GoDaddy is spotlighting how women entrepreneurs in MENA are adopting AI-based solutions to streamline operations and compete in the marketplace. The research spans the UAE, Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Egypt, with a combined regional view for the MENA area overall.
The Significance of AI for Women-Led Ventures
The figures reveal that 51% of surveyed small businesses in the MENA region are owned by women, with 63% of these founded in the past five years. A strong 84% of respondents express confidence in their skills, while 87% believe AI will enable them to compete with bigger organizations over the next year.
Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy stated that:
AI is becoming a practical resource for small business owners in the MENA region. We are encouraged to see women entrepreneurs reclaiming hours each week, refining their strategies, and building on their capabilities.
At the forefront of these efforts stands GoDaddy Airo, a groundbreaking AI experience. The AI-powered solution aims to simplify the way entrepreneurs build a digital presence, develop their brands, and meet fast-evolving market needs. Through features intended to lighten workloads, GoDaddy Airo helps business owners quickly establish or improve their online presence—even without advanced technical expertise.
Key takeaways from the survey
- Time Saved: Across the MENA region, women report an average reduction of 15 working hours per week thanks to AI tools, which they now devote to learning new skills, planning ahead, and brainstorming creative and innovative ideas.
- Optimistic Outlook: 71% predict business expansion within 3–5 years, exceeding the 68% reported by men.
- Main Household Providers: 40% of women entrepreneurs in MENA say they are the primary earners for their families.
- Quality of Life: 86% of those surveyed note that starting their own enterprise has improved their overall well-being.
Detailed results by country
UAE
- Women-Owned Businesses: 36% are operated by women, with 80% of those businesses established in the past five years.
- AI and Competition: 71% believe AI positions them more favorably against larger players over the next year.
- Time Saved: Emirati women report saving 14 hours per week, which they redirect toward skill development (43%), idea generation (40%), and future planning (37%).
- Growth Hopes: 66% see their businesses expanding in the next 3–5 years.
- Income Providers: 24% are the primary earners in their households.
- Enhanced Well-Being: 66% say entrepreneurship has had a positive influence on their daily lives.
Saudi Arabia
- Women-Owned Businesses: 57% are led by women, with 85% of these formed in the past five years.
- AI Confidence: 84% say AI will help them go head-to-head with larger companies in the coming year.
- Time Saved: Female entrepreneurs in KSA indicate they save about 11 hours weekly using AI. They dedicate that time to developing new ideas (53%), planning (53%), and improving skills (48%).
- Growth Projection: 70% anticipate growth in the next 3–5 years.
- Household Earnings: 28% serve as the main providers in their families.
- Better Well-Being: 88% confirm that business ownership has improved their quality of life.
Egypt
- Women-Owned Businesses: 53% are under female leadership, with 27% started within the last five years.
- Competitive Edge: 96% agree AI will aid them in measuring up against larger organizations.
- Time Saved: Egyptian women save an average of 19 hours weekly using AI, spent on learning new skills (51%), reviewing metrics (50%), and pushing forward on projects (48%).
- Future Growth: 74% predict expansion in 3–5 years, compared to 70% among men.
- Primary Earners: 63% contribute the largest share to their household income.
- Improved Lifestyle: 93% confirm that launching their own venture has benefited their life overall.
GoDaddy Airo: Bridging digital needs and ambitions
We designed GoDaddy Airo to help business owners shape their online presence while reclaiming more of their day for strategic work.
Selina Bieber adds:
This edition of our 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reflects clear progress among women entrepreneurs, who are simultaneously managing families and upscaling ventures.
As MENA countries further invest in AI research and adoption, small business owners stand poised to benefit from a blend of technology and market opportunities. With rising numbers of women taking the lead, the region’s entrepreneurial landscape is on track for continued growth. GoDaddy’s focus on practical AI-driven services—like GoDaddy Airo—aims to give entrepreneurs the support they need for digital success.
Conclusion
The 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey findings from GoDaddy shine a spotlight on women entrepreneurs who are turning to AI to save significant time each week, reinforce their business strategies, and outpace the competition. By freeing entrepreneurs from repetitive tasks, AI allows for more creative thinking, forward planning, and timely decision-making. GoDaddy remains committed to helping businesses of all sizes thrive online, and GoDaddy Airo embodies that mission.
For more updates, insights, and tips on leveraging AI and digital tools for your enterprise, stay tuned to our blog. Together, we can focus on building and growing businesses that reflect the innovation, ambition, and resilience of the MENA region.
