AI Summary
Why early planning and private market investing matter more than ever for women in the GCC.
In an era of rapid transformation, the concept of retirement is being redefined, not only in terms of when does it begin, but in how long does it last, and what it takes to maintain one’s lifestyle over the decades. This shift is especially relevant for women, who are statistically likely to live longer, take time off work for caregiving, and face more fragmented career paths.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, career interruptions are more common among women due to caregiving responsibilities.[1] And data from LinkedIn’s Economic Graph shows that 64% of women globally have taken a career break.[2] These life patterns significantly influence long-term retirement readiness.
The Longevity Factor
Women across the world, including the GCC, are living longer than men. According to World Bank data, the average life expectancy for women in Saudi Arabia is now over 81 years.[3] This extended life span can be a gift (more time with family and more years in good health), but it also presents a financial challenge for long-term planning, especially when retirement may last 25 to 30 years or more.
This is where early planning becomes crucial. The power of compounding works best over time, and every year counts. According to Fidelity Investments, starting to invest in your 20s instead of your 30s can result in three times more wealth by retirement, thanks to the power of compounding.[4] While exact outcomes depend on how much is invested and the rate of return, the principle is clear: the earlier one starts, the more time money has to grow. Yet despite this, many delay retirement planning until much later, often because other responsibilities take priority.
The Retirement Gap is Not Just About Income
Much has been said about the gender pay gap, but less attention is paid to the retirement gap, which is the disparity between accumulated wealth and the income needed to sustain one’s lifestyle throughout retirement. Even in high-income households, we find that long-term planning is often deferred, and many rely on their spouses’ or families’ strategies without building their own.
A UBS “Own Your Worth” report revealed that while women are increasingly becoming primary earners, only about 50% of women breadwinners are actively involved in long-term financial decisions, which can undermine their confidence in retirement readiness.[5] This does not reflect a lack of capability, but rather a gap in tailored guidance and long-term financial engagement.
Bridging that gap begins with education and empowerment. Digital tools, like Financial Goal by The Family Office, now allow investors to define what retirement means to them, simulate their financial progress, and work with advisors to build a strategy that reflects their personal needs.
Redefining What Retirement Looks Like
The traditional image of retirement (a fixed age, a pension, and a simple lifestyle) is outdated. Retirement today is more dynamic: many aspire to continue working on personal projects, travel more, support younger generations, or give back through philanthropy. These aspirations require a robust portfolio designed to sustain a flexible, fulfilling life, not just cover basic expenses.
For those who start early, the opportunity to invest in private markets, such as private equity, private credit, and real estate, can offer both diversification and long-term growth potential. Unlike public markets, private investments are often less volatile and more aligned with strategic, multi-decade goals.
We’ve seen women investors, especially in their 40s and 50s, take interest in building portfolios that balance growth with legacy. Whether it's planning children’s education, passing on family assets, or enjoying their later years with freedom, the motivations are clear. What’s often missing is a consolidated view and a structured plan.
A Framework That Evolves with Life Stages
At The Family Office, our approach begins by understanding your goals, your time horizon, and your risk appetite. From there, we help construct an investment plan that isn’t static, but one that evolves with life stages. We recognize that women’s financial lives often follow different rhythms, and our strategies are designed to accommodate those shifts, without compromising long-term performance.
This includes access to global private market opportunities that were typically reserved for institutions, managed with governance and transparency that supports intergenerational wealth transfer.
Confidence Backed by Strategy
Retirement planning is not just about money, it’s about freedom. The freedom to live on your terms, to maintain your lifestyle, and to support others without financial stress.
Whether you’re in your 30s thinking ahead, or in your 50s looking to define the next chapter, the time to plan is now. A personalized retirement strategy, backed by professional insights and the right investment vehicles, can provide the clarity and confidence needed to take control of your financial future.
To estimate your projected retirement income and understand how close you are to your retirement goals, try our retirement calculator and start building your long-term strategy.
About The Family Office
The Family Office Company B.S.C. (c) in Bahrain and Dubai, its Riyadh-based wealth manager, The Family Office International Investment Company, and its investment advisory firm in Kuwait, The Family Office Investment Advisory Company (Kuwait) K.S.C. (c) are regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the Capital Market Authority of Saudi Arabia, and the Capital Markets Authority of Kuwait. Serving hundreds of families and individuals, the firm helps clients achieve their wealth goals through custom-made investment strategies that cater to their unique needs.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Private market investments involve risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Results may vary based on market conditions and individual portfolio allocations. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
The Family Office Company B.S.C. (c) is a Category 1 Investment Firm regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, C.R. No. 53871 dated 21/6/2004. Paid Up Capital: US$10,000,000. The Family Office Company B.S.C. (c) only offers products and services to ‘accredited investors’ as defined by the Central Bank of Bahrain.
The Family Office International Investment is a joint stock closed company owned by one person. Paid-up capital SR20 million. CR No. 101060698, Unified National Number 7007701696. Licensed by the Capital Market Authority (no. 17-182-30) to carry out arranging, advisory and managing investments and operating funds, with respect to securities.
The Family Office Company B.S.C. (c) (DIFC Branch) is a recognized company in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under registration number 6567 and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as a Category 4 licensee to carry out Arranging and Advising Services. The Family Office Company B.S.C. (c) (DIFC Branch) is not permitted to deal with Retail Clients (as defined in DFSA’s Conduct of Business Module).
The Family Office Investment Advisory Company (Kuwait) K.S.C. (c), incorporated in 2024, is regulated by the Capital Markets Authority, State of Kuwait and authorized to conduct Investment Advisory and Subscription Agent (license no. AP/2024/0009). Paid-up capital KWD 1,000,000, CR no. 511443.
[1] World Economic Forum
https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2023/
[2] CNET
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/use-your-career-break-to-your-benefit-on-linkedin-heres-how/
[3] World Bank Data
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.FE.IN?locations=SA
[4] Fidelity
[5] UBS
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