Across the Gulf, more women are joining family financial discussions, yet many remain on the sidelines of long-term planning. Tradition, trust or limited access often hinder their participation in financial decision making, leaving families vulnerable when life takes a turn. Open conversations about money are the first step towards building financial awareness and long-term confidence.

Time to talk

If one partner manages the family’s finances alone, the other may be less equipped to handle significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, bereavement, inheritance, or transitions in a family business. Many families only make important financial decisions when something goes wrong, leading to rushed choices, emotional stress and strained relationships.

A recent succession planning survey in the Gulf by Lombard Odier underlined this tension. Many families know how important it is to prepare for the future, yet half still choose to put off these vital conversations. Nearly two thirds of wealthy families in the region confirm that they don’t have a clear succession plan in place. With the region on the brink of its first major transfer of wealth across generations, proactive financial planning is no longer a nice-to-have but more of a must-have.

Here are five practical ways women in the region and beyond can take charge of their financial well-being:

1. Have open conversations

In parts of the Middle East, separation of property applies, and joint ownership is not presumed unless explicitly agreed in a marriage contract. Keeping both names on key documents and having open conversations about future help to build trust.

Legal frameworks also matter as they can vary significantly across jurisdictions, with some countries applying different inheritance rules depending on an individual’s faith or religious affiliation. This means that spouses can have wills that reflect their personal wishes, but it also underscores the importance of knowing which rules apply to one’s circumstances. Financial confidence begins with awareness.

Shared responsibilities

Many women take on caregiving roles that limit their income-generating work, often leaving a gap in long-term financial planning. This can have lasting financial consequences in the form of lower savings, leaving women potentially more exposed to financial imbalances later in life.

Many families may overlook that unpaid work, such as caregiving or managing household affairs, also create economic value. Recognising these contributions through financial arrangements – for example, through savings, insurance or agreed transfers – can help to close the gaps that emerge when one partner steps back from paid work.

Steps for women to build financial resilience

Here are five practical ways women in the region and beyond can take charge of their financial well-being:

1. Have open conversations

In parts of the Middle East, separation of property applies, and joint ownership is not presumed unless explicitly agreed in a marriage contract. Keeping both names on key documents and having open conversations about future help to build trust.

2. Establish clear financial governance

Sound financial practice is for both partners to review the family’s overall financial situation at least once a year. Even if one spouse takes care of the investments or large acquisitions on behalf of the family, the other should be aware and involved, and all major purchases or loans documented.

3. Partnership finance

Financial resilience starts with both partners understanding how assets and debts are managed. Run a combination of own and joint bank accounts and stay involved with joint assets and liabilities.

4. Create a fair financial transfer model

A classical role distribution often involves women in a family-care role, setting them back on their wealth creation path. Agreeing on a fair financial transfer model that assigns value to the household work of the spouse entrusted with this role helps.

5. Engage the next generation

Healthy and frequent communication within a family is essential. Regular family meetings provide a structured opportunity for updates, discussions and the voicing of concerns. Establishing clear, shared goals can unite generations around a common vision.

The national

Saudia has confirmed it is reviewing required updates to its Airbus A320-family aircraft after the manufacturer issued a global safety directive — a sweeping recall affecting more than half of the world’s A320 fleet.

In a statement, the airline said it is “assessing any potential impact on flight schedules” and will contact affected guests directly if changes are needed.

Travellers are urged to keep their contact details updated and monitor notifications for real-time updates.

Similarly, flynas has received a directive from Airbus regarding A320 aircraft currently operating with multiple airlines worldwide. As a precaution, a software and technical recalibration will be carried out on part of the Flynas fleet.

The airline said in a statement that this may result in longer turnaround times for a limited number of flights and cause some delays to the operating schedule. Passengers whose flights could be affected will be contacted directly via SMS or email and can also monitor flight status on the airline’s website.

Flynas emphasised that these measures are part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety.

Global recall among the largest in Airbus history

The directive follows Airbus’ Friday announcement mandating immediate repairs to 6,000 A320-family jets, in one of the largest recalls in the manufacturer’s 55-year history.

The bulletin affects over 350 operators globally and comes during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year in the United States. At the time the directive was issued, around 3,000 A320 aircraft were airborne worldwide.

According to Airbus, the required fix largely involves reverting to earlier software versions and is considered straightforward, though it must be completed before aircraft can resume normal operations, except for limited ferry flights to maintenance centres.

Airlines across multiple regions, including Saudia and flynas, are assessing operational impacts as the recall triggers worldwide disruption.

Gulf News

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources signed two memoranda of understanding aimed at empowering women and raising the efficiency of human capabilities in the industrial sector, on the sidelines of the 21st session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held in Riyadh under the name “Global Manufacturing Summit 2025”.

The agreements included a memorandum of understanding signed by the Ministry, represented by the Human Capability Development Agency, with the Saudi Economic Association to promote joint research and specialized economic analyses in developing national talents, raising their efficiency, and empowering them in the industrial sector.

The ministry also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Women Leaders Center, as part of its commitment to empowering women and expanding their presence in the industrial and mining sectors. The memorandum aims to develop professional leadership pathways for women and enhance their career advancement opportunities in the industrial and mining sectors.

The two memoranda of understanding come as an extension of Saudi Arabia’s objectives to develop human capabilities and expand women’s participation in various industrial sectors and activities, in order to achieve its national goals

Al sharq alawsat