Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that motivate women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become self‐employed. Design/methodology/approach Different factors, documented in previous research, that affect women's decisions to start their own businesses were included in a questionnaire. A total of 750 women entrepreneurs in the UAE were asked to express the degree of agreement with the factors listed in the questionnaire. Of them, 449 completed the questionnaire. Findings Financial support from the government especially in the start‐up capital is an important factor that motivates women to establish their own businesses. Self‐fulfillment, knowledge, skills and experience, including relationship to spouse/father business, are all important factors in the development of women entrepreneurs. Unlike previous research factors such social norms, market network, and competition do not seem to be barriers for women in becoming entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications Questionnaires were mainly distributed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. To give a clear picture of factors affecting women's decision to start their own businesses in the UAE, the opinion of women located in other Emirates needs to be investigated. The questionnaire survey targeted women entrepreneurs. To give a clear picture, future studies should target women who chose not to start their own businesses. Practical implications The outcome of this study will be used by researchers and policy makers to motivate women to become entrepreneurs. Women involvement in developing their businesses provides job opportunities and ensures that women are taking active part in the development of the national economy. Originality/value This is the first study that uses empirical evidence to identify factors that motivate women in the UAE to become self‐employed.
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