Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has dominated Forbes Middle East's 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025 list, with 46 entries including 11 trailblazing Emirati Women who have made their mark.
Topping the list for the third consecutive year is Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE.
Al Rostamani, who has been a powerful force in banking for over two decades, was also named for the fourth time on Forbes' list of the World's Most Powerful Women 2024, securing the 60th spot globally.
Under her leadership, FAB reported $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in 2024.
Her role extends to various global and regional boards, including Buna, the Arab Monetary Fund's cross-border payment system, the Institute of International Finance, the International Institute for Management Development, and the executive board of the US-UAE Business Council.
She also serves as the Chair of the Principals Group of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance and was previously the chairwoman of the Global Council on Clean Energy for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
This year's list honours women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities. The banking and financial services sector dominates with 25 leaders, while healthcare and technology follow closely, each with nine, and venture capital claims five spots.
Here's a look at the distinguished Emirati women who made the list:
Tayba Al Hashemi, CEO of ADNOC Offshore, (ranked 8) is leading one of the world's largest offshore hydrocarbon producers. ADNOC Offshore is driving innovation in AI and sustainability, including a $3.8 billion electrification project aimed at cutting carbon emissions by 50%.
Suzanne Al Anani, CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), (10) began her journey in aviation in 1989 by leading the team behind the inaugural Dubai Airshow. In her current role, Al Anani overseas major projects such as the $35 billion new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, with an expected passenger capacity of 260 million annually once fully operational.
Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance, (26) assumed her current role in May 2023. In October 2024, Etihad Credit Insurance signed two MoUs with Saudi EXIM Bank and Credit Oman to strengthen regional partnerships related to insurance and risk management. Al Mazrouei also serves on various boards, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, digital bank Zand, and Al Masraf.
Saeeda Jaffar, Senior VP at Visa Inc. (36), oversees: the adoption of digital payments, improving consumer education, and the development of the GCC's financial ecosystem. Jaffar is also a board of trustees' member at the American University of Kuwait, and is a member of the board of advisors of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa).
Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered UAE, Middle East, & Pakistan (39), serves on several influential boards, including those of Standard Chartered Pakistan, Standard Chartered Uganda, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE. Additionally, she is a board member of myZoi, a Standard Chartered subsidiary, and the Dubai International Chamber, while actively contributing to the Global Council for Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality.
Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding (44), also sits on the board of trustees at the Higher Colleges of Technology and Dubai Women's Establishment and is a board member of Malta Properties.
Nadia Zaal, Co-founder & CEO of Zaya; Al Barari Group (53), boasts a project portfolio that includes ZUHA, Nurai Island, and Al Barari. Zaal also founded the Zaya Early Learning Centre, offering alternative education for children aged three to six.
Feryal Ahmadi, COO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, (64) assumed her current position in 2019. In 2024, DMCC witnessed significant growth, registering over 2,000 new member companies and launching the region's first DMCC AI Centre, a platform to drive AI adoption and practical scalable solutions throughout MENA. She is also a board member of the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, Ports Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Concordia Facility Management.
Nashwa Al Ruwaini, Founder & CEO of Pyramedia Group (68), established the company in 1998, offering a range of media services through its six subsidiaries. Pyramedia has been involved in major film projects like Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin, and Kingdom of Heaven, and has managed high-profile events such as the Abu Dhabi International Film Festival. In July 2024, the group hosted the International Emmy Awards' semi-final judging round and acted as the exclusive partner of the Emmy Awards in the Arab region and the Gulf.
Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior VP of Dubai Design District - d3 (70), has also previously held management positions at Economic Zones World, Jebel Ali Free Zone, and DP World. In February 2023, d3 and the Arab Fashion Council launched Dubai Fashion Week. In November 2024, d3 hosted the 10th edition of Dubai Design Week. In December 2024, d3 partnered with Vogue Business to launch the inaugural Fashion Futures event, which focused on shaping the sustainable future of the fashion industry.
Forbes Middle East said: "Women in MENA are leading some of the largest local and global companies and leaving an immense impact across industries, from banking powerhouses to technology visionaries."
The UAE ranked first regionally and seventh globally in the 2024 United Nations Gender Equality Index, reflecting its efforts to create an environment where women can thrive in business and beyond.
