Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE Achieves Landmark EQUAL-SALARY Certification for Equal Pay in Same Roles
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates / VEVEY, Switzerland: Roche, a leading global biotechnology firm, has made history by becoming the first international organization in the United Arab Emirates to receive the new Equal Pay Certification from the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation. This certification follows a comprehensive, data-driven salary analysis conducted independently.
The certification process involved a meticulous statistical evaluation of compensation data, performed by Forvis Mazars, along with an internal review. This analysis confirms that Roche Pharmaceuticals in the UAE provides equal pay for women and men engaged in the same roles or roles of equal value, adhering to the EQUAL-SALARY auditing standards.
Commitment to Gender Equality
This achievement aligns with the UAE’s existing legal and policy framework regarding equal pay and gender balance, further solidifying the nation’s dedication to fostering fair and inclusive workplaces. By validating equal pay through independent analysis, the certification demonstrates how organizations can implement these principles through transparent, data-driven practices.
As multinational companies expand their operations in the UAE, this certification adds a layer of accountability, showcasing how global standards can enhance national frameworks. This synergy is essential for building trust, improving talent competitiveness, and ensuring long-term sustainability within the workforce.
Statements from Roche Leadership
Mohamed ElShaarawy, General Manager for the UAE at Roche Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the organization. He remarked that achieving the Equal Pay Certification signifies more than just a milestone; it reflects Roche’s commitment to fostering an environment where every individual is valued equally. This aligns with the UAE’s vision for gender balance and workplace excellence.
ElShaarawy noted that ensuring pay equity through transparent, data-driven practices empowers the team to thrive, fostering the collaboration and innovation necessary for delivering groundbreaking science to patients in the UAE and beyond.
Sona Parsons, Head of People and Culture UAE at Roche Pharmaceuticals, added that the company’s commitment to inclusion and belonging is integral to its daily operations. She stated that the certification validates that fairness is woven into the organization’s culture, reinforcing the notion that both women and men are recognized and rewarded equally for their contributions.
Recognition from the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation
Lisa Rubli, Chief Executive Officer of the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation, expressed pride in welcoming Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE as the first global organization in the UAE to earn the new Equal Pay Certification. She highlighted that Roche’s achievement reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender balance and demonstrates how organizations can strengthen this priority through internationally recognized standards like EQUAL-SALARY.
Rubli further stated that change is driven by proactive measures. By taking this step, Roche contributes to tangible fairness, inclusion, and sustainable economic participation, inspiring progress across the region and beyond. She hopes this achievement will motivate others to engage in the pursuit of equal pay with determination and optimism.
Setting a Benchmark for Multinational Companies
Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE has showcased a clear and measurable commitment to equal pay through a rigorous and transparent process. As the first global organization in the UAE to receive the Equal Pay Certification, Roche sets a significant benchmark for multinational companies operating in the UAE, the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and beyond.
The EQUAL-SALARY Foundation confirmed that Roche Pharmaceuticals UAE met its standard requirements based on both internal and external assessments, including findings from the independent report issued by Forvis Mazars Switzerland.
About Roche
Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) is a healthcare company uniquely positioned to prevent, stop, and cure diseases by integrating leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines, and digital solutions. Founded in Basel, Switzerland, in 1896, Roche is a prominent provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 150 countries. The company is dedicated to addressing healthcare challenges that significantly impact patients, families, communities, and healthcare systems.
Roche focuses on various therapeutic areas, including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases, and immunology, with the goal of delivering meaningful change for patients and healthcare professionals.
Genentech, based in the United States, operates as a fully owned subsidiary within the Roche Group, while Roche holds a majority stake in Chugai Pharmaceutical, a leading innovator in the Japanese therapeutic antibody market.
For more information, please visit www.roche.com.
About the Equal-Salary Foundation
EQUAL-SALARY is a non-profit organization established in 2010 under Swiss law. Founded by Véronique Goy Veenhuys, a social entrepreneur and advocate for equal pay, the foundation aims to develop practical tools that allow companies to verify and communicate equal pay for male and female employees in the same roles. The certification process was created in collaboration with the University of Geneva and leading auditing bodies, with the foundation responsible for assigning certifications for fair wage policies.
For more information, please visit www.equalsalary.org/the-foundation.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-07-07 14:06:00 • By the Editorial Desk
