Kuwait:Women given the right to vote in 2005. Last year, women candidates ran in parliamentary elections but none were elected. The ruling family appointed Kuwait's first female minister in 2005. Today there are two women in the cabinet, holding the education and health ministries.
United Arab Emirates
There are no democratically elected legislative institutions in the UAE. In 2004, Sheikha Lubna al-Qasimi became the UAE's first female minister when she was appointed to the economy and trade ministry. Another woman was later made social affairs minister. Last December, nine women were appointed to the 40-member Federal National Council, a consultative body with limited powers.
Qatar
A new written constitution, ratified by public vote, recognised Qatari women's right to vote and run for office in 2003, although women had voted in municipal elections in 2000. A woman was named Qatari education minister in May 2003, becoming the first in the Gulf to be given a seat in government.
Bahrain
Since 2002, women have had the right to vote and run for public office. In 2004, Bahrain appointed its first female minister, and there are currently two women in the cabinet. Last year, the country's first female MP was elected. Ten women sit on the 40-member Shura Council, a consultative body.
Oman
Voting rights were extended to women in 2002. Two years later, Oman's first woman minister was appointed. The government now includes four female ministers. Since 2000, the sultan has appointed nine women to the State Council. Women hold only two of the 83 seats in Oman's Consultative Council.
Saudi Arabia
Women are not permitted either to vote or stand for office. The head of the Saudi electoral commission has said that he will recommend women be allowed to vote in the next municipal elections, due in 2009.