30 Visionary Women Driving Change in the Middle East

From a math teacher to school principal to now strategic advisor at Alef Education, Dr. Aishah Al Yammahi had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to the evolving landscape of teaching and learning in the UAE.

With almost three decades of experience in the education sector, Al Yammahi’s career took an exciting turn in 2018 when she joined the UAE Ministry of Education, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Alef educational system across 57 public schools in Abu Dhabi. Prior to that, she had the opportunity to lead the first public school in the UAE to introduce Alef’s innovative system — a role that deepened her appreciation for integrating technology into education.

Al Yammahi earned her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Massey University in New Zealand, with a focus on the impact of a positive work environment on employee performance, thereby shaping her approach to leadership and management in the education sector.

Al Yammahi also worked with UNESCO as a director in the UAE’s National Commission for Education, Culture & Science. Throughout her career, she has visited and collaborated with education systems in countries including Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the USA.

Al Yammahi is a firm believer in the power of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance education. By leveraging these tools, the sector can create a more dynamic, engaging, and motivating learning environment for today’s students.

Over the years, Her Excellency Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei has garnered widespread recognition for her exceptional leadership and remarkable achievements. Renowned for her innovative mindset and tireless dedication to nurturing the next generation of Emirati talent, Al Mazrouei continues to inspire both seasoned professionals and emerging leaders across the UAE and beyond.

Al Mazrouei earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management Information Systems Degree from the United Arab Emirates University in 2001. She later pursued her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Leadership from the same institution, graduating in 2005. Her academic journey underscores her steadfast commitment to leadership excellence, management, and driving innovation in the business world, thereby contributing to the further development of the UAE economy.

“The UAE sees SMEs and entrepreneurship as key drivers in building a knowledge-based, innovative, and competitive national economy. Therefore, we are continuing concerted efforts to enhance the country’s entrepreneurial environment, making it more appealing to startup owners, innovators, and talents, and to become a leading hub for entrepreneurship by the next decade,” she said in a roundtable with 20 directors and CEOs of venture capital funds in September.

Al Mazrouei is spearheading the promotion of the UAE as a favorable environment for investors, venture capitalists and venture capital deals. The UAE was ranked first in the MENA region in terms of the number of venture capital deals in the first half of 2024, according to a report by venture capital analytics experts MAGNiTT.

Amira Sajwani is a dynamic Emirati business leader who has worn many hats including managing director of sales and development at DAMAC Properties, founder and CEO of PRYPCO, and co-founder and COO of Amali Properties. With a passion for excellence in real estate, Sajwani brings a thoughtful, strategic approach to every project she takes on.

At DAMAC Properties, the flagship arm of DAMAC Group, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the entire property development process from design and construction to sales, marketing, and analytics, she ensures that each step delivers maximum value.

She also leads the management of DAMAC’s network of direct and independent sales agents, focusing on building strong partnerships and enhancing the effectiveness of the team.

Through PRYPCO, Sajwani has simplified the real estate experience in the UAE, equipping clients with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the market confidently. In 2023, she co-founded Amali Properties with her brother, Ali Sajwani, to offer ultra-luxury villas that are highly customizable and designed with unique, high-end touches.

“The real estate market in Dubai is experiencing exceptional momentum, with strong demand continuing from both investors and end-users,” she said on the sidelines of the launch of Riverside Views, DAMAC Properties’ first project for this year.

The investment value of the company’s new development in Miami exceeds $1 billion and is designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Sajwani holds degrees from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Economics (LSE).

Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi is a visionary leader whose philanthropic efforts are deeply rooted in cultural preservation, socio-economic development, and improving the lives of children through the transformative power of reading. As the founder and chairperson of the Kalimat Foundation, she has launched numerous initiatives and distributed thousands of books to children facing difficult circumstances, helping to ignite a passion for reading and bridge educational gaps.

Her dedication to global causes extends beyond her foundation work. Sheikha Bodour plays an influential role in international organizations such as UNESCO and the International Publishers Association, where she advocates for solutions to critical issues including education, cultural exchange, and sustainable development.

A driving force in the literary world, Sheikha Bodour has been instrumental in the establishment of several key initiatives, including the Emirates Publishers Association, the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, and the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Committee, where she served as chair.

In her capacity as president of the American University of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour continues to champion her broader vision of advancing education and fostering academic excellence.

Through her tireless efforts and unparalleled leadership, Sheikha Bodour exemplifies the transformative power of education. Her commitment to empowering children through reading highlights the importance of collaboration, education, and cultural awareness. Her impactful contributions demonstrate how the written word can shape societies and promote a more inclusive and enlightened society.

Dalal Al Qais is a seasoned retail banking professional with over two decades of experience in the GCC region, specializing in consumer banking digitization channels. She possesses deep expertise in branch management, product launches, portfolio management, and credit approvals, and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in overseeing multi-cultural teams across the Middle East and Asia. Al Qais is known for her drive, passion, and determination to build lasting business relationships and foster strong connections with both internal and external stakeholders.

Before becoming the first Bahraini woman to hold the position of head of retail banking at Bahrain Islamic Bank, she led the consumer banking division at Standard Chartered Bank in Bahrain. During her 16-year tenure at Standard Chartered, she held various management roles spanning retail branch banking, SMEs, credit cards, and wealth management, with regional responsibilities across Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

Her strategic mindset and ability to turn vision into action have consistently led to impactful results and business success.

She earned her Master’s Degree in Finance from AMA University and her Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Bahrain.

On the financial side, BDB’s income from Islamic financing and interest rose 27 percent for the third quarter of 2024, reaching BD7.526 million ($19.97 million) from BD5.930m ($2.47 million) reported for the same period in 2023.

As head of one of the biggest airports in the world, Elena Sorlini brings extensive strategic, financial, and operational expertise across both core and non-core infrastructure assets to Abu Dhabi Airports. With years of experience managing investments in aviation, logistics, and energy, she is recognized for her hands-on, results-driven approach to leadership.

In addition to her role as the head of a major airport, Sorlini serves on the boards of Abu Dhabi Airports and Abu Dhabi Aviation, further expanding her influence in the aviation sector. She is also the executive director of Aviation and Logistics at ADQ, where she shapes the strategy and operational framework of a rapidly expanding portfolio.

Sorlini’s distinguished career included top leadership roles, such as vice president of group corporate strategy at Oman Aviation Group and head of strategy at Copenhagen Airports. She also worked as an asset manager at Macquarie Airports.

Sorlini holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Planning and Control from Bocconi University, a Master’s in Corporate Finance, and an Executive MBA (EMBA) from Copenhagen Business School.

Elham Mahfouz is an accomplished banker with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the American University in Cairo.

She began her career at the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) in 2000 as manager of international banking. Over the years, she has held progressively senior executive roles, including general manager of the New York branch, Acting GM of international banking, and GM of international banking in December 2010. In April 2012, she was promoted to deputy CEO and later appointed as the CEO of the bank on November 20, 2014.

Prior to joining CBK, Mahfouz gained extensive experience working with several prominent financial institutions in Kuwait, amassing decades of expertise and a proven track record in financial services.

In its most recent review, Fitch Ratings said CBK’s profitability is one of its rating strengths, supported by adequate business generation, good net interest margin and cost efficiency, in addition to low net provisioning charges due to recoveries of written-off loans.

The report also added that the bank’s annualized operating profit/risk weighted assets (RWAs) ratio was stable at 3 percent in the first nine months of 2024. Fitch expects lower profitability due to declining interest rates but to remain adequate with an operating profit/RWAs ratio of 2.5 percent this year.

Under her leadership, CBK continues to go from strength to strength, with total assets reaching $14.94 billion as of 30 September 2024.

Hana Al Rostamani heads up First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE by assets and one of the world’s safest and most prominent financial institutions, with over $300 billion in total assets. Known for her transformative leadership, Al Rostamani is the first female CEO in FAB’s history and has played a pivotal role in driving a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.

With over 25 years of experience in banking and financial services, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her role.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Information Management from George Washington University.

Under her watch, FAB delivered strong results in 2024, with group net profit rising to AED 17.1 billion, a 4 percent increase year-on-year (YoY), on the back of a 15 percent growth in revenue to AED 31.6 billion.

The bank’s profit before tax climbed 13 percent YoY to AED 19.9 billion, driven by higher client activity, robust business volumes, diverse income streams, and continuous operational efficiencies across its operations. This performance reflects sustained growth in both scale and profitability, reinforcing FAB’s position as one of the UAE’s solid institutions.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, net profit reached AED 4.2 billion, up 4 percent YoY, while revenue surged 11 percent YoY to AED 7.7 billion.

Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari was appointed Qatar’s minister of Public Health in January 2016 and has served as the managing director of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) since 2007.

She holds several influential boards, including the Academic Health System International advisory board, the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute International advisory board, and numerous committees within the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, she co-chairs the joint advisory board of Weill Cornell Medicine, serves as vice chair of the board of the Qatar Precision Medicine Institute, and is a member of the Qatar University Board of Regents, the Sidra Medicine board of governors, the board of directors of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, and Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council.

She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management and earned a PhD in Healthcare Management from Brunel University in the UK in 2002.

In 2022, Qatar became the first country to have its municipalities recognized with the prestigious Healthy City status by the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement highlights Qatar’s unchangeable commitment to enhancing public health and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

She was honored with the Best Minister Award during the World Governments Summit (WGS) in 2024, by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani spearheads Qatar Foundation’s mission to support the economic and social development of the emirate, through initiatives in three primary areas, namely education, science and research, and community development.

Her Excellency embodies the cycle of education that QF has created, having graduated from Qatar Academy – the first school to be established by QF – and later continued her own academic journey at HEC Paris in Qatar, a QF partner university. Sheikha Hind is a firm believer in the power of education to shape lives, strengthen societies, and build a better world; and, as a leader, global citizen, and mother, she is an example of how women are playing an indispensable role in Qatar’s journey towards a knowledge-based economy.

Her Excellency leads a diverse, multicultural organization with a workforce of 5,000 individuals. QF brings together member entities across a wide range of sectors, including pre-university and higher education, research, development, and innovation, as well as health and wellbeing, social engagement, sustainability, art and music, cultural heritage, and various facets of community development.

Her Excellency serves on the boards of several education and cultural institutes, including Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and Qatar National Library. Sheikha Hind is also a member of the international board of HEC Paris, and member of the board of trustees of Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

Jomana Al Rashid is the dynamic CEO of SRMG, one of the MENA region’s leading integrated media groups, and the chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation. Known for her forward-thinking leadership, Al Rashid has been the driving force behind SRMG’s remarkable digital transformation and growth over the past several years.

In her role as CEO, she has worked tirelessly to revitalize SRMG’s media portfolio, making it more relevant and accessible to the modern, digital-first audience. She led the successful digitization of iconic brands including Asharq Al-Awsat, Al Majalla, and Hia, ensuring they resonate with younger, more connected audiences. Her bold vision also led to the creation of new platforms including Billboard Arabia and Manga Arabia, and the expansion of Asharq News Network with exciting new channels such as Asharq Discovery, Asharq Documentary, Asharq Quicktake, Asharq Podcasts, and Radio Asharq with Bloomberg. Al Rashid’s leadership has fostered valuable partnerships with global leaders such as Bloomberg Media, Billboard, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney.

SRMG has experienced an impressive financial turnaround. In 2022, the company posted an incredible $989 million (SAR 3.710 billion) in revenue—a 22 percent rise from the previous year. This success is a direct result of Al Rashid’s data-driven, audience-focused strategies that have diversified revenue streams and ensured SRMG’s continued growth.

Tadawul-listed SRMG’s total assets reached $1.61 billion in September of last year, with revenues topping $226.86 million for the third quarter of 2024.

As one of the senior executives at Dubai Design District (D3), Khadija Al Bastaki is tasked with elevating the profile of Dubai’s premier creative ecosystem.

Al Bastaki is a key pillar in the UAE’s creative scene, having led D3’s remarkable growth in the last several years. Established in 2013, D3 – one of TECOM Group’s impressive portfolio of free zones – aims to inspire, nurture and bring together talent within the design sector. Now home to more than 10,000 professionals from 50 local and global brands, D3 is playing a key role in Dubai’s rise as a hub for creative talent.

With her solid leadership background, Al Bastaki was appointed to her role in enhancing Dubai’s status on the global stage, where D3 is dedicated to supporting the regional fashion industry, nurturing emerging talent, and giving global fashion brands access to regional markets. Al Bastaki believes D3 is an excellent launchpad for homegrown concepts to make it on the global stage. Over the years, she has brought together the creative community to discuss how collaboration can power design in the digital era while shedding light on the wealth of opportunities available in Dubai.

She believes collaboration is a remarkable way to bring D3 to the world, connect with inspiring design stakeholders, and demonstrate the free zone’s commitment to fostering collaboration and creativity on a global scale.

Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi made history as the first woman in the UAE to hold a ministerial role when she was appointed Minister of Economy in November 2004.

Throughout her career, Sheikha Lubna has held numerous positions in the government. She managed the Dubai branch of the General Authority of Specialized Information, served as senior manager of IT Management at Dubai Ports Authority, and led the executive team at Dubai E-Government, overseeing key initiatives that have transformed the public sector.

She was also the CEO and later chairperson of Tejari, the region’s pioneering e-commerce platform, and served as chairperson of the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority from 2004 to 2008.

Her long and distinguished career has earned her numerous local and international awards and recognitions, including the Arab Technology Award for Outstanding Contribution to E-commerce in 2005; the American Business Award from the American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates in 2004; the Entrepreneurship Award given by the House of Lords in Great Britain in 2004; IT Woman of the Year from Datamatix in 2001; and IT Woman of the Year from the American Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates in 2001.

She is the vice president of Sharjah-based Kalimat Foundation, a non-profit organisation which aims to build better prospects for children’s learning.

Her Excellency holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from California State University, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the American University in Sharjah.

Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri is currently the head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court of the UAE, a position she took on in January 2024.

Before this, she served as the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, a role she was appointed to in September 2021. In this capacity, she played a leading role in advancing the UAE’s efforts to tackle climate change, protect ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and enhance food security. She was instrumental in developing and implementing strategies and policies that had a meaningful impact on the environment.

Almheiri’s extensive experience includes serving as Minister of State for Food Security, and later as Minister of State for Food and Water Security, where she was appointed in June 2020. In these roles, she was responsible for managing the country’s food and water supply, directing investments in food technology, and building international collaborations. She also led the development of infrastructure to ensure the nation’s food security in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.

Almheiri held leadership roles at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), overseeing biodiversity, fisheries, coastal sustainability, and marine research.

Almheiri holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University in Germany (RWTH).

A career senior foreign service officer, Ambassador Strong has had a remarkable diplomatic journey, including her previous position as Chargé d’Affaires in Saudi Arabia and deputy chief of mission in Bulgaria. With 27 years of experience, her career includes two significant assignments in Iraq – first as the political minister-counselor in Baghdad and later as the US Army’s political advisor in Basrah.

Throughout her career, Strong has served in key diplomatic roles around the world, with postings in Poland, the Czech Republic, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and France. She also spent two years as a director on the National Security Council at the White House, where she led the US government’s multi-agency efforts to organize the 2004 G8 Summit in Sea Island, as well as other G8 summits and multilateral meetings.

The US and the UAE share a robust bilateral partnership, collaborating across a wide spectrum of issues such as defense, non-proliferation, trade, law enforcement, energy policy, and cultural exchange. Together, the two nations work to advance peace and security, foster economic growth, and expand educational opportunities both in the region and globally.

US goods trade (exports plus imports) with the UAE totaled $34.4 billion in 2024. Goods exports reached $26.9 billion, while goods imports recorded $7.5 billion. The US goods trade surplus with the UAE reached $19.5 billion in 2024.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri is one of the leading young Emirati figures in the UAE’s media landscape, with an impressive track record in media, strategic communications, and women’s empowerment. She is a tireless advocate for the active participation of women in national development and continues to break barriers for women in leadership roles.

Al Marri holds several prestigious positions, including director general of the Government of Dubai Media Office, president of the Dubai Press Club, secretary general of the Arab Media Award, chairperson of both the Organizing Committee of the Arab Media Forum and the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit.

She is also the vice chairman and managing director of the Dubai Media Council, established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Additionally, she chairs the Dubai Council for the Future of Media and is a member of the National Experts Program. Al Marri also serves on the board of United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

Al Marri’s advocacy for women’s development began in 2003 when she was appointed vice president of the Dubai Ladies Club by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In 2006, she played a key role in establishing the Dubai Women Establishment (DWE), where she now serves as chairperson of the board. She was also appointed vice president of the UAE Gender Balance Council in 2015.

Nadia Zaal is a visionary Emirati entrepreneur who has made a lasting impact on the real estate, hospitality, and education sectors in the UAE. She co-founded Zaya Group, a distinguished boutique developer known for its luxury real estate and hospitality projects. Zaal’s leadership was pivotal in the creation of iconic developments such as Nurai Island, where she introduced groundbreaking sustainable features, including the region’s first floating solar plant. The island’s “green carpet” concept exemplifies her commitment to blending luxury with sustainability in real estate.

As CEO of Al Barari Group, Zaal has been instrumental in developing the Al Barari project, which has become a benchmark for eco-conscious luxury living in Dubai. Designed to cater to the premium real estate market, Al Barari is a lush, low-density community that prioritizes environmental sustainability, offering expansive green spaces and employing practices such as recycling greywater.

Beyond her work in real estate and hospitality, Zaal is deeply passionate about education. She founded Zaya Early Learning, further demonstrating her dedication to reimagining education and fostering innovation in young minds. Currently, she is focused on her latest endeavour, the Zuhha Island project, which reflects her continued drive to create unique and inspiring experiences through transformative developments.

In 2021, Nora Al Matrooshi made history as the first Emirati and Arab woman to be selected as an astronaut. A mechanical engineer by training and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, she is a true embodiment of the UAE’s forward-thinking vision. In 2024, Al Matrooshi proudly graduated from NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class, earning her status as a fully qualified astronaut ready for upcoming space missions.

Before stepping into her groundbreaking astronaut career, Al Matrooshi worked as a piping engineer at the National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), where she contributed to significant projects for ADNOC and Saudi Aramco.

Her leadership skills shone through during her three consecutive terms as vice president of the Youth Council at NPCC, where she spearheaded initiatives to nurture talent and drive innovation among young professionals. Al Matrooshi then advanced to a role as a technical specialist at ADNOC, focusing on engineering and project management.

“Women in the UAE enjoy all means of excellence and creativity, thanks to the support of the wise leadership, which seeks to empower women in all fields,” she said on the sidelines of the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai in November.

Al Matrooshi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Her academic journey also included a semester at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland, where she expanded her technical expertise and gained a broader, global perspective.

Over her career in government, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi has held prominent roles as the minister of Culture and Youth and minister of state for Federal National Council Affairs.

Beyond her ministerial duties, Al Kaabi has played key leadership roles in various sectors, including as the president of Zayed University, Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and chairperson of the National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. She also chaired the board of directors of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi Media, and the Media Zone Authority in Abu Dhabi (twofour54), where she was instrumental in shaping policies that empowered the UAE’s creative community.

She also played a pivotal role in the UAE’s successful bid to join the executive board of UNESCO, and she was crucial in the UAE’s collaboration with UNESCO to restore cultural heritage sites in Mosul, Iraq, through the Revive the Spirit of Mosul initiative.

Her commitment to education and innovation in higher learning is evident in her leadership at Zayed University, where she helped establish the College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Al Kaabi was honored with the Chevalier of the French Order of the Legion of Honor and the Chevalier of the French Order of Merit. She also received the Diplomatic Service Medal—Gwanghwa Medal from the then-President of South Korea, Moon Jae-in.

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg is a prominent business leader in the UAE, known for her exceptional leadership and pioneering role in shaping the growth of the group amid changing business dynamics.

Al Gurg has established herself as a champion for Arab women entrepreneurs. She is the founder of the Dubai Businesswomen Council and a member of the board of directors of Dubai Chambers. Her commitment to supporting women’s empowerment extends to her role as a board member of the Dubai Women’s Association.

Al Gurg also holds several influential positions in key organizations. She is the deputy chairperson of the National Bank of Fujairah and serves on the advisory board of Coutts Bank, the wealth division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Additionally, she is a member of the board of directors of the Dubai Academic Health Corporation, vice chairperson of the University of Dubai, and a board member of the Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her leadership further extends to the board of governors at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University and the board of trustees for Ajman University.

Al Gurg has received multiple prestigious honors, including an Honorary Doctorate in Economics from Queen’s University Belfast and a Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) honor from Amity University in India. In 2022, she was appointed Honorary Pro-Chancellor at Heriot-Watt University.

Considered among the digital transformation leaders in the UAE, Raja Al Mazrouei has more than two decades of experience driving cutting-edge digital innovation across various industries.

Guided by her compelling vision to transform the way businesses secure sustainable growth, she is steering the organization through its next phase of evolution. Her focus on supporting UAE exporters, particularly SMEs, and fostering national economic growth positions the UAE as a global leader in trade.

Al Mazrouei began her career in financial technology after earning an MBA in Global Leadership and Management from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in 2005. She has since held key executive roles with prestigious organizations, including Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), Dubai Holding, National Bonds Corporation, and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

ECI has also witnessed an upward trajectory last year, as the entity recorded a remarkable 8 percent annual increase in its credit coverage within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, reaching a total of AED 1.4 billion in the first eight months of 2024. From January to September 2024, ECI has attained total credit coverage worth AED 10.6 billion in the UAE, expanding at a growth rate of 10 percent annually, with a 16 percent increase in insurance document issuance.

With Al Mazrouei at the helm, ECI is well on its way to its ambitious vision to achieve a seven-fold increase in its non-oil GDP contribution to the UAE economy by 2031.

Her Excellency Dr. Rania Al-Mashat has been an influential member of Egypt’s cabinet since 2018. She has previously held the position of minister of International Cooperation from December 2019 to July 2024 and was Egypt’s first female minister of Tourism from January 2018 to December 2019.

Al-Mashat’s tenure at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) from 2005 to 2016 was marked by significant contributions to modernizing the country’s monetary policy. As sub-governor for Monetary Policy, she played a central role in implementing structural reforms, notably adopting an inflation-targeting regime as part of the broader banking sector reform program initiated in 2004.

Al-Mashat previously worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, D.C. as advisor to the chief economist from August 2016 to January 2018, and senior economist from 2001 to 2005, with specialization in central banking issues, including monetary policy frameworks and macro-prudential tools.

Dr. Al-Mashat is actively engaged in global initiatives, holding positions on several prestigious advisory councils and international alliances. She is a member of UNICEF’s GenU, a founding member of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) launched by the Rockefeller Foundation, and a founding member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Resilience Consortium. Additionally, she co-chairs the WEF’s MENA Stewardship Board and the Network to Mobilize Investment for Clean Energy in the Global South. Dr. Al-Mashat is also involved with WEF’s Mission Possible for Climate Action, New Economy and Society Stewardship Board, and the Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) initiative.

Through her diverse and transformative leadership roles, Dr. Al-Mashat continues to play a key part in advancing Egypt’s economic development and fostering international collaboration to address global challenges.

Rania bint Mahmoud Nashar is a key executive at the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. Since 2021, Nashar has served as a senior advisor to the Governor of PIF, providing expertise in business and governance. In her role as head of Compliance and Governance, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening the fund’s adherence to legal regulations and internal policies.

She also serves on the boards of numerous prestigious organizations, including stc Group, Saudi Tadawul Group, SME Bank, and the National Center for Performance Measurement.

Nashar earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science & Information Technology from King Saud University in 1997. She solidified her expertise with certifications such as the Anti-Money Laundering Specialist designation from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Professionals (ACAMS) in 2006, an Executive Education Program from Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia in 2012, and a Certificate in Governance, Risk Management & Compliance from George Washington University in 2015.

As of June 2024, PIF’s assets under management (AuM) have surged to approximately SAR 3.4 trillion ($902 billion), up from SAR 570 billion ($152 billion) in 2015, according to a report from Moody’s.

By end-2023, PIF’s assets represent 92 percent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with approximately 20 percent of its portfolio invested in global markets, including the US, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Spain, France, and China.

As a dominant force in the region’s retail landscape, Landmark Group – under the leadership of chairwoman Renuka Jagtiani – is set to expand its retail presence by 20 percent over the next four years.

Jagtiani has been instrumental in executing the group’s corporate strategy, solidifying Landmark Group’s presence not only in the region but also across Africa and the Indian subcontinent. She oversees all retail and hospitality operations, steering the group’s strategic direction with a focus on market expansion and leading its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Through its robust omnichannel platform, Landmark Group offers customers seamless access to an extensive range of brands, including Babyshop, Centrepoint, Splash, Emax, Shoemart, and Home Box, among others.

Jagtiani, a graduate of the University of Mumbai with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in 2009, has garnered numerous accolades, including the Hall of Fame Award from the World Retail Congress in January 2017 and the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the World Entrepreneurship Forum in January 2014.

In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the group generated over $7 billion in revenue and continues to innovate in response to the evolving needs of its customers. To maintain its leadership, Landmark Group is committing $1 billion over the coming years to expand its physical footprint and enhance its e-commerce, technology, and supply chain capabilities.

The regional head of US-based fintech leader Visa, Dr. Saeeda Jaffar leads a team focused on driving business growth across the GCC, working closely with key clients and partners from financial institutions, businesses, and governments.

With more than two decades of leadership experience, Jaffar is known for her ability to deliver practical, results-driven solutions to complex strategic challenges. Her approach consistently drives bottom-line impact and achieves fast, measurable outcomes. In addition to her role at Visa, Jaffar is a member of the board of trustees at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). She has also served as a non-executive board member at United Arab Bank and Ishraq, a hospitality company, as well as a board member at Bahrain Fintech Bay.

Over the years, Jaffar worked with clients across a range of industries, specializing in financial services including universal banks, private banks, investment banks, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, government institutions and family-owned businesses.

In its latest financial performance, Visa reported net revenue of $9.5 billion in its fiscal first quarter of 2025, an increase of 10 percent compared to the same period last year. Visa said strong first-quarter results reflected healthy spending during the holiday season and improving trends in payments volume, cross-border volume, and processed transactions growth.

Jaffar graduated from Boston University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering in 2000, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2005.

Captain Salma Mohammed Al Baloushi, originally from Al Ain, made history as the first Emirati woman to achieve the rank of first officer at Etihad Airways. She joined the airline as part of its second group of cadet pilots, embarking on a journey that would see her break barriers in the aviation industry. Al Baloushi began her training at the Horizon International Flight Academy in Al Ain, where she completed her pilot education in September 2007. Over the course of her training, she accumulated 750 hours of classroom instruction and 205 hours of flight time, mastering the fundamentals of flying, navigation, and technical aspects of aviation.

Al Baloushi went on to become the first Emirati woman to graduate from Etihad’s cadet program as a co-pilot. She achieved another milestone when she operated her first flight as a first officer on June 9, 2011, flying flight EY 091 from Abu Dhabi to Athens. Today, she serves as a senior investigator for the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The GCAA plays a crucial role in regulating civil aviation in the UAE, ensuring safety and security while strengthening the industry’s infrastructure. Since its founding in 1996, the authority has made significant strides in advancing the sector, launching numerous initiatives to enhance services and support the growing demands of civil aviation.

Samia Bouazza is the driving force behind Multiply Group, a diversified holding company based in Abu Dhabi, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

With total assets worth AED 40.3 billion as of 31 December 2024, Bouazza leads the group’s strategic planning, managing its growing portfolio of high-return businesses while ensuring the sustainable growth of its subsidiaries.

Her leadership was widely celebrated when Multiply Group successfully went public on the ADX, making Bouazza the first female CEO to achieve this milestone on the Abu Dhabi exchange. Multiply Group is a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), one of the region’s largest non-oil companies.

Under Bouazza’s leadership, Multiply+ further engages in opportunistic, sector-agnostic investments, via mainly minority stakes in private and public markets.

A staunch advocate of wellness and mental well-being, Bouazza is also actively involved in the YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) community and is a key member of Friends of Abu Dhabi Art. Additionally, she serves on the boards of several companies and associations, including TAQA, Arena Events Group, and Emirates Driving Company.

Bouazza holds a BA in Political Science and Public Administration from the American University of Beirut and has further honed her expertise with executive education certificates in strategic intelligence and digital disruption from Harvard Business School and the University of Cambridge.

Her Excellency Sarah Bint Yousif Al Amiri, as minister of State for Advanced Technology, leads the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s initiatives to drive the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. She is dedicated to fostering research and development in the advanced science and technology sectors, helping create new industries that fuel the transition to a knowledge-based economy.

As chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, Al Amiri oversees the space sector, ensuring it contributes to the national economy and the country’s long-term sustainable development. Her leadership extends to several other key roles, including chairwoman of the Emirates Scientists Council, the Emirates School Establishment, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Council. She also leads the Dubai Future Academy Board of Trustees and serves as deputy project manager and Science Lead for the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope) at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

In 2014, she led the establishment of the Advanced Aerial Systems Program, championing the development of a prototype High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite. This project culminated in a successful 24-hour unmanned flight, achieving the highest altitude recorded by any aircraft over UAE airspace.

Al Amiri was recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2015 as one of its 50 Young Scientists for her groundbreaking contributions to science, technology, and engineering. She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Computer Engineering from the American University of Sharjah.

Listed at the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), PureHealth ranks among the biggest healthcare groups in the region, operating more than 100 hospitals, 300-plus clinics, multiple diagnostic centers, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, and health tech.

With group CEO Shaista Asif leading the way with groundbreaking innovations, PureHealth is redefining the future of healthcare by leveraging AI-driven innovation to create scalable, impactful solutions that address global health challenges. The group’s adoption of cutting-edge technology, along with a deep commitment to compassionate care, have enabled the group to offer significant value in the ever-evolving healthcare market.

On the financial side, PureHealth’s consolidated revenue increased by 58 percent in 2024 to AED 25.8 billion, primarily driven by organic growth and successful local and international acquisitions. Net profit reached AED 1.7 billion in financial year 2024, up by 78 percent YoY with a net profit margin of 6.6 percent.

PureHealth also reported its total assets increased by 72 percent, reaching AED 48.6 billion as of 31 December 2024, with the group reporting a cash balance of AED 11.9 billion.

In January, the group agreed to acquire a 60 percent stake in Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG). The transaction values HHG at $2.3 billion.

Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is an entrepreneur, thought leader, and researcher with a deep passion for sustainability, climate change, and gender equity. She is driven by the belief that true, lasting change can only come through collaboration among diverse stakeholders who work together to find and implement interconnected solutions. This vision has guided Sheikha Shamma in founding and leading several impactful ventures and initiatives.

As the president and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), Sheikha Shamma plays a pivotal role in advancing the green economy. She works to promote practical climate solutions, develop green financing frameworks, and advocate for strong policy and regulation. Additionally, she is the founder of Reset MENA, an energy services company focused on energy and water efficiency, and the chairperson of Alliances for Global Sustainability, a consulting firm that identifies, advises, and invests in high-performing sustainability ventures.

Sheikha Shamma is also a staunch advocate for gender equity. She co-founded Aurora50, a social enterprise dedicated to promoting inclusive workplaces and diverse leadership. Furthermore, she leads the Sheikha Shamma Sustainability Initiatives (SSSI), a platform that accelerates the transition to clean energy while championing the vital role of women in the sustainability sector.