Top 10 Influential Businesswomen Pioneering the Gulf Region’s Economic Growth

1. Lubna Olayan – Saudi Arabia

• Background: Lubna Olayan hails from the influential Olayan family, well-regarded in Saudi Arabia's business landscape. She pursued higher education in the United States, earning her MBA from Indiana University. When she returned to Saudi Arabia, Lubna took on an executive role at Olayan Financing Company (OFC), determined to expand her family’s legacy.
• Achievements: As CEO, Lubna led OFC’s investments, managing one of the largest private portfolios in Saudi Arabia with interests across banking, consumer goods, and real estate. Her leadership modernized the company’s strategies, introducing global standards in operations, transparency, and governance. Under her direction, OFC expanded internationally, investing in companies across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
• Industry Impact: Lubna has been a vocal advocate for women's inclusion in the workforce, often speaking about the importance of gender diversity in corporate spaces. She has supported initiatives that empower Saudi women to pursue professional careers, challenging societal norms and setting a precedent in Saudi corporate culture.
• Broader Influence: Beyond business, Lubna is a role model for women across the Arab world. She holds seats on numerous international boards, including those of major institutions like Saudi British Bank and Rolls Royce. Her leadership journey has become a symbol of progress in Saudi Arabia, inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

2. Raja Al Gurg – United Arab Emirates

• Background: Raja Al Gurg started her career in her family’s conglomerate, the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, which spans sectors such as retail, real estate, and manufacturing. With a strong academic foundation and a passion for business, Raja began her journey in various roles within the company, gaining a holistic understanding of the business.
• Achievements: As Managing Director, Raja expanded the company’s footprint in the UAE and internationally, creating strategic partnerships and venturing into new markets. She has been a transformative force in the company, blending traditional values with modern business strategies, which has made the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group a dominant player in the Gulf.
• Industry Impact: Raja is deeply committed to empowering Emirati women in business. She established and leads the Dubai Business Women Council, which provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities for women. Through her advocacy, she has made significant strides toward gender equity in the UAE’s corporate landscape.
• Broader Influence: Raja’s influence reaches beyond her business achievements; she is an inspiration for women across the UAE who aspire to break barriers in their careers. Her work has earned her numerous accolades and established her as a leading voice for female empowerment.

3. Mona Almoayyed – Bahrain

• Background: Mona Almoayyed began her career within her family business, Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, one of Bahrain’s largest conglomerates. She holds a degree in business and economics, which she applied to modernize and grow the company.
• Achievements: Under her leadership, Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons has diversified its interests, expanding into the automotive, retail, and real estate sectors. Mona introduced rigorous standards in corporate governance and ethical practices, which have become integral to the company’s brand.
• Industry Impact: Mona is passionate about social responsibility, advocating for businesses to give back to the community. She has spearheaded several initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, education, and healthcare in Bahrain, making her a respected figure in corporate philanthropy.
• Broader Influence: Known for her advocacy in women’s rights and environmental sustainability, Mona’s leadership has inspired other businesses to adopt CSR practices. Her work exemplifies how business success and community welfare can go hand-in-hand, making her an influential figure in Bahrain’s corporate and social circles.

4. Huda Al Ghoson – Saudi Arabia

• Background: Huda Al Ghoson joined Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, as a young professional and steadily rose through the ranks. Her background in business management, combined with her commitment to excellence, helped her navigate the male-dominated energy sector.
• Achievements: Huda became the first woman to hold an executive position at Saudi Aramco, serving as Executive Director of HR. She implemented policies that improved diversity, made Aramco a more inclusive employer, and strengthened employee development programs.
• Industry Impact: Huda’s pioneering efforts have opened doors for other Saudi women to enter the energy sector, proving that women can excel in any field, even traditionally male-dominated ones. She is widely respected for her strategic insight and dedication to gender equity.
• Broader Influence: Huda’s contributions to diversity and inclusion at Aramco are part of her broader mission to empower Saudi women. She is a trailblazer for gender equality, inspiring young women to pursue ambitious careers in industries previously out of reach.

5. Amna Al Owais – United Arab Emirates

• Background: With a distinguished background in law, Amna Al Owais quickly rose to prominence within Dubai’s legal system. She is currently the Chief Registrar of the DIFC Courts, where she plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s judicial ecosystem.
• Achievements: Amna has transformed DIFC Courts, implementing digital reforms and introducing efficiency-driven processes, making them among the most respected commercial courts in the Gulf. Her work has strengthened the UAE’s legal reputation globally, attracting foreign investors.
• Industry Impact: Amna’s leadership has not only streamlined DIFC Courts but also inspired other judicial systems in the region to adopt similar reforms, fostering a culture of transparency and efficiency in the Gulf’s legal landscape.
• Broader Influence: Amna’s achievements in law inspire women to explore and excel in the legal profession. Her work exemplifies the importance of female leadership in establishing fair and effective judicial systems.

6. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi – United Arab Emirates

• Background: A member of Sharjah’s royal family, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi founded Kalimat Group with a focus on promoting Arabic culture and literacy through children’s literature. Her vision is rooted in a commitment to fostering a love for reading among children in the Arab world.
• Achievements: Sheikha Bodour’s publishing company has produced award-winning titles that have gained international recognition. Her commitment to quality and cultural preservation has set a new standard in the publishing industry. Under her leadership, Kalimat has expanded its catalog to include various genres and has launched initiatives to distribute books to underserved communities.
• Industry Impact: Bodour’s influence in publishing has encouraged a new wave of Arabic literature, particularly for younger audiences, fostering cultural pride and literacy across the Arab world. She is actively involved in promoting initiatives that encourage reading and literacy development among children.
• Broader Influence: Sheikha Bodour represents the UAE on the international stage, advocating for cultural understanding and the global promotion of Arabic literature. Her efforts contribute to positioning the UAE as a leader in cultural production.

7. Fatima Al Jaber – United Arab Emirates

• Background: Fatima Al Jaber is a pioneer in construction and engineering, industries that have traditionally seen low female participation. She serves as the COO of Al Jaber Group, a conglomerate in construction and logistics, where she has played a significant role in numerous high-profile projects.
• Achievements: Under Fatima’s leadership, Al Jaber Group has managed some of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, including airports, roads, and commercial buildings. She has advocated for increased female participation in construction, establishing training programs to empower women in technical roles.
• Industry Impact: Fatima’s career challenges gender norms in construction, paving the way for women in engineering and technical fields. Her work highlights the value of diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries, making her a role model for aspiring female engineers.
• Broader Influence: Fatima’s journey demonstrates to young women that there are no limits to their ambitions, regardless of industry. She has become a strong voice for women in construction, promoting policies that support their advancement in the field.

8. Ameera Al-Taweel – Saudi Arabia

• Background: Ameera Al-Taweel is a prominent philanthropist and entrepreneur known for her impactful initiatives across various sectors. As co-founder of Alwaleed Philanthropies, she has dedicated her life to humanitarian efforts and social development.
• Achievements: Ameera’s philanthropic work has focused on education, health, and disaster relief, significantly improving the lives of countless individuals in the Arab world and beyond. She has spearheaded initiatives that empower women and promote youth engagement in social issues.
• Industry Impact: By blending business with philanthropy, Ameera has shown how social enterprises can operate successfully while addressing pressing societal challenges. Her commitment to social causes has earned her recognition as a leader in philanthropy.
• Broader Influence: Ameera’s work in philanthropy inspires a new generation of women to engage in social entrepreneurship and community service. She is a vocal advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to promote gender equality and empowerment.

9. Rania Nashar – Saudi Arabia

• Background: Rania Nashar is the first woman to serve as the CEO of Samba Financial Group, one of the leading financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. Her background in finance and banking equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the industry.
• Achievements: Rania has driven significant growth at Samba, implementing innovative banking solutions and expanding the bank’s digital offerings. Her leadership has modernized the organization and increased its competitiveness in the market.
• Industry Impact: As a leader in the finance sector, Rania advocates for diversity and inclusion, encouraging more women to pursue careers in banking. Her success has paved the way for greater female representation in finance, traditionally dominated by men.
• Broader Influence: Rania’s achievements serve as a beacon for young women aspiring to careers in finance and leadership roles. Her dedication to mentorship has inspired many to follow in her footsteps.

10. Diana Hamadeh – United Arab Emirates

• Background: Diana Hamadeh is the co-founder and CEO of a successful tech startup focused on digital transformation solutions for businesses in the UAE and beyond. With a strong academic background in computer science, she has leveraged her skills to create impactful technology-driven solutions.
• Achievements: Under Diana’s leadership, her startup has grown rapidly, securing funding from prominent investors and becoming a leader in its niche. She is known for her innovative approach to problem-solving and commitment to customer satisfaction, which have propelled her company to success.
• Industry Impact: Diana is a strong advocate for women in tech, actively promoting initiatives that encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her efforts have helped bridge the gender gap in technology, making strides toward a more inclusive industry.
• Broader Influence: Diana’s entrepreneurial journey inspires young women to explore opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship. She is a mentor to aspiring female entrepreneurs, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Conclusion

The Gulf region is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by the contributions of these ten influential businesswomen. Their achievements not only highlight their individual capabilities but also pave the way for future generations. As they continue to break barriers and inspire others, these leaders are shaping a more inclusive and prosperous economic landscape in the Gulf.