TY - JOUR AB - Purpose This study aims to develop a push–pull factors theory of women entrepreneurship, to identify and prioritize the factors influencing Emirati women entrepreneurs, and also aims to implement the proposed theory in two cases: Emirati women entrepreneurs with business family and non-business family backgrounds.Design/methodology/approach The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model was developed with 6 criteria and 19 sub-criteria, based upon the findings of previous studies. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey given to 20 Emirati women entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The respondents were selected on the basis of their family backgrounds. The data collected were interpreted and a priority vector was assigned to the criteria and sub-criteria.Findings A well-researched methodology was used for the synthesis of priorities and the measurement of consistencies. The findings show that education, skills and training are the three main criteria considered to be the most important factors that influence the growth and success of Emirati women entrepreneurs.Research limitations/implications The model can be used by authors for future academic and entrepreneurial studies. The findings interpreted can help policymakers and related associations develop various policies based on the specific factors found to empower Emirati women entrepreneurs in an effective manner. This process will increase the participation of Emirati women in the entrepreneurial field. The research model had limited dimensions and the findings cannot be generalized. Hence, it would be valuable to conduct future study in other countries to generalize the findings. The model can be enhanced by including other factors, and alternatives could be based on types of sectors.Originality/value This study is the first of its kind to present an AHP model that contains most dimensions influencing the success and growth of Emirati women entrepreneurs and prioritizes the dimensions based on their importance. VL - 11 IS - 3 SN - 1759-0817 DO - 10.1108/JIABR-02-2017-0020 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/JIABR-02-2017-0020 AU - Al Matroushi Huda AU - Jabeen Fauzia AU - Matloub Ayesha AU - Tehsin Muhammad PY - 2020 Y1 - 2020/01/01 TI - Push and pull model of women entrepreneurship: empirical evidence from the UAE T2 - Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research PB - Emerald Publishing Limited SP - 588 EP - 609 Y2 - 2024/04/25 ER -