Today's Edition
TALAH TURK & YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA (ABU DHABI)
A triumphant display of Emirati excellence shines through as 14 remarkable Emirati women claim their well-deserved spots on Forbes Middle East's prestigious "100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2024" list.
Leading the charge, Hana Al Rostamani, the trailblazing CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), proudly secures the top position for the second consecutive year, showcasing over 25 years of unparalleled expertise. Al Rostamani's historic achievement as the first female CEO of a UAE-based bank adds a distinctive touch to her illustrious career.
In the eighth spot stands the visionary Maryam Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), breaking barriers as the organisation's first female CEO in 2021. Notably, she is also CEO of the Financial Markets Operations Sector at the SCA.
Tayba Al Hashemi, the CEO of ADNOC Offshore, claims the fifteenth spot, steering the ship with over two decades of expertise in responsibly harnessing Abu Dhabi's energy resources. Al Hashemi's leadership extends to chairing the esteemed ADIPEC conference since 2021 and contributing to the boards of ADNOC Logistics & Services and UAE University.
Saeeda Jaffar, alongside Leila Serhan, secured the 35th spot on the prestigious list, represent Visa with grace and impact as Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager for the GCC region. Their strategic contributions include forging partnerships with fintech companies and mobile network operators. She is also on the American University of Kuwait’s (AUK) board of trustees.
Dalya Al Muthanna, the adept Managing Director & CEO for the Gulf at Alstom, commands the 41st position, orchestrating operations across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain with finesse, since assuming the position in January earlier this year.
In the 46th spot stands Rola Abu Manneh, Standard Chartered's visionary CEO in the UAE, steering the bank to impressive financial milestones. The bank recorded impressive achievements under her leadership including an “operating income of $191 million in the UAE” in the third quarter of last year. Having filled the role since 2018, her responsibility extends to directorships in Pakistan and Uganda, as well as leadership in prominent institutions such as the Dubai International Chamber and myZoi.
Nadia Zaal, the enterprising Co-founder/CEO of Zaya and CEO of Al Barari, captures the 47th spot, showcasing 18 years of leadership that led to the successful delivery of residential projects (The Neighborhood and Chorisia) and the establishment of educational institutions (Zaya Early Learning and Al Fanar schools).
Najla Al Midfa, the trailblazing CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), proudly claims the 49th spot, dedicating her mandate since 2018 to build Sharjah's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Al Midfa is a member of several boards including the United Arab Bank as well as Emirates Development Bank, Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Dana Gas, and Emirates Schools Establishment.
Muna Al Mheiri, CEO of Fertil, stands tall in the 53rd spot, bringing her expertise to the boards of ADNOC Drilling and the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association's agri-nutrients committee.
Mariam Matar, the pioneering Founder and Chairperson of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, secures the 55th spot, leaving an indelible mark as the first female director general in Dubai's Government and the first-ever Emirati woman undersecretary at the UAE's Minister of Health. Among her many achievements was establishing the Department of Community Research at the Dubai Health Authority, founding the wellness centres at Dubai Women’s College, Dubai Ladies Club, and UAE Down Syndrome Society. She is also Dubai Cares’ deputy chairperson.
Feryal Ahmadi, the dynamic COO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), claims the 58th position, steering the organisation with 18 years of experience. She is the chair of the SDG Steering Committee for DMCC, a signatory to the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles, and a member of the board for the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, and Concordia DMCC Integrated Facility Management Company, as reported by Forbes.
Raja Al Mazrouei, the visionary CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), stands proudly in the 84th spot, leveraging her 25 years of industry experience to contribute to various boards and advisory roles such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Al Ansari Financial Services, and the Harvard Business School’s MENA advisory board.
Husnia Gargash, the trailblazing Founder and Chairperson of Gargash Hospital, captures the 91st spot, leaving an lasting mark as the founder of the country's first female-owned, multi-specialty hospital focused on women and childcare.
Last but certainly not least is Khadija Al Bastaki, who stood in 98th place as Dubai Design District’s (d3) Senior Vice President. She assumed the role in January 2019 and later cofounded Dubai Fashion Week with the Arab Fashion Council around this time last year. The company secured fruitful partnerships since Al Bastaki joined with the likes of Milano Durini Design Association, Associazione Italiana Professionisti Interior Design (AlPi), and L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.
Khadija Al Bastaki, the dynamic Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), is 98th on the list, co-founding Dubai Fashion Week and securing fruitful partnerships for d3 that contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the industry with the likes of Milano Durini Design Association, Associazione Italiana Professionisti Interior Design (AlPi), and L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.
Most Powerful UAE-based Businesswomen
In addition to Emirati nationals, 40 of the 100 business leaders listed are based in the UAE, demonstrating the mark that UAE-based expats are making across various sectors. The UAE’s presence on the ranking, both in terms of its citizens and residents, is a testament to the country’s dynamic economy that continues to nuture local talent while attracting top international talent and industry leaders from around the world.
The following are the UAE-based women business leaders featured on the ranking, along with their ranking respective to the overall list.
1. Hana Al Rostamani
Nationality: Emirati
Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
4. Shaista Asif
Nationality: Pakistani
Cofounder and Group CEO, PureHealth Holding
8. Maryam Al Suwaidi
Nationality: Emirati
CEO, Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
11. Pelin Incesu
Nationality: Turkish
Area Vice President—Middle East & Africa, AstraZeneca
12. Sima Ganwani Ved
Company: Apparel Group
Title: Founder & Chairwoman
15. Tayba Al Hashemi
Company: ADNOC Offshore
Title: CEO
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Oil and Gas
19. Katerina Giannouka
Company: Jumeirah Group
Title: CEO
Nationality: Greek
Sector: Hospitality
20. Elena Sorlini
Company: Abu Dhabi Airports
Title: Managing Director & CEO
Nationality: Italian
Sector: Travel and Tourism
22. Huda Kattan
Company: Huda Beauty
Title: Founder
Nationality: American
Sector: Beauty
23. Samia Bouazza
Company: Multiply Group
Title: Group CEO & Managing Director
Nationality: Lebanese
Sector: Diversified
27. Mona Ataya
Company: Mumzworld
Title: Founder & CEO
Nationality: Palestinian
Sector: E-commerce
29. Amnah Ajmal
Company: Mastercard
Title: Executive Vice President, Market Development, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
Nationality: Dominican
Sector: Banking and Financial Services
30. Elda Choucair
Company: Omnicom Media Group (MENA)
Title: CEO
Nationality: Lebanese
Sector: Media and Marketing
32. Sophie Doireau
Company: Cartier
Title: CEO - Middle East, India, Africa and Türkiye
Nationality: French
Sector: Retail
35. Saeeda Jaffar; Leila Serhan
Company: Visa
Title: Saeeda: Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager—GCC
Leila: Senior Vice President & Group Country Manager—North Africa, Levant and Pakistan (NALP)
Nationality: Saeeda: Emirati
Leila: Lebanese
Sector: Banking and Financial Services
36. Irina Zaporozhets
Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Title: Associate Vice President and General Manager—MEA
Nationality: Canadian-Russian
Sector: Healthcare
37. Noor Sweid
Company: Global Ventures
Title: Founder and Managing Partner
Nationality: American
Sector: Investments
41. Dalya Al Muthanna
Company: Alstom
Title: Managing Director & CEO-Gulf
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Manufacturing
45. Hoda Mansour
Company: IFS
Title: COO - Asia Pacific, Japan, Middle East & Africa
Nationality: Egyptian-British
Sector: Technology
46. Rola Abu Manneh
Company: Standard Chartered
Title: CEO—UAE
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Banking and Financial Services
47. Nadia Zaal
Company: Zaya; Al Barari
Title: Cofounder and CEO; CEO
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: : Real Estate and Hospitality
49. Najla Al Midfa
Company: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)
Title: CEO
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Entrepreneurship
51. Rima Assi
Company: McKinsey & Company
Title: Senior Partner and Global Leader of the Social, Healthcare and Public Sector Institutions and Managing Partner, Abu Dhabi
Nationality: Lebanese-French
Sector: Consulting
53. Muna Al Mheiri
Company: Fertil
Title: CEO
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Petrochemicals
55. Mariam Matar
Company: UAE Genetic Diseases Association
Title: Founder & Chairperson
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Healthcare
57. Sahar Cooper
Company: Aldar Education
Title: CEO
Nationality: Turkish Cypriot
Sector: Education
58. Feryal Ahmadi
Company: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Title: COO
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Freezone
61. Mona Kattan
Company: KAYALI
Title: Founder
Nationality: American
Sector: Beauty
65. Rita Huang Zhen
Company: iMile Delivery
Title: Founder & CEO
Nationality: Chinese
Sector: Logistics
66. Fazeela Gopalani
Company: ACCA
Title: Head of Middle East
Nationality: British
Sector: Education
71. Poonam Bhojani
Company: Innoventures Education
Title: CEO
Nationality: Indian
Sector: Education
73. Kimberley Pierce
Company: King's College Hospital London - Dubai
Title: CEO
Nationality: Australian
Sector: Healthcare
77. Ingie Chalhoub
Company: Etoile Group
Title: Founder and President
Nationality: French
Sector: Retail
81. Alison Grinnell
Company: RAK Hospitality Holding
Title: CEO
Nationality: British
Sector: Hospitality
84. Raja Al Mazrouei
Company: Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI)
Title: CEO
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Insurance
88. Magali Mouquet
Company: Equitativa Group; Enata Group
Title: Group Chairwoman and Founder
Nationality: French
Sector: Banking and Financial Services
91. Husnia Gargash
Company: Gargash Hospital
Title: Founder and Chairperson
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Healthcare
92. May Nasrallah
Company: deNovo Partners
Title: Founder & Executive Chairwoman
Nationality: Emirati-Lebanese
Sector: Investment Banking
95. Pia El Hachem
Company: Uber
Title: General Manager - UAE and Levant
Nationality: Lebanese
Sector: Technology
97. Rasha Badawi
Company: Barclays
Title: CEO Barclays Private Bank UAE & Head of MENA
Nationality: Canadian
Sector: Banking and Financial Services
98. Khadija Al Bastaki
Company: Dubai Design District (d3)
Title: Senior Vice President
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Destination
UAE: A Hub for Talent
According to a recent report by Henley and Partners in partnership with global wealth intelligence firm, New World Wealth, UAE’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai were listed among the top 10 wealthiest cities in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) bloc.
Dubai placed third for being home to 72,500 millionaires, of whom 212 are centi-millionaires and 15 are billionaires, while Abu Dhabi was in tenth place with 22,700 resident millionaires (including 68 centimillionaires and 5 billionaires).
The UAE’s millionaire population has also shot up by 77 percent since 2013, and the Middle East’s leading wealth hub is now home to 116,500 millionaires, including over 300 centimillionaires.
Another report saw the UAE emerge as the most popular destination for global workers seeking work visas, solidifying its position among the top countries to work, according to a recently published report.
Deel, a global HR platform, released the findings of its Annual Global Hiring Report 2023, which revealed that the UAE is the most popular country for international talent seeking employment visas.
According to the report, UAE talent is highly sought-after by companies in the following countries:
- The US
- The UK
- Australia
- Canada
