.

To counter this, energy companies must better showcase the technological dynamism within their own fields–such as unmanned drilling and drone-based exploration–to inspire the next generation.

Mentorship emerges as a powerful tool in bridging the gender gap. Calls for structured men-torship programmes have risen sharply, reflecting a growing recognition that personal guid-ance and visible role models are crucial for attracting and retaining women.

Moreover, women working in energy are notably more motivated than their male counterparts by the desire to contribute to climate change solutions, an asset that aligns perfectly with the sector’s urgent transition towards sustainability.

Flexible working arrangements, family support, and clearly defined career pathways remain critical if the sector hopes to accelerate this momentum.

Encouragingly, wage growth across the industry, including for women, suggests a shifting appreciation for technical competence and leadership. What is unfolding is more than just an energy transition; it is a human one.