Women Entrepreneur

For the first time in the 11 years since Emirati Women’s Day was first celebrated, the annual event will span an entire month in 2026. This year’s theme —“Together, We Rise Stronger and Better”— puts the spotlight on the lasting partnerships and workplace policies that support and empower women in both their personal and professional lives. Four Emirati business leaders unpack how these elements go beyond the annual event to create a gender equity blueprint that has bolstered the UAE’s growth and innovation.

Bamboo offered a renewable alternative that didn't require consumers to compromise on quality, making it the perfect place to start. 

As we keep building machines, we must remember that being smart, without being responsible is not enough.

Today, Reem Holding serves as an independent organization that supports and develops business ventures across multiple sectors.

Rather than relying on imported concepts or ingredients, RAWA would build around resources already embedded within the region's identity. Date seed oil became the clearest expression of that thinking, transforming an underutilized by-product into the foundation of a wellness brand.

Malu Marsault, founder of Doha-based financial education platform This Mama Invests, is on a mission to help women across the GCC build long-term financial independence and generational wealth through investing education and practical guidance.

As businesses across the Middle East navigate the economic aftershocks of regional uncertainties, the stories of these UAE-based small business founders reflect a quiet shift within the nation: resilience is no longer a reactive measure, but built into the core of how businesses are designed and scaled.

As of January 2026, women occupy 403 board seats across the GCC, held by 341 individuals, an increase from 390 seats held by 334 women in 2025.

The winners of the second edition of the FemTech Hackathon at the Women’s Pavilion, Expo City Dubai have been announced. An AI-powered decision engine designed to eliminate clinical misdiagnosis, a menstrual-cycle-synced nutrition app and a wearable device to prevent and treat mastitis are among the winning innovations. The hackathon brought together 46 students, aged 16-18 […]

Zein Zone’s Zaina Kourki and GAIA Culture’s Patricia Paulina Karrer are reshaping artist financing with an art–tech–finance model that enables emerging regional talent to build long-term brand value.

The HealthCard®, a Swiss-patented tool developed by medicalswitzerland AG, uses NFC technology to give patients immediate access to their own medical records.

Redefining the UAE investment landscape through Gen-Z innovation and strategic consultancy.

EW Partners, led by Jessica Wong, is scaling Saudi startups globally. With over $1 billion AUM, international investors, and successes like J&T Express, the firm combines strategic support and sector focus to turn local ventures into global champions.

Women across the Middle East are stepping confidently into senior leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and resilience. The next step for organizations is to strengthen the systems that will sustain this momentum and unlock their full potential.

“Dubai allows ambitious ideas to take shape quickly. You can bring together investors, creatives, and innovators and start building at scale almost immediately.”

“For me, launching a business isn’t just about commercial success or money. It’s about taking that step, overcoming fear, and unlocking a new mindset."

“This is a UAE-born innovation addressing a gap that exists globally: wellness tools have largely ignored the spiritual foundations that guide daily life for so many, both here and around the world."

“Radio’s strength isn’t volume or virality — it’s intimacy,” says Mariam (Maz) Hakim Presenter, Virgin Radio, Arabian Radio Network (ARN). “And in a fast-growing market like the UAE, where communities are still being shaped in real time, that intimacy remains incredibly valuable.” Maz Hakim has built a long-standing radio career in the Middle East through […]

“Whenever people dine at Spice Grill, we make it our mission to make them feel welcome, as if they are eating in their families’ homes."

“I look for businesses that can take advantage of our expansive geographic and technical capacity!”

“At its core, Ithara.ae is a marketplace; we connect customers who are looking for high-quality experiences, either for themselves or as a gift, with experience providers across the UAE.”

Alyazi Al Khattal, co-founder and CEO of Pulsar Group—a female leader shaping the region's engagement with cutting-edge technologies.

Insoights from entrepreneur, author, and speaker Natalie Sisson.

"Our vision is that no matter which emirate you receive care in, you can trust that your treatment is supported by locally built, nationally aligned, patient-first health technology."

The former Olympic speed skater turned entrepreneur reflects on the mindset, momentum, and lessons behind taking ROAR Fitness from London to Dubai.

The Middle East Young Talents Program marks its 12th edition, celebrating Arab women advancing STEM and empowering 63 researchers with AED3.8 million in endowments.