Womenpreneur Middle East - Strategic Issue September 2025

RMENT. ON. SUCCESS. IP. VISIONARY.

WOMENPRENEUR

FOUNDER & CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

VIVEK MALIK

COO (Chief Operations Officer)

DIVESH SINGH

CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)

DEEPAK MALIK

Media Director

NIDHI KUNDU

Creative Director SUMAYRA FAROOKI

Managing Editors

AMENI SHAFIK, BEENA YUSUF, ANASTASIA N, AFSHAN ABDUL AZIZ, ROSARIO DE SOUSA

Partnering Agencies

BIG DATA MARKETERS, REPUTIQUE PR, CEO MEDIA GROUPS, GLOBAL FAME VERIFIED WOMENPRENEUR MEDIA GROUP

Design and Layout

SRIVARSHA

Publisher FIRSTREAD MEDIA LLC

Editorial Note

“When women lead with intention, invest with courage, and prioritize wellbeing, they don’t just build businesses—they reshape the future.”

In a world constantly redefining what leadership looks like, women are not just stepping into power—they’re reshaping it. This special edition, Top 25 Leading the Future, is a celebration of women who are rewriting the rules and raising the bar across industries and borders.

On our cover, the dynamic Ghizlane Karaoui— real estate entrepreneur and founder of Karaoui Group—offers a powerful reminder that success is about more than numbers. With a sharp eye for luxury market trends and an unwavering commitment to values-driven business, she’s building more than properties—she’s building trust, credibility, and a legacy of smart, ethical leadership. Her journey stands as a bold example of how vision and resilience can thrive in even the most competitive industries.

Inside, we honour 25 remarkable women—thinkers, builders, and boundary-pushers like Huda Kattan, Ambareen Musa, Amna Al Qubaisi, Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, and Ghaya Al Mansoori—who represent the future of leadership: conscious, inclusive, and unapologetically bold.

This issue also brings you thought-provoking reads like The Balancing Act: How Mompreneurs Are Rewriting the Rules of Success and 7 Business Trends Women Entrepreneurs Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025—curated to inform, inspire, and energize your own journey.

It is my honour to be part of a platform that elevates women shaping the world in real time. May these stories remind you that the future is not only female—it’s fearless, focused, and full of possibility.

With admiration, Creative Director, Womenpreneur ME

The

Breaking the Confidence Myth — Why Action is the New Power Move for Women Entrepreneurs

22. Trends

7 Business Trends Women Entrepreneurs Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025

30. Cover Story

Ghizlane Karaoui’s Blueprint for Real Estate Success

34. Exclusive Interview

How Tamanna Moolchandani Is Redefining Hospitality Through Culture, Clarity & Quiet Consistency

36. Exclusive Interview

Tanya Mansotra’s Journey to Building a Space of Healing, Depth, and Community

38. Exclusive Interview

Ellen Mannaert on Soul-Led Entrepreneurship, Conscious Growth, and Creating a New Definition of Power

39. Exclusive Interview

Leading with Intention, Living with Purpose

40. Exclusive Interview

Diva Chawla Vasudev and the Quiet Reinvention of Luxury Gifting

41. Exclusive Interview

How Fahbin Anwar Made Dubai Her Forever Home

42. Exclusive Interview

Dr. Sarah Agha Khas

ro and the New Face of Aesthetic Medicine in the Gulf

43. Exclusive Interview

Leading with Resil ience and Empowering Women in the Real Estate Sector

44. Exclusive Interview

How Hannah Farooq Built a Brand That Honors Craft, Purpose & Preservation

45. Exclusive Interview

Inside Éléonore de La Rochefouauld’s Philosophy of Modern Elegance

46. Exclusive Interview

Redefining Success in Finance with Purpose, Resilience, and Vision

47. Exclusive Interview

Building a Beauty Empire at the Intersection of Digital Influence and Business Acumen

48. Exclusive Interview

Redefining Middle Eastern Haute Couture at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

49. Exclusive Interview

Advancing Financial Inclusion and Innovation in the Middle East

50. Exclusive Interview

The Rise of an Emirati Racing Driver

51. Exclusive Interview

The Visionary Behind Dollface Cosmetics

52. Exclusive Interview

An Examination of Entrepreneurship and Influence

54. Exclusive Interview

Caroline Stanbury and the New Rules of Visibility

55. Exclusive Interview

Reshaping Venture Capital in Emerging Markets

56. Exclusive Interview

Leadership, Legacy, and Social Responsibility in the UAE’s Business Landscape

57. Exclusive Interview

Architect of Dubai’s Smart City Vision and Digital Transformation Advocate

58. Exclusive Interview

A Deep Exploration of Her Career and Leadership at First Abu Dhabi Bank

59. Exclusive Interview

A Deep Exploration of Her Career and the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group

60. Exclusive Interview

Salwa Arfaoui is Redefining Real Estate, Wealth, and Women’s Power

62. Health Column

Health Is Power: Why Women Entrepreneurs Must Lead with Well-being

68. Finance Column

How Financial Confidence Is Shaping the Next Generation of Women Leaders

74. Mompreneur Column

How Mompreneurs Are Rewriting the Rules of Success

COVER PROFILE

THE RISE OF FEMALE-LED VC FUNDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

How Women VCs Are Reshaping the Region’s Investment Landscape with Capital, Conviction, and Community

Venture capital in the Middle East is undergoing a quiet but significant revolution—and this time, women are steering the wheel. In a landscape once dominated by legacy family offices, male-led syndicates, and conservative risk appetites, a new wave of female investors is bringing both capital and change. These aren’t just individual success stories—they’re part of a systemic shift that is rewriting the rules of who gets funded, who does the funding, and what innovation even looks like.

In the past five years, the region has witnessed a notable rise in female-led VC funds, angel networks, and syndicates that focus not just on returns, but on representation, values, and vision. From Women Spark in Saudi Arabia to Women in the UAE, these platforms are doing more than closing the gender funding gap—they are building ecosystems where inclusion isn’t an initiative, but a standard.

Quick Stats That Signal a Shift

Globally, less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups. In MENA, though still small, this number is growing year-on-year. Female angel investor groups in the GCC have grown by 35% since 2020, according to Magnitt.

Accelerators like Flat6Labs and Hub71 report rising participa tion of female LPs, mentors, and startup founders in their regional cohorts.

A 2024 report by Wamda not ed that 20% of newly registered angel groups across the region had women in leading roles—a sharp contrast to just 5% in 2018.

From Capital to Conscious Capital

Unlike traditional VC models that favor blitzscaling, exits, and unicorn status, many female investors in the region are championing a more values-aligned approach. It’s not about walking away from financial performance—it’s about balancing that

performance with purpose, longterm viability, and social impact. “We want returns, yes. But we also want responsibility,” shared Layla AlRashed, founding partner at a Saudi-based angel syndicate. “If a startup is solving a meaningful problem—especially for underserved communities—that makes it inherently valuable.”

Women-led funds are increasingly backing sectors previously dismissed as niche, including femtech, elder care, climate-conscious innovations, mental health platforms, and ethical consumer goods. These investments are not just symbolic—they are proving that companies built with inclusive values can also outperform the market.

And critically, many of these investors bring firsthand insight into the problems being solved. Whether it’s supporting a maternal health app, a sustainable fashion brand, or an edtech tool for rural girls, they’re not just backing numbers—they’re backing lived

A Different Investment Thesis

The emerging thesis among female VCs in the Middle East is clear: Startups that are rooted in community, sustainability, and ethics are no longer the exception—they are the future. And women are not only more likely to invest in women; they are more likely to back underrepresented founders of all kinds.

“We ask: who are you building for? Who are you excluding? What does success look like to you in five years—not just in revenue, but in impact?” said Maya Rahmeh, a UAE-based fintech investor and mentor.

These are questions that extend beyond boardrooms. They shape hiring decisions, go-to-market strategies, product design, and brand ethos. In doing so, women-led VC funds are raising the standard for what startups must consider as they scale.

Building Ecosystems, Not Just Portfolios

What makes this movement truly powerful is its community-first model. Female VCs are not just funders—they’re builders, connectors, and educators. Many are designing mentorship programs, creating training opportunities for first-time investors, and hosting investment-readiness bootcamps for women founders.

In the UAE, the FundHer Initiative pairs early-stage women entrepreneurs with experienced investors for six-month strategic mentorships. Meanwhile, platforms like Mindshift Capital have helped syndicate millions in

funding toward female-founded businesses in wellness, tech, and sustainability.

“We’re not here to recreate the old structures with new faces,” says Heather Henyon, Founding Partner at Mindshift Capital. “We’re creating a parallel economy—one where capital is inclusive, conscious, and generational.”

This is not just a redistribution of money—it’s a redistribution of access, networks, and influence. In a region where trust, relationships, and social capital often outweigh formal credentials, these women are rewriting what credibility looks like—and bringing others along with them.

Challenges Still Exist—but They’re Not Stopping Anyone

While the momentum is undeniable, systemic challenges persist. Women-led funds still often face: Skepticism from institutional LPs

Limited visibility in global investor circles

Cultural assumptions around gender roles in finance

Bias in deal flow, where promising founders still pitch pri marily to male VCs

Yet, despite these hurdles, many are moving forward with confidence. Alliances are forming. Cross-border syndicates are emerging, especially between the Middle East and Europe or Southeast Asia. Digital platforms like AngelList and HubSpot have also made it easier for women to co-invest, build track records, and tap into global capital without relying solely on legacy networks. And slowly but surely, regional

government-backed initiatives are catching up. Dubai Future District Fund, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, and Bahrain FinTech Bay have all introduced frameworks to support underrepresented investors and founders. These are steps—early ones—but they mark a recognition that inclusive capital isn’t a side project; it’s a necessity.

What Female VCs Are Really Changing

The impact of women in VC extends far beyond who gets a cheque. It’s changing:

How success is defined: moving from rapid exits to sustain able impact.

Who is seen as a credible founder: expanding beyond polished pitches and Ivy League résumés. Where capital flows: directing attention to real-world problems, not just hype.

How companies are governed: with greater emphasis on team wellbeing, customer relationships, and long-term stakeholder trust.

By challenging the norms of venture capital itself, women investors are also challenging the broader culture of entrepreneurship—introducing empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence as business assets, not liabilities.

A Future Fueled by Representation

As more women assume leadership roles in venture capital— whether as managing partners, LPs, or advisors—they are modeling a future where investment is more reflective of the world it seeks to shape.

The long-term implications are

enormous. With more diverse capital at the table, startups will be better equipped to serve diverse populations. Solutions for healthcare, education, finance, and sustainability will be more inclusive by design. And innovation will finally stop being treated as the exclusive domain of a privileged few.

“When women control capital, they control the future,” says Alia Mansoor, a Dubaibased founder turned angel investor. “And the future we’re building is one where value is measured not just in dollars—but in dignity, impact, and legacy.”

The MENA Opportunity: Untapped, Underrated, Unstoppable

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has long been viewed by international investors as high-risk, high-reward. But for many women VCs native to the region, this is home turf— and a goldmine of opportunity.

Unlike saturated markets in the West, MENA offers a younger population, rapid tech adoption, and policy support for entrepreneurship, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Yet many women founders still struggle to raise capital, often due to unconscious bias or lack of access to investor networks.

Women-led VCs are stepping in to close that gap—not out of charity, but out of vision. They’re funding everything from edtech startups in Jordan to sustainability ventures in Morocco, with a keen eye on

long-term returns and societal uplift.

“We don’t see this market as risky—we see it as ready,” says an Egyptian VC leading a gender-lens fund. “Women are building the future here, and we’re making sure it’s funded.”

When Women Invest, Communities Prosper

One of the most powerful aspects of women-led VC funds is their tendency to invest with a ripple-effect mindset. They often consider not just the return to investors, but the broader return to communities.

Data shows that women founders are more likely to hire other women, invest in social-impact models, and build businesses that reinvest in local economies. Female VCs, in turn, amplify this cycle—backing founders who are building inclusive ecosystems rather than extractive ones.

This kind of capital isn’t passive. It’s deeply engaged, values-aligned, and often grounded in lived experience. Whether it’s funding maternal health tech, women’s financial literacy apps, or rural e-commerce platforms, these investments unlock economic power at scale— starting at the grassroots.

The Future Is Feminist—and Funded

As the global conversation around inclusive capital heats up, the Middle East is uniquely positioned to lead—not lag. Government initiatives like

Saudi Vision 2030, Dubai Women Establishment, and Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 are actively supporting female entrepreneurship and tech innovation. The next leap? Ensuring women sit at the investor table, not just the founder seat.

With millennial and Gen Z women entering the workforce with higher education levels and a stronger appetite for impact, the region is witnessing the early rise of a feminist funding philosophy—one that doesn’t just include women, but centers them.

As one regional fund manager put it: “We’re not asking for a seat at the table anymore. We’re designing the blueprint.”

And with more women VCs writing the checks, building the funds, and reshaping the narrative—the blueprint is bold, inclusive, and here to stay.

Conclusion: The Blueprint Is Here— And It’s Female-Led

The rise of female-led VC funds in the Middle East isn’t a niche subplot in the region’s startup story—it’s becoming the main narrative. These women aren’t just funding companies; they’re reshaping industries, redefining leadership, and rebuilding the cultural fabric of innovation.

Their approach—grounded in inclusion, conviction, and community—is not only viable, it’s vital. As they continue to break barriers, mentor new leaders, and scale meaningful businesses, one thing becomes clear:

This isn’t just about women investing.

It’s about women rewriting what investment means.

BREAKING THE CONFIDENCE

MYTH — WHY ACTION IS THE NEW POWER MOVE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Redefining confidence in business — not as a starting point, but as a byproduct of bold decisions.

Confidence is often marketed as a prerequisite for success — the secret sauce that separates leaders from dreamers. But for many women in entrepreneurship, especially across emerging markets like the Middle East, confidence isn’t something they walk in with. It’s something they build in motion.

Despite being highly qualified, visionary, and capable, countless women hesitate to pitch ideas, ask for funding, or scale their ventures. This isn’t a reflection of ability — it’s the lingering effect of systemic conditioning, cultural bias, and a long-standing expectation that women must be overprepared just to be considered. And yet, in boardrooms and co-working spaces across the region, something is shifting.

Action First, Confidence Later

The most groundbreaking women entrepreneurs today aren’t waiting until they feel ready. They’re launching, leading, and learning in real time. They understand that confidence doesn’t precede action — it follows it. In fact, the most impactful women in business often operate with doubt in the room, but courage at the forefront.

They pitch even when nervous, post even when uncertain, and pivot even when perfection feels out of reach. This shift from passive hesitation to proactive momentum is not only transforming how women lead — it’s transforming what leadership looks like altogether.forming how women lead — it’s transforming what leadership looks like altogether.

The Rise of the ‘Do Anyway’ Entrepreneur

Today’s female founders are rejecting the old playbook that

told them to wait — for permission, for validation, for expertise. Instead, they’re embracing experimentation, building as they go, and leveraging self-belief as a strategic asset, not a fixed trait. They’re redefining confidence not as loudness, but as consistency. Not as bravado, but as resilience. And most importantly, not as something you are born with — but as something you earn, rep by rep, risk by risk.

ConfidenceBuilding Strategies That Work

Micro-moves over moonshots: Small, consistent action builds more lasting confidence than one big leap.

Reframing failure as feedback: Every ‘no’ sharpens the next ‘yes’.

Surrounding yourself with expanders: Communities of visibility, mentorship, and encouragement shift mindset faster than solo grit.

Celebrate visibility: Every post, pitch, or panel isn’t just self-promotion — it’s self-per mission.

Why Confidence is Economic Currency

Confidence isn’t just about personal growth — it’s an economic lever. It determines how often women pitch, how boldly they price, how far they scale. As women increasingly drive innovation across tech, wellness, media, and sustainability, confidence is becoming a competitive edge — one that influences valuation, visibility, and venture survival. And for the Middle East, where female entrepreneurship is surging, this mindset reset is crucial. Because bold, imperfect action by women founders doesn’t just change their stories — it shifts entire economies.

“Confidence isn’t the fire — it’s the smoke. The real fire is action.”

Changing the Confidence Narrative in Media & Society

A major driver of the confidence gap is the way women are portrayed in media and mentorship. Too often, success stories are presented in a polished, post-triumph light — omitting the mess, fear, and in-progress moments that make the journey real. When we showcase only perfection, we set unrealistic standards and unintentionally discourage those still figuring it out. Platforms and publications have a role to play in showing the full spectrum of growth — the hesitations, the pivots, and the stumbles that precede strength.

Raising Girls Who Risk

Confidence is not just a business topic — it starts at home, in schools, and in the ways we raise the next generation. Girls are still praised for neatness over boldness, compliance over curiosity. If we want future women leaders to take up space, we must celebrate risk-taking early — not just outcomes, but effort. Whether in STEM classrooms or student

councils, cultivating risk-friendly environments will build tomorrow’s fearless founders.

Community Over Comparison

The antidote to self-doubt isn’t solitude — it’s community. More women are finding empowerment through peer groups, co-founder circles, and digital sisterhoods that uplift rather than compete. When women share their “work in progress” moments with honesty, they normalize imperfection and foster collective momentum. In these spaces, confidence multiplies — not because the fear disappears, but because it’s met with solidarity.

Owning the In-Between

The entrepreneurial journey is often romanticized as a series of milestones — the launch, the first sale, the big funding round. But the real growth happens in the in-between: the slow days, the re-

jections, the iterations. For women entrepreneurs, especially those navigating gendered expectations or first-generation success, these in-between moments are where resilience is forged. Learning to stay the course even when results aren’t immediate is itself an act of leadership.

The Courage to Be Seen

Visibility remains one of the biggest hurdles for women in business — not due to a lack of talent, but a deeply embedded reluctance to self-promote. For generations, women were taught that modesty is virtuous and that ambition should be downplayed. But this cultural script is being rewritten. Female founders are stepping into the spotlight — not to boast, but to be seen, to normalize success, and to inspire others who look like them.

When Doubt Meets Discipline

Confidence isn’t about erasing

doubt — it’s about building discipline around it. Some of the most visionary women leaders operate with a deep awareness of their limitations but refuse to let those limitations define their actions. They create structure, set deadlines, show up for their goals, and keep promises to themselves. Discipline, not self-assurance, becomes the bridge that carries them forward.

The Role of Mentorship and Mirrors

Mentorship isn’t just about guidance — it’s about reflection. Having someone who sees your potential before you fully do is a powerful catalyst. For women entrepreneurs, especially in regions where female leadership isn’t the default, finding mentors who validate their vision and model what’s possible can accelerate their growth. These relationships act as mirrors, reflecting back strength that may not yet be self-recognized.

Rewriting Success Metrics

Traditional definitions of success — rapid scale, unicorn status, revenue targets — are being questioned. More women founders are defining success on their own terms: building ethical teams, nurturing mental health, creating social impact, or simply having agency over their time. This reframing liberates confidence from comparison and anchors it in alignment. When success becomes personal, confidence becomes more sustainable.

Emotional Intelligence as a Leadership Tool

Where once hard metrics dom-

inated business narratives, emotional intelligence is now emerging as a core asset — and women are leading the charge. From empathetic communication to conscious team-building, female founders are proving that emotional fluency isn’t soft — it’s strategic. By embracing emotional nuance, they build stronger cultures, deeper partnerships, and more resilient businesses.

When Rest Fuels Risk

Burnout is not a badge of honor. As more women speak openly about mental wellness, there’s growing recognition that rest is not a reward — it’s a resource. Confidence thrives not in overdrive, but in restoration. When women prioritize rest, they make clearer decisions, take smarter risks, and reclaim ownership over their energy. In this context, rest becomes radical — a power move, not a pause.

Owning Duality: Strength and Sensitivity

The era of the hyper-masculine, stoic entrepreneur is giving way to a more integrated model of leadership — one that honors

duality. Women founders are showing that you can be ambitious and anxious, strategic and uncertain, bold and tender. Confidence doesn’t come from silencing emotion but from holding space for the full spectrum. In this new model, vulnerability isn’t a liability — it’s leadership.

The Ripple Effect of Action

When one woman chooses action over hesitation, it doesn’t stop with her. It creates a ripple — empowering her team, inspiring her peers, and encouraging the next generation. This is how movements are born: not through grand declarations, but through thousands of micro-decisions made in the face of fear. Every time a woman leads with action, she leaves behind a path for others to follow.

The

women

building

the future aren’t waiting for fear to vanish — they’re moving forward with it. Because in this new era, the most powerful thing a woman can do is show up — ready or not.

TRENDING FORWARD

7 Business Trends Women Entrepreneurs Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025

In the rapidly shifting world of entrepreneurship, agility, purpose, and innovation have become the currency of success. As we enter the second half of this decade, women entrepreneurs are not just responding to these changes — they’re defining them. From leveraging technology to leading with empathy, from building digital-first brands to embedding wellness into business culture, women-led ventures are rewriting the rules of business — and raising the bar. Here are seven defining trends shaping 2025 — and how female founders across the globe are turning them into strategy, sustainability, and serious success.

1. AI Isn’t Optional Anymore — It’s a Competitive Edge

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shifted from a buzzword to a business imperative. Whether it’s automating customer service, predicting consumer behavior, enhancing content creation, or streamlining HR processes, AI is helping founders scale smarter. But the real power lies in augmentation, not just automation. Women founders are using AI tools not to replace the human touch, but to enhance intuition with data.

Take predictive analytics, for example — women-led startups are applying it to anticipate market trends, refine product offerings, and even preempt customer pain points. And platforms like Notion AI, ChatGPT, and Canva’s Magic Studio are allowing founders to generate marketing content, develop pitch decks, and craft proposals in minutes — giving solopreneurs enterprise-level efficiency.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to be a tech expert. Tools like Zapier, Copy.ai, and Durable are designed for non-coders. The future belongs to founders who embrace AI not as a threat, but as a team member.

Why it matters: The smartest founders in 2025 aren’t working harder — they’re working with smarter tools that free up time, spark creativity, and empower decision-making.

Purpose Is the New Profit

Profitability is still vital — but today’s consumer is asking a deeper question: “What does this brand stand for?” Social impact, sustainability, and authenticity are shaping purchasing decisions across industries. Women entrepreneurs, who often build businesses rooted in community or personal mission, are naturally aligned with this values-first movement.

In 2025, your “why” is just as important as your “what.” Gen Z consumers especially are supporting brands that reflect their ideals. Transparency is no longer optional; it’s expected. Brands that publish their sourcing processes, show how they support local communities, or embed inclusive hiring practices are seeing longterm gains in loyalty and trust.

In Focus: Look at the rise of circular fashion brands, community-funded wellness products, or ed-tech startups offering scholarships with every subscription. These businesses are proving that ethics and earnings aren’t mutually exclusive.

Why it matters: Purpose builds legacy, not just revenue. Women-led businesses are turning integrity into influence — and values into value.

3. The Creator Economy Gets

Professional

What started as influencers promoting products has matured into a multi-billion-dollar creator economy — and women founders are leading the charge. In 2025, content is capital. Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup CEO, or founder of a growing enterprise, your personal brand is now part of your business model.

Female entrepreneurs are leveraging platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, and Instagram not just for visibility, but for conversion. They’re creating behind-the-scenes content, sharing thought leadership, documenting the messy middle, and building transparent relationships with their audience.

Tip: Consistency beats perfection. Start small — a weekly post about your journey, a Q&A Reel, or insights from a tough day. People buy from people — and authenticity is your edge.

Why it matters: Storytelling is no longer just marketing — it’s monetizable IP. Women who create content are building communities, attracting media attention, and generating multiple revenue streams (courses, coaching, speaking, licensing). The line between founder and creator is vanishing — and women are walking it with purpose and power.

4. Flexible Work Models Are the Standard

The traditional 9–5 is being replaced by something more dynamic — hybrid, remote-first, and asynchronous models that prioritize autonomy, not presenteeism. For women balancing families, caregiving, or multiple roles, this shift is revolutionary.

In 2025, women-led business-

es are designing work cultures that reflect lived reality. They’re building virtual teams across time zones, using tools like Slack, Loom, and Notion to stay connected without being tethered. They’re hiring not based on location, but on values, vision, and vibe.

Opportunity: Startups supporting remote work — from digital wellness platforms to virtual co-working spaces — are booming. Women are not only creating these solutions but implementing them to boost productivity and reduce burnout.

Why it matters: Flexibility isn’t a perk — it’s a performance strategy. And when women lead with empathy, inclusivity, and adaptability, they don’t just retain talent — they redefine team culture.

5. Fintech for Women Is Having a Moment

One of the most exciting developments in 2025 is the rise of female-focused financial platforms. While women have historically faced funding gaps, fintech is stepping in where traditional banks have fallen short. Today, women founders can access capital through micro-loan apps, blockchain-based fundraising, peer-led angel networks, and crowdfunding platforms built specifically for underrepresented entrepreneurs. These tools are breaking down systemic barriers and making finance more approachable, especially for first-time founders.

Trend Alert: “Community capi-

tal” — women pooling resources to invest in one another — is becoming a powerful movement. Groups like Ellevest, HerVest, and Women Spark are turning financial literacy into collective wealth.

Why it matters: Finance isn’t just about funding — it’s about freedom. Women who understand money, speak the language of ROI, and build financial confidence are not just scaling businesses — they’re changing the face of economic power.

6. MicroExperiences Beat Mass Appeal

In a world oversaturated by sameness, consumers are craving curated, personal, and

values-aligned experiences. Women-led businesses are rising to the challenge by offering boutique, human-centered alternatives to mass-market giants.

From personalized wellness products and artisanal skincare to hyperlocal retreats and niche digital communities — founders are focusing on depth over scale. And it’s working.

Case in Point: A founder hosting intimate business brunches for women entrepreneurs in Dubai, or a skincare brand creating formulas for specific regional climates — these micro-experiences are sparking macro loyalty.

Why it matters: Emotionally intelligent businesses win. In 2025, brands that connect, listen, and care will stand out — and women, known for leading with empathy, are building those brands from the ground up.

7. Wellness Is the New KPI

Forget the hustle-glorifying startup culture. A new metric is emerging in 2025: wellbeing. Women entrepreneurs are dismantling the burnout narrative and showing that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of sleep, sanity, or soul.

They’re redesigning work around rest. They’re building in non-negotiables like therapy stipends, digital detox days, and mental health check-ins. Business retreats now include journaling, meditation, and sound healing — not just investor panels.

The shift is clear: Productivity is being measured not in hours worked, but in clarity of thought, creativity, and emotional resilience.

Why it matters: Investors and teams are taking note. Founders who prioritize mental and physical wellness are seen as sustain-

able bets — capable of scaling with both drive and discernment.

Final Word: From Trendsetters to Trailblazers

These seven trends are not passing waves — they’re the foundation of the next era of entrepreneurship. Women founders are stepping into 2025 not just as business leaders, but as culture shapers, economic architects, and innovation drivers. They’re building brands that reflect real life, not highlight reels. They’re rewriting what it means to be ambitious: softer, stronger, sustainable — and wildly successful.

This is not about catching up to a system that wasn’t built for them. It’s about creating a better one — where profit meets purpose, leadership meets empathy, and wellness meets scale.

Because when women lead, they don’t just follow trends. They transform them.

“Women entrepreneurs aren’t chasing trends — they’re setting them, building a future where impact, integrity, and innovation go hand in hand.”

WOMENPRENEUR

Womenpreneur Top 25 Leading the Future

In an era defined by transformation, these 25 women aren’t just adapting—they’re architecting the future. Across industries and borders, they are building ventures, shaping culture, and rewriting the rules of leadership with clarity, courage, and conviction. This curated list celebrates founders, executives, and changemakers who are creating meaningful impact—on their teams, their industries, and the world around them.

Reading the Market, Leading the Change: Ghizlane Karaoui’s Blueprint for Real Estate Success

Real estate in Dubai has become one of the most competitive and high-stakes industries in the region. With rapid development, international investment, and a constant flow of new projects, the sector demands precision, trust, and deep market understanding. Buyers and investors—from first-time homeowners to global stakeholders—rely heavily on professionals who can navigate the city’s regulatory frameworks, market shifts, and client expectations with clarity and consistency. In this environment, long-term success is measured not only by sales volume, but by the ability to build relationships, deliver value, and maintain credibility.

At the center of this demanding industry is Ghizlane Karaoui, Founder and CEO of Ghizlane Real Estate. With over a decade of experience and more than 1 billion AED in property sales, she has established herself as a trusted advisor to clients from around the world. Based in Dubai and originally from Morocco, Ghizlane brings a clear, client-focused approach to real estate—grounded in transparency, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of both the market and the people she serves. Her work extends beyond property, into cultural advocacy and women’s empowerment, making her role in the industry both influential and multifaceted.

Reading the Market Before It

Moves

In navigating one of the world’s most active real estate markets, Ghizlane relies on a data-informed but instinct-driven approach to staying ahead of the curve. Rather than waiting for trends to become headlines, she reads early signals that suggest where investor interest and city growth are headed. “I always monitor three things: infrastructure announcements, policy changes, and new off-plan launches,” she explains.

These factors—particularly government-backed development—are often the earliest indicators of an area’s transformation.

“When the government invests in transport, schools, or lifestyle facilities in a specific location, that’s usually a clear signal,” she says.

Her strategic awareness also extends to tracking the movements of top-tier developers and paying atten tion to shifts in client sentiment. “Where top devel opers are acquiring land… that often reveals where the next major growth area will be,” Karaoui notes. But even beyond official reports, she keeps a close eye on demand patterns. “Client demand and inves tor sentiment are sometimes ahead of data,” she adds, highlighting the role of intuition built from experience. When a particular property type or area starts gaining traction among her clients, it’s often the beginning of a larger trend.

Understanding the Emotional

Economy of Investment

While financial performance remains important,Ghizlane recognizes that high-net-worth investors in the Middle East often operate on more complex motivations.

“It’s not just about ROI,” she says. “It’s about security, legacy, and lifestyle.” For these clients, property is not merely a transaction—it’s a reflection of personal identity, long-term vision, and emotional assurance.

“They want their assets to be both emotionally fulfilling and financially sound,” she explains. Whether it’s the sense of safety a location provides or the prestige tied to a particular development, emotional resonance plays a central role. Some clients make swift decisions based on instinct, or because they fear missing out on a unique opportunity.

As Ghizlane puts it, “Understanding that emotional layer is often more valuable than quoting statistics.”

Rising Standards, Stronger Trust

The regulatory framework in the UAE’s real estat sector has undergone major reforms in recent years— changes that Ghizlane sees as both a challenge and an opportunity.

“The market has become much more structured and that’s a positive shift,” she says, noting that the introduction of standardized contracts, escrow systems, and more rigorous licensing requirements has fundamentally reshaped the profession.

For Ghizlane, these regulations have raised the industry’s baseline, forcing firms to meet higher expectations while also helping serious advisors differentiate themselves.

“At Ghizlane Real Estate, we embrace these standards as part of our brand promise,” she says.

Agility Over Scale

As real estate investment in the region becomes more institutionalized, boutique firms face mounting pressure to compete with larger players. But for Ghizlane, the answer isn’t to imitate scale—it’s to double down on what sets her apart. “We are boutique and proudly so,” she says. “I’m hands-on with my clients, and I create real strategies based on their goals, not just what’s trending,” she explains. This direct, flex-

ible approach allows her firm to respond quickly to changes in the market.

“We’re fast, data-driven, and deeply human in our approach,” she says. “Clients come to us because they know they’ll be heard, understood, and guided—not pushed.”

Anticipating Tomorrow’s Market

“I see strong growth in smart homes, branded residences, and wellness-focused communities,” she says. These represent fundamental shifts in how residents think about their living spaces. trusted

“They want properties in good locations, developed by names, and offering something unique—not just another apartment or villa,” she explains.

The convergence of these factors—smart technology integration, prestigious branding, and wellness amenities—represents what Ghizlane sees as the new standard for premium developments.

Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

“It took years of hard work, self-development, and setting clear boundaries to reach where I am today,” she reflects. “I had to constantly prove myself in an environment where women aren’t always taken seriously from the start.”

Rather than allowing these challenges to define her approach, Ghizlane channeled them into competitive advantage. “I focused on building my mindset, gaining deep market knowledge, and making sure my work spoke louder than anything else,” she explains.

Cultural Identity as Competitive Advantage

“I believe culture and identity are a source of strength and authenticity,” she explains. “Carrying my Moroccan heritage with pride gives me a strong foundation and shapes how I approach business and life.”

This approach is strategic positioning. “In a global city like Dubai, being true to who you are helps you stand out and build genuine connections,” she notes.

BEYOND THE MENU

How Tamanna Moolchandani Is Redefining Hospitality Through Culture, Clarity & Quiet Consistency

In a region where bold flavors and big ambitions often dominate the F&B narrative, Tamanna Moolchandani is crafting something quieter—but far more enduring. Her work doesn’t scream for attention. It holds it. Through Café 971 and its parent company 971 Hospitality, this UAE-based entrepreneur has built more than a hospitality business—she’s cultivated a philosophy rooted in culture, intentionality, and disciplined growth.

Tamanna’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a masterclass in steady evolution—of building brand and business in sync with values, vision, and deep self-awareness. A former advertising executive turned founder, she’s showing that entrepreneurship, especially in the UAE’s dynamic F&B sector, can be both high-performing and deeply personal.

From Singapore to the UAE: A Journey in Identity and Industry

After spending over two decades in Singapore leading agency teams in the media and advertising world, Tamanna relocated to Dubai with a wealth of experience—and a desire to build something that truly reflected her. That “something” became Café 971, a space born not just of business strategy but of personal narrative. What began as a modest food venture evolved organically into 971 Hospitality, a full-service company catering to curated events, office dining, and brandled culinary experiences.

But this wasn’t a rapid-scaling story. Tamanna took her time. Her growth was grounded in focus and service, driven by thoughtful iteration over flashy expansion. Every new service, every brand

IN A WORLD THAT OFTEN CONFUSES NOISE WITH IMPACT, TAMANNA MOOLCHANDANI PROVES THAT QUIET CONVICTION, WHEN ROOTED IN CLARITY AND CARE, CAN BUILD LEGACIES THAT LAST. HER STORY ISN’T ABOUT MAKING HEADLINES—IT’S ABOUT MAKING MEANING.

decision, was deliberate. “I didn’t want to do it all—I wanted to do it right,” she has shared.

Her dedication to doing things differently earned her recognition: in 2024, she was named Most Influential CEO – UAE (F&B Services) by CEO Review. But to understand Tamanna’s work, awards are only one part of the picture.

A Brand Built on Clarity, Not Chaos

Tamanna’s background in branding shows up at every touchpoint of her business—menus, presentations, even the way her team communicates with clients. But unlike many who chase relevance through trend-hopping, she prioritizes relevance through refinement.

Her philosophy is simple but rare: Consistency is more powerful than visibility. While others pivot to follow the algorithm, she strengthens internal systems. While competitors market the moment, she perfects the process.

In an industry often pulled by urgency, Tamanna stands rooted in rhythm. From ingredient sourcing to team training to visual design, every decision is intentional. “Brand is not decoration—it’s

the outward reflection of inward clarity,” she says. That clarity, practiced daily, has created an identity for 971 Hospitality that feels trustworthy, tailored, and enduring.

A Voice of Quiet Power in a Loud Industry

What sets Tamanna apar t is not just how she builds—it’s how she shares. On platforms like LinkedIn and through podcast interviews, she opens the door to her world with a kind of quiet honesty. Her tone is never performative, and her posts aren’t built for virality—they’re built for value.

She writes about structure, not shortcuts. Mindset, not magic formulas. Discipline, not just desire. In a sea of “hustle harder” narratives, Tamanna offers something revolutionary: space to breathe, reflect, and align.

Rather than project a polished persona, she reveals process—often asking more questions than she answers. This transparency has made her voice resonate with women founders across industries, especially those navigating similar intersections of ambition, identity, and creative purpose.

A Sanctuary Reimagined

Tanya Mansotra’s Journey to Building a Space of Healing, Depth, and Community

Tanya Mansotra is a visionary wellness entrepreneur, creative director, and the founder of Sohum Wellness Sanctuary. A Reiki Master, Sound Healing Practitioner, Crystal Healer, and a graduate in Food Science & Nutrition, she brings a rare confluence of intuition and intellect to her work. Tanya embodies a new archetype of leadership—deeply intentional, energetically attuned, and uncompromising in beauty, purpose, and presence.

In a city known for speed and spectacle, Sohum Wellness Sanctuary offers a conscious pause. Located in the heart of Dubai, the space is not built for indulgence, but for inner return. It invites a reconnection—to self, to stillness, and to something greater.

“SOHUM IS NOT A TRADITIONAL WELLNESS CENTER,” TANYA SHARES. “IT’S AN ENERGETIC SPACE. EVERY MATERIAL, EVERY SOUND, EVERY INTERACTION IS CHOSEN TO HELP YOU REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE.

A Living Space for Healing

At Sohum, the concept of luxury is redefined. It doesn’t reside in opulence, but in awareness. The sanctuary hums with handcrafted details—soft textiles, clean architectural lines, ritual teas, and serene silences. Everything is designed to recalibrate your energy.

From Reiki and sound therapy to intuitive movement and meditative experiences, treatments at Sohum are not transactional—they’re transformational. Each journey is deeply personal, guided by what the guest energetically needs, not what a program dictates.

Tanya’s approach isn’t just wellness—it’s refinement for the soul. She often calls it “healing for the high-functioning,” an invitation to release control and come into resonance.

Rooted in Ancient Wisdom, Designed for Today

Central to Sohum is the integration of Ayurveda— an ancient Indian science of holistic wellbeing that treats the mind, body, and spirit as one ecosystem. But Sohum doesn’t stop at honoring tradition. Tanya blends this wisdom with modern-day nourishment, offering guests high-vibrational plant-based cuisine, herbal elixirs, and mindful rituals to elevate their frequency.

The space itself supports this elevation. Light is filtered intentionally. Music is curated to support nervous system regulation. Essential oils are diffused to activate emotional memory. Every detail is energetically coded for healing.

“FOOD, MOVEMENT, SOUND—THEY’RE ALL TOOLS,” TANYA REFLECTS. “BUT SOHUM IS ULTIMATELY ABOUT REMEMBRANCE. YOU COME HOME TO YOURSELF.”

A Community of Resonance

Unlike mass wellness platforms, Sohum’s community is deliberately intimate. Membership isn’t about status or exclusivity—it’s about resonance. Guests are guided into the space through intentional conversations, allowing Tanya and her team to understand

their unique energetic needs and journeys.

Each guest experiences a curated path. No two days—or two sessions—are alike. Some begin with breathwork and end with crystal healing; others find solace in a full moon sound bath or an immersive Reiki cleanse. Sohum is less a menu and more a mirror—what you experience is a reflection of where you are and what you need.

This personal curation is why the community that forms around Sohum feels so connected. It’s not performative wellness—it’s lived and felt.

Events that Deepen Connection

Integral to this growing community are the events Tanya curates—immersive, soul-stirring gatherings that go beyond surface-level wellness. These include:

Full Moon and New Moon Circles that blend sound, journaling, intention setting, and collective energy work.

Masterclasses on emotional regulation, feminine energy, and somatic awareness.

Seasonal Retreats and Weekend Immersions that allow for deep energetic cleansing and renewal.

Collaborative experiences with healers, teachers, and spiritual mentors from around the world.

These events offer a space for shared transformation, where guests move from individual healing to collective elevation.

“I’VE SEEN PEOPLE WALK INTO SOHUM CARRYING THE WEIGHT OF YEARS,” TANYA SAYS, “AND WALK OUT WITH SOFTNESS IN THEIR FACE AND LIGHT IN THEIR EYES.”

Welcome to the ERA OF YOU

Ellen Mannaert on Soul-Led Entrepreneurship, Conscious

Growth, and Creating a New Definition of Power

In a business world saturated with formulas and facades, Ellen Mannaert is a breath of radical clarity. An entrepreneur, mentor, and global visionary, Ellen’s work spans across fashion, hospitality, real estate, and wellness—but at the heart of her empire lies one unwavering intention: to lead with soul, not ego.

As the founder of multiple ventures across Europe and the Caribbean—and now the force behind ERA OF YOU, a global platform for conscious entr preneurship—Ellen is not just rewriting business playbooks She’s dismantling them and replacing them with something more sacred: a business ecosystem built on purpose, presence, and personal truth.

In an era obsessed with performance, she dares to ask: What if your presence is the point?

The Soul in Strategy

Ellen’s journey is anything but linear. Raised as a child of immigrants, she was often told she was “too quiet, too Black, too humble” for the spotlight. But rather than conform, she turned inward and transformed her socalled limitations into her deepest leadership gifts. “Being different taught me to lead with empathy,” she shares. “I don’t build businesses— I build spaces where people feel seen, safe, and inspired to rise.” Whether in textiles

or tourism, Ellen’s philosophy remains unchanged: stay rooted in your purpose, and stay open to evolution. It’s a belief that guided her bold decision to pivot her European fashion business from wholesale to a direct-to-consumer model—well before it was trendy.

From Building Brands to Building Movements

Today, Ellen is launching what she calls her most aligned creation yet: ERA OF YOU. It’s not a company or a campaign. It’s a calling. Designed as a hybrid digital and in-person community, the platform brings together changemakers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who are ready to lead from

within. “Too often, we’re taught to build resumes, not legacies,” she explains. “ERA OF YOU is about unlearning what doesn’t serve you—and building from a place of truth.”

The New Era of Leadership Is Here

Ellen Mannaert’s story isn’t about becoming more—it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t real. Through her businesses, her advocacy, and now ERA OF YOU, she invites us to return to ourselves, trust our inner wisdom, and redefine success on our own terms. “The world doesn’t need more hustle,” she says. “It needs more wholeness. And that starts with you.”

Yuzana Bo Saing

Leading with Intention, Living with Purpose

Coaching, law, entrepreneurship, and the creative arts rarely intersect within a single career. Each field demands a distinct set of skills, methods, and mindsets. Yet, some professionals are finding ways to move across these industries with clarity and purpose. In coaching, the focus is often on measurable growth and internal transformation. In law, precision and logic define the work. Entrepreneurship brings its own pressures—strategy, leadership, and risk. And in the creative arts, expression and process take precedence. Navigating these sectors is not simply a matter of multitasking; it requires a deeper integration of experience, perspective, and intention.

Yuzana Bo Saing works at the intersection of these fields with a focus that is both practical and personal. Trained as a lawyer, certified at the highest levels in coaching, and active as an entrepreneur and artist, she has built a career that bridges structure and introspection. Through her consulting firms in Southeast Asia and the United States, she supports individuals and organizations in areas ranging from leadership development to personal healing. Her work reflects a commitment to long-term growth, not only in business outcomes but in how people lead their lives.

Bridging Worlds: A Philosophy

of Growth and Integration

For some, success is defined by specialization. For others, it comes from the ability to move between seemingly unrelated disciplines and find meaning in the connections. Yuzana Bo Saing belongs to the latter group. Her work spans law, entrepreneurship, coaching, and the creative arts— not as disconnected chapters, but as parts of a larger, evolving identity.

This multidisciplinary journey is not accidental. It’s shaped by a personal philosophy grounded in self-awareness, emotional depth, and a refusal to be limited by a single label.

“I’ve never wished to be restricted to one identity,” she explains. “I strive to embody the elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy and the captivating charm of Marilyn Monroe—two figures who represent both grace and bold self-expression.”

Her background in law taught her to think critically and act with discipline. Her time in business developed her capacity for strategy and leadership. Coaching introduced her to the emotional realities of human change, while the creative arts gave her a space to explore feelings that resist formal expression. What ties these experiences together is a commitment to service, empathy, and personal evolution.

Four principles guide her work: authenticity, resilience, emotional intelligence, and service. These values are not abstract ideals but tools she uses to navigate the complexity of working across cultures and industries. Whether she’s building a brand, coaching a client, or performing on stage, her purpose remains consistent: to connect, uplift, and evolve.

“I view myself as a bridge,” she says. “Connecting East and West, intellect and emotion, tradition and innovation.”

Crafted with Care

Diva Chawla Vasudev and the Quiet Reinvention of Luxury Gifting

Luxury desserts and artisanal gifting in the Middle East have evolved beyond symbols of status, becoming deeply personal expressions of identity, culture, and intention. Once grounded in tradition and exclusivity, these industries are now being reshaped by a new generation of creators who blend culinary precision with design sensibility and cultural awareness. These are no longer simple indulgences, they are crafted experiences, rooted in ethical sourcing, emotional resonance, and storytelling through flavor and form. As presentation gains equal weight to provenance, and meaning matters as much as taste, this intersection of food and luxury has emerged as a space where authenticity and innovation quietly, but powerfully, define the future.

At the heart of this movement is Diva Chawla Vasudev, a pastry chef and entrepreneur whose work redefines what it means to create with purpose. With a foundation rooted in early culinary exploration and a sharp eye for aesthetics, she has built a brand that speaks fluently to both tradition and modernity. Her approach goes beyond baking, it’s an exercise in storytelling, where every ingredient is chosen with intention and every creation reflects a philosophy of thoughtful indulgence. From a home kitchen in Hyderabad to a boutique in Dubai, her journey is a testament to quiet persistence, creative discipline, and the power of building

something meaningful from the ground up.

From Home Kitchen to Global Vision

Diva’s culinary journey began long before the world took notice. At just ten years old, she was already assisting her mother in the kitchen, quietly observing, learning, and absorbing the intricate language of spices, heat, and harmony. That early exposure to the kitchen’s magic sparked something enduring: a love for flavour,

finesse, and food as art.

Though she graduated in finance, her passion led her down a different path — one paved not by formal culinary schools but YouTube tutorials and relentless experimentation. Her breakthrough came in Hyderabad, India, where she became the city’s first cupcake specialist, earning her the title of “The Cupcake Queen” in local press. What followed was a successful seven-year entrepreneurial run, culminating in a graceful exit in 2019.

Diva Chawla Vasudev proves that luxury isn’t loud— it’s layered, intentional, and made with heart, one handcrafted dessert at a time.

She grew up between continents, attending 16 schools across countries, cultures, and time zones. Her childhood was marked by airport goodbyes, shifting classrooms, and constant reinvention. But when 10-year-old Fahbin Anwar first stepped onto Dubai’s warm sands in 1993, something clicked.

“This felt different,” she recalls. “It felt like home.”

Dubai in the ‘90s was a city still sketching its identity—a landscape of cranes, construction, and unmarked roads. “You didn’t give directions by street names,” she laughs. “You said, ‘Turn after the building with the red awning, then count 50 steps after the roundabout.’” But even in the city’s unfinished skyline, young Fahbin saw potential. She would return, a decade later, ready to build something of her own.

By 2003, Fahbin made the move permanent. Unlike the nomadic life of her childhood, she rooted herself in Dubai with one mission: to create. Within years, she became a partner in two major hotel properties—Semiramis in Al Rigga and a second in Al Muteena—managing a sprawling ecosystem of rooms, clubs, and restaurants. All while raising her son, Shayan, born in 2006. But she didn’t stop at hospitality. Fahbin’s business acumen pushed her into imports and exports, a children’s clothing line, and trading in commodities like crude oil

From Nomad to Nation Builder

How Fahbin Anwar Made Dubai Her Forever Home

and gold. Her career was expanding, but her heart always belonged to one domain—real estate.

“There’s something powerful about transforming a space,” she says. “It’s not just about ROI. It’s about vision—seeing beauty where others don’t.” Over the years, Fahbin has developed a reputation for flipping high-end properties across Dubai’s most coveted neighborhoods—Marina, Business Bay, Emirates Hills—often collaborating with renowned interior designer Elena Antoniou of EA Interiors. “She brings the expertise, I bring the fire,” says Fahbin with a grin.

Still, some of her most impactful work doesn’t lie in square footage—it lies in education.

Alongside her sister Tasnim Anwar, she co-founded Gogee8, an ed-tech platform designed for children in conflict zones. Through animated video tutorials on academics, mental health, and life skills, Gogee8 has reached over 500,000 children in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and beyond. In countries like Afghanistan, where girls are banned from attending school, this work is revolutionary.

“Education isn’t a privilege. It’s a right,” Fahbin says. “If classrooms are closed, we’ll build a new kind of classroom—one that fits in the palm of your hand.”

Her drive comes not from financial ambition but from legacy. As the daughter of a senior police official who served as the UN’s

civilian police chief in Angola, she grew up surrounded by people from 49 nationalities in the UN compound. It taught her cultural fluency, courage, and empathy—qualities that now define her entrepreneurial journey.

“I was never the top student,” she admits. “But I was street-smart, observant, and endlessly curious. I didn’t follow rules—I asked why they existed.”

Fahbin’s success is entirely selfmade. “Nothing was inherited,” she says. “My family came from a tradition of service. My father is remembered for his brilliance and integrity. That name, that legacy—that’s my inheritance.”

Today, she balances her time between raising her son—now a student at NYU Abu Dhabi and once a world-ranked tennis player—and scaling her business ventures. But it’s Dubai that remains her anchor. “This city gave me everything. It’s where dreams are given room to grow. It’s cosmopolitan, safe, and ambitious— especially for women.”

Even after decades in the city, Fahbin still pauses to look out at the skyline, remembering the dusty streets of her childhood, the ones without names. “Dubai taught me that home isn’t where you’re born,” she says. “It’s where you choose to build. And I chose this city, again and again.”

In a place that redefines possibility, Fahbin Anwar has found—and built—her forever.

More Than Skin Deep

Dr. Sarah Agha Khasro and the New Face of Aesthetic Medicine in the Gulf

The field of aesthetic medicine in the Gulf is expanding rapidly, blending clinical expertise with digital outreach and business strategy. More than just a cosmetic industry, it has become a space where trust, results, and leadership intersect. In this high-stakes environment, success hinges not just on treatments, but on clarity, consistency, and the ability to lead in a rapidly evolving space.

One of the key figures redefining this field is Dr. Sarah Agha Khasro, a Dubai-based physician who combines clinical excellence with a purposeful online presence. DHA-licensed and medically trained, she specializes in non-surgical face contouring, skin therapies, and vitamin IV protocols—but her vision runs deeper. For her, aesthetic care is part of personal healing and

confidence-building, not just surface-level enhancement.

Trust Over Trends: A Purpose-Driven Practice

From the beginning, Dr. Sarah focused on trust—not trends. “I kept learning, traveling, and trained in different techniques until I found what truly works for our region,” she says. Her work avoids generic templates, aiming instead to enhance each individual’s natural beauty.

“My job is to bring out what’s already there—not copy one look for all,” she explains. This philosophy has helped her cultivate loyal, long-term relationships in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Beyond the Mirror:

Confidence, Identity & Care

To Dr. Sarah, aesthetic medicine isn’t just about looks. “Aesthetics isn’t just about beauty—it’s emotional healing too,” she says. She sees her treatments as tools to help patients feel aligned with their self-image. It’s not about drastic transformation—it’s about helping people feel like the best version of themselves.

Doctor First, Brand Builder Always

In today’s aesthetic landscape, being a great doctor also means being a business leader and communicator. For Dr. Sarah, these roles are not at odds. “Today, I’m a doctor, business owner, and brand builder—but being a doctor always comes first,” she says. She leads her clinic with clarity, ensuring her brand reflects safety, expertise, and trust.

Educating Through Social Media

Unlike many in the space, Dr. Sarah doesn’t rely on dramatic before-and-after shots to build visibility. Instead, she uses her platform to educate. “My focus is always to educate, not just show results,” she explains. Behind-thescenes posts and clear, informative content help demystify treatments and build transparency—an increasingly rare commodity online.

Komal Badar

Leading with Resilience and Empowering Women in the Real Estate Sector

The real estate sector in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, is seeing a growing push toward greater inclusion and representation of women. As more women enter and advance within the industry, conversations around leadership, mentorship, and equity are gaining ground. This shift is being driven not only by policy and market needs, but also by professionals who are setting new benchmarks through their own careers. Among them are women who are not just contributing to business outcomes but are also creating space for others to grow—challenging old norms and building more supportive, inclusive workplaces.

One of the professionals leading this change is Komal Badar, whose work in talent development and mentorship is helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry.

Komal is among the women driving this transformation forward. As Regional Talent Development Manager at Savills Middle East, she plays a central role in shaping careers and building leadership across the region. Her focus goes beyond training—it’s about creating opportunities, especially for women, to grow, lead, and thrive in a competitive industry. With a career that began in aviation and evolved through roles in administration, management, and corporate training, Komal brings a practical understanding of career development and a strong commitment to helping others

move forward—particularly women navigating male-dominated spaces.

In this interview, we speak with Komal, a recognized industry leader, about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and how she’s using her position to open doors for other women in real estate.

As one of the main figures reshaping how leadership is perceived in real estate, Komal brings a people-first approach to a traditionally rigid industry. In her role as Regional Talent Development Manager at Savills Middle East, she focuses on building inclusive leadership pipelines and supporting professionals—especially women—to advance with confidence and purpose.

“For me, leadership isn’t about hier-

archy,” Kamal shared. “It’s about influence, empathy, and helping others unlock their potential.”

Kamal’s career path, which began in aviation and moved through administration into corporate training, has given her a deep understanding of how diverse experiences can shape strong leaders.

“I’ve worked my way up, step by step. I know what it’s like to start over, and I know how important it is to have someone believe in you along the way.”

Kamal’s impact lies not just in her position, but in her intention—to challenge outdated norms and make space for more women to lead, grow, and thrive in real estate.

Designed to Last

How Hannah Farooq Built a Brand That Honors Craft, Purpose & Preservation

In today’s luxury world, value isn’t just about what we own—it’s about how we care for it. As consumers shift from status to substance, from acquisition to longevity, the brands that thrive are the ones that blend elegance with intent. That’s exactly where Hannah Farooq found her niche.

A former legal professional, Farooq didn’t follow trends—she followed a lived gap. Her luxury handbags, once symbols of style, were being sacrificed to the chaos of motherhood. Pacifiers, baby bottles, and spills were damaging what once represented refinement. The solution? A handcrafted insert that restored both order and pride. Thus, The Luxe Insert was born—not just to organize, but to protect.

From Courtroom to Craftsmanship

Leaving a stable legal career for the ambiguity of entrepreneurship required a total mindset shift. “Law is rooted in structure and precedent,” Farooq explains. “Entrepreneurship requires instinct and comfort with risk.” Yet her legal background gave her something invaluable: discipline. “That structure became my foundation; flexibility and vision layered on top.”

What started as a personal solution quickly gained traction. The Luxe Insert resonated with thousands of women who were tired of compromising form for function. With handcrafted

quality and an eye for detail, her product offered what the market had missed—a preservation tool that felt as refined as the bags it protected.

Built for One,

Designed for Many

Farooq’s strength lies in her precision. “From the outset, I wanted it to feel personal,” she says. With an intuitive system that matches inserts to exact handbag models,

and a bespoke option for rare requests, The Luxe Insert avoids the pitfalls of mass luxury. “We support both ease and exclusivity,” she adds—a balance many brands fail to strike.

Even as demand grew, she stayed rooted in intention. While others rushed to scale, Farooq chose patience. “We stayed small-batch on purpose,” she says. “It allowed us to maintain what mattered most—craftsmanship, quality, and customer care.”

The Shape of Power

Inside Éléonore de La Rochefoucauld’s Philosophy of Modern Elegance

The luxury industry in the Middle East has entered a more deliberate phase.

Personal branding, once a byproduct of wealth, is now a carefully managed process. Clients are no longer looking only for status, they want meaning, consistency, and control over how they are seen. This shift has created space for a different kind of expert: professionals who understand how to shape images across culture, context, and medium. In cities like Dubai, where local values meet global attention, this work requires more than style. It demands precision, discretion, and a deep understanding of both audience and identity.

Éléonore de La Rochefoucauld works at the center of this process. Based in Dubai and originally from Paris, she advises clients in fashion, art, and business on how to present themselves with clarity and intention. Her work spans creative direction, styling, and image consulting, often behind the scenes, but with visible impact.

This interview explores Éléonore de La Rochefoucauld’s approach to image-making, her views on luxury in the Middle East, the influence of her heritage, the challenges of creative integrity across roles, and how she sees power and cultural relevance in her work today.

Heritage and Rebellion:

Redefining Elegance on Her Own Terms

Éléonore’s work in the luxury and fashion industries carries the weight of legacy, but not in the way one might expect. A descendant of one of France’s oldest noble families, she is quick to point out that her path has never followed the script of tradition.

“I’ve always been the rebel in the family,” she says. “The one who’d show up to traditional events with black kohl smeared around my eyes, trying out whatever new subculture I was into that month.”

That tension between lineage and experimentation defines much of her creative philosophy. While

she values what her background gave her, “a sharp sense of aesthetics... the grace of restraint”—she is clear about what she chose to leave behind: “the idea that refinement should be inherited or static.”

Instead, Éléonore has developed her own framework for elegance, one that moves with the present.

“I’ve always wanted to create a new language of elegance,” she explains, “one that lives in the now and pulses with instinct, freedom, and truth.”

It’s a principle that underlies not just her styling and consulting, but the kind of clarity she helps her clients reach, where personal history and modern expression are not in conflict, but in conversation.

Golnoosh Nasr

Redefining Success in Finance with Purpose, Resilience, and Vision

LEADING CHANGE, DEFINING NEW FRONTIERS

Across the formidable financial hubs of the Middle East, a profound evolution is underway, reshaping established paradigms in investment and digital asset management. This transformative period is characterized by the ascent of astute professionals who navigate the complexities

of global markets with precision and innovative strategies. Their influence is particularly evident in the highly competitive sectors of forex trading and cryptocurrency, areas demanding not only rigorous analysis but also a keen understanding of emerging economic frontiers. This shift underscores a broader trend: the strategic deployment of expertise and expansive networks to redefine benchmarks of achievement within the sophisticated architecture of international finance. Among these prominent figures

is Golnoosh, whose remarkable trajectory exemplifies the power of strategic vision and unwavering dedication in a perpetually evolving industry.

Her prominent profile holds value among people in my age group, but she doesn’t consider herself more professional than those who are older and more experienced. Her professional journey began with a foundational recognition: the finance industry, historically a male-dominated sphere, presented not a barrier but an opportunity for competitive collaboration and the demonstrable power of female leadership. Golnoosh recounts her early experiences, metaphorically describing herself as “a goldfish in a black water aquarium” – a poignant reflection of her initial environment and her intrinsic drive to effect change. This profound personal journey saw her, in 2022, metaphorically “jump into the sea” of the UAE’s financial industry, driven by ambitious goals and a spirit undaunted by the unknown.

When she arrived in the UAE in 2022, she was very impressed with Dubai and grateful to the ruler who does not differentiate between sharks and fish.

As she describes in her own words “I am grateful for this city and this country and for the fact that we women exist in complete safety, and this is one of the pillars of progress.”

AHuda Kattan

Building a Beauty Empire at the Intersection of Digital Influence and Business Acumen From Finance to Makeup Artistry

billion-dollar brand born from a single product. A social media following that rivals major celebrities. A cosmetics empire built on authenticity, strategy, and relentless execution. What began as a beauty blog quickly scaled into a global business with products stocked in over 150 countries and a valuation that placed its founder among the most powerful self-made women in the world. With a direct-to-consumer model, early mastery of influencer marketing, and a sharp sense for market trends, the brand redefined how beauty products are launched, sold, and experienced. Behind its growth is a business approach that blends innovation with agility, reshaping consumer behavior while keeping a clear stance on ethics, transparency, and inclusion.

Huda Kattan’s name is synonymous with one of the most remarkable success stories in modern beauty entrepreneurship. From a finance graduate to a globally recognized makeup artist, influencer, and founder of a billion-dollar cosmetics company, her trajectory exemplifies the power of blending creativity, digital savvy, and strategic business thinking. The story of Huda Beauty is not just about makeup—it is a case study in how social media transformed consumer engagement and how authentic personal branding can disrupt legacy industries.

Early Foundations:

Huda Heidi Kattan was born on October 2, 1983, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Iraqi immigrant parents. Raised in the United States, she pursued a degree in finance from the University of Michigan–Dearborn, graduating in 2008. Like many young graduates, Kattan initially sought a corporate career and secured a position in recruiting in Dubai, a global business hub. However, the 2008 global financial crisis disrupted those plans, and her

position was eliminated. What followed was a pivotal career pivot driven by passion. Recognizing her deep interest in makeup, Kattan relocated to Los Angeles to study at the Joe Blasco Makeup Artistry School, sharpening her technical skills. She quickly established herself as a freelance makeup artist working with high-profile clients such as Nicole Richie and Eva Longoria. Despite this promising start, it was clear that her ambitions extended beyond the traditional makeup artist role.

Laurie Jalloul

Redefining Middle Eastern Haute Couture at the Crossroads of Tradition and Modernity

At the crossroads where heritage meets innovation, a dynamic transformation is reshaping the haute couture world across the Middle East. Historically celebrated for its opulent aesthetic and rich cultural storytelling, the region is now home to a rising

generation of visionary women entrepreneurs who are redefining luxury fashion. These designers blend architectural elegance, meticulous craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial resilience, cultivating a unique style that speaks with precision, purpose, and a modern edge.

From the ateliers nestled in Beirut to the grand runways of Paris and beyond, women-led couture brands have emerged not just as creators of beautiful garments, but as cultural custodians and business leaders. They are steering a global conversation around identity, artistry, and sustainability, establishing the Middle East as a powerful hub for creative entrepreneurship in the luxury fashion world.

Bridging Two Worlds: The Creative Vision of a Lebanese–French Designer

At the forefront of this movement is Laurie Jalloul, a Lebanese–French designer whose work reflects a refined balance between discipline and emotion. Raised between the vibrant cultural richness of Beirut and the poised elegance of Paris, Laurie absorbed the essence of both worlds, melding the soulful intricacy of Middle Eastern artistry with the architectural precision and rigor of European couture.

What began as an admiration for

form and silhouette soon evolved into a distinctive personal language of design. Laurie creations are sculpted like monuments, each piece a carefully crafted statement refined with delicate hand embroidery and sculpted silhouettes that tell stories of identity, strength, and grace. Through her work, Laurie translates heritage into wearable art, bridging tradition and modernity with every stitch.

From Architecture to Atelier: Building a Couture Legacy

With a background rooted in architecture and a passion for storytelling through fabric, she transformed her vision into reality by founding an eponymous couture house. This venture was never intended to be “just a fashion label” Instead, it embodies a broader vision, one where each piece is a deliberate statement of structure and intent, designed to endure beyond seasonal trends. Her collections have caught the eye of international fashion publications and an audience hungry for designs that honor both tradition and forward-thinking innovation. Operating independently, she has built a brand that embodies entrepreneurial boldness paired with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. This fusion redefines what it means to be a designer and a founder in today’s haute couture landscape, where artistry and business acumen go hand in hand.

Ambareen Musa’s career reflects a focused commitment to improving access to financial services and raising financial literacy in the Middle East. Over the past decade, Musa has built a portfolio of ventures and leadership roles centered on fintech innovation, consumer empowerment, and digital financial education. Her efforts have had a measurable impact on the availability and transparency of financial products in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Early Ventures and Foundations

Ambareen Musa’s entrepreneurial path began in Australia, where she launched her first digital business at the age of 21—a property portal designed specifically for international students. This initial experience provided Musa with early exposure to the intersection of technology and consumer needs, an intersection she would continue to explore throughout her career.

Following this, Musa moved to London and joined GE Money, a global financial services company. There, she took on a leadership

Ambareen Musa

Advancing Financial Inclusion and Innovation in the Middle East

role in developing the UK’s first online financial literacy initiative, Moneybasics.co.uk. The platform aimed to educate consumers on essential financial matters, reflecting her early interest in addressing gaps in financial knowledge and promoting responsible financial decision-making.

This combination of entrepreneurial experience and corporate insight shaped Musa’s understanding of both market needs and the challenges of reaching diverse consumer segments with digital financial services.

Founding Souqalmal.com

In 2012, Musa returned to the Middle East and founded Souqalmal.com, a financial comparison platform. The platform was designed to provide consumers with transparent access to a wide range of financial products and insurance services in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

At its core, Souqalmal.com functions as a digital marketplace allowing users to compare over 3,200 products—including credit cards, personal loans, health and motor insurance, and savings

accounts—on a single platform. By aggregating information and pricing, the platform aimed to address the opacity and fragmentation that often characterize financial services in the region. Souqalmal.com quickly became a key resource for consumers seeking clarity and choice in an increasingly complex financial environment. The platform’s success was recognized by multiple awards, including the “Online Business of the Year” in 2015 and a position among Dubai’s top 100 SMEs. The company’s growth highlighted the demand for greater transparency and accessibility in financial products across the Gulf.

Under Musa’s leadership, Souqalmal.com also attracted strategic investment, and its acquisition in 2022 marked a significant milestone in the region’s fintech evolution. The company’s model demonstrated the viability of digital financial marketplaces tailored to the regulatory and cultural contexts of the Middle East.

Amna Al Qubaisi

The Rise of an Emirati Racing Driver

Amna Al Qubaisi, born on March 28, 2000, is a professional racing driver from the United Arab Emirates whose steady ascent through motorsport’s ranks has marked a significant milestone for female participation in the Middle East. Her entry into competitive racing at a young age and her sustained presence across multiple international series have established her as one of the most recognizable figures from the region in motorsport.

Al Qubaisi began karting in 2014 at age 14, under the guidance of Daman Speed Academy, where her potential quickly became apparent. Her participation in series such as the Rotax Max Challenge and the X30 Euro Series marked the beginning of a focused and deliberate career progression. She won the UAE RMC Championship and was the first Emirati woman to compete internationally in the sport, making clear her intent to develop a long-term racing career.

Her father, Khaled Al Qubaisi, played a central role in her career development. A motorsport figure in his own right, he was the first Emirati to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With his support and industry knowledge, Amna transitioned from karting to Formula racing, debuting in the Italian F4 Championship in 2018 with Prema Theodore Racing. She became the first Middle Eastern woman to compete in a Formula 4 series, completing 21 races during the season.

In the same year, she achieved another first. Following the Diriyah ePrix in Saudi Arabia, Amna took part in a Formula E rookie test with Envision Virgin Racing, becoming the first Arab woman to drive a Formula E car. The test marked a significant point in her development as a driver, exposing her to the technical and strategic demands of high-level electric racing.

From 2019 to 2021, Amna competed in the Formula Regional

Asian Championship and various events under the Formula Regional banner, including races in Abu Dhabi and support events for the Formula One calendar. Her performance showed consistent improvement, with qualifying results and race pace placing her mid-field among more experienced drivers.

Riah Yasmin Read:

The Visionary Behind Dollface Cosmetics

In a fast-paced and ever-evolving beauty industry, few names carry as much weight as Riah Yasmin. Read-CEO and founder of Dollface Cosmetics. Known for her unwavering commitment to excellence, Riah has carved out a powerful presence, becoming one of the most respected figures in the field of aesthetics and cosmetic training.

Since launching her career in 2016, Riah has been more than just an entrepreneur-she’s been a trailblazer. With a passion for both aesthetics and education, she has dedicated herself to raising industry standards through in-depth, meticulous training programs. Her approach blends precision, artistry, and a strong educational foundation, making her a sought-after mentor for both budding artists and seasoned professionals.

Since launching her career in 2016, Riah has been more than just an entrepreneur-she’s been a trailblazer. With a passion for both aesthetics and education, she has dedicated herself to raising industry standards through in-depth, meticulous training programs. Her approach blends precision, artistry, and a strong educational foundation, making her a sought-after mentor for both budding artists and seasoned professionals.

TO SEE THE CONFIDENCE THAT BEAUTY CAN BRING-AND TO TEACH OTHERS HOW TO DELIVER THAT WITH CARE AND PRECISION-IS WHAT DRIVES ME EVERY DAY.

As Dollface Cosmetics continues to grow, Riah Yasmin Read remains at the forefront, redefining beauty standards and inspiring a new generation of artists. With

her vision, dedication, and global reputation, she is not only shaping faces-but shaping the future of the industry.

The Ventures of Sara Al Madani

An Examination of Entrepreneurship and Influence

The sector focuses on integrating advanced technologies and data-driven solutions to enhance urban environments. This includes the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize city services, improve infrastructure, and elevate the quality of life for residents. Key areas of application span transportation management, resource allocation (such as energy and water), public safety, and citizen engagement. The aim is to create more efficient, sustainable, and responsive urban systems that can adapt to evolving challenges and demographic shifts. This involves collaboration between governments, technology providers, and various stakeholders to develop and deploy solutions that address the complexities of modern urban living.

Sara Al Madani, an Emirati entrepreneur, investor, and public figure, has built a career characterized by an early entry into business and a diversified portfolio across various sectors. Her professional trajectory, beginning in her teenage years, reflects a drive for independence and a consistent engagement in ventures spanning fashion, technology, and hospitality. Al Madani has also cultivated a public profile through her advocacy for entrepreneurship and her role in media.

Al Madani’s entrepreneurial journey commenced at the age of 15 when she launched her first business, a fashion line initially named Rouge Couture, later rebranding as Sara Al Madani Fashion Design. This initial venture, focused on contemporary abayas, was reportedly self-funded through various part-time jobs and modeling work. This early start established a pattern of self-reliance and initiative that would define her career. The decision to enter the fashion sector was driven by a desire to create garments that resonated with a modern aesthetic while respecting cultural considerations. The success of this initial endeavor provided the capital and experience for subsequent expansions.

Her business interests have since broadened significantly, moving beyond fashion into multiple industries. Among her notable ventures is HalaHi, a co-founded platform designed to connect individuals with personalized video messages from celebrities. This enterprise positions Al Madani within the growing creator economy, leveraging digital platforms to monetize direct fan engagement.

The model of HalaHi capitalizes on the demand for unique, personalized interactions with public figures, a segment of the entertainment industry that has seen considerable growth. In the food and beverage sector, Al Madani is an owner or partner in Shabarbush, a restaurant.

This diversification into hospitality underscores her willingness to explore different market segments and build a presence across consumer-facing industries. The operation of a restaurant involves distinct challenges and opportunities compared to fashion or technology, requiring an understanding of service, logistics, and culinary trends.

Furthermore, Al Madani operates Social Fish, described as an “innovative idea consultancy.” This venture aligns with her public persona as an advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing advisory services or strategic guidance. A consultancy of this nature would likely cater to nascent businesses or individuals seeking to develop new concepts,

leveraging Al Madani’s experience in launching and managing diverse companies. Her portfolio also reportedly includes investments in medical device suppliers and a technology company named Proposal Cupids, focusing on wedding planning. These investments indicate a strategic interest in sectors with growth potential and a commitment to broad market participation.

Beyond her private business undertakings, Al Madani has held positions within governmental and industry bodies, lending her insights to broader economic development. In 2014, she was appointed as a board member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi. At the time of her appointment, she was the youngest member on the board, a fact frequently highlighted as an indicator of her early achievements and the recognition she garnered within the Emirati business community. This role placed her in a position to influence policy and foster economic growth within Sharjah. In 2017, she was also selected to serve on the board of the UAE SME Council under the Ministry of Economy in Dubai. These appointments underscore a commitment to contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises within the UAE.

Al Madani’s public speaking engagements form a significant component of her professional activity. She has delivered numerous keynote speeches at academic institutions and corporate events across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and internationally. Her presentations frequently address themes of entrepreneurship, business strategy, and personal development. She advocates for resilience, risk-tak-

ing, and continuous learning, often drawing from her own experiences to illustrate these principles. Her public speaking amplifies her influence, positioning her as a mentor for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, who may face cultural or societal barriers in pursuing business ventures. She has often spoken on challenging traditional norms and encouraging self-belief, framing her personal journey as an example of overcoming adversity.

The increased international recognition of Sara Al Madani can be attributed in part to her participation in The Real Housewives of Dubai. Her presence on this reality television series has provided a platform to present aspects of Emirati culture and business life to a global audience. On the show, she has often articulated views on independence, self-worth, and the importance of personal growth, contributing to a broader understanding of women in the UAE’s professional landscape. While reality television is often associated with entertainment, Al Madani has utilized it to convey messages related to her entrepreneurial philosophy and personal values.

Throughout her career, Al Madani has received various accolades recognizing her contributions to business and women’s empowerment. She holds an honorary PhD in Business Leadership and Women Empowerment. These recognitions reflect her impact as a role model and her efforts to inspire women to pursue entrepreneurial paths. Her involvement in charitable initiatives, such as serving as a UAE Global Goodwill Ambassador for “Smile Train” and for the “United Nations,” further highlights her engagement beyond commercial interests, extending her influence to humanitarian causes.

The Business of Reinvention

Caroline Stanbury and the New Rules of Visibility

From luxury fashion and personal branding to media production and digital entrepreneurship, the modern woman is reshaping what it means to lead in the Middle East’s evolving business landscape. At the intersection of influence and innovation, a new class of female entrepreneurs is leveraging lifestyle platforms, content creation, and high-end consumer markets to build empires that are both personal and global. These women are not only navigating traditionally male-dominated industries, they are redefining them through authenticity, resilience, and a deep understanding of their audiences. Whether through e-commerce, podcasting, or brand partnerships, they are crafting multifaceted careers that blend business acumen with cultural relevance.

One such entrepreneur is Caroline Stanbury, a British-born businesswoman whose journey from Europe’s elite circles to the heart of Dubai’s entrepreneurial scene exemplifies this new era of multifaceted leadership. With ventures spanning luxury retail, media, fashion, and personal development, she has built a global presence that blends high-society sophistication with a modern, relatable edge. Her ability to pivot across industries—and remain commercially and culturally relevant—makes her one of the most compelling female figures navigating business and visibility in the Middle East today.

The Business of Bold Beginnings

Caroline Stanbury’s career began not in front of a camera but behind a carefully curated concept: Gift Library, a luxury online boutique she founded in 2008. At a time when e-commerce was still emerging in the luxury space, the platform was ahead of the curve. It provided affluent clientele access to unique, high-end gifts with concierge-level service—an embodiment of Stanbury’s eye for style and her intuition for unmet market needs.

Though the business ultimately closed in 2015 after being sold to online retailer Amara, it marked an important inflection point. It positioned Stanbury as more than a socialite or public figure; it revealed her entrepreneurial instincts and appetite for risk. Most significantly, it laid the groundwork for her public identity as a woman who could navigate both the business world and the lifestyle space with equal fluency.

Turning Visibility

into a Platform

While many entrepreneurs spend years trying to build a personal brand, Stanbury recognized early on that she was the brand. In 2014, she joined the cast of Bravo’s Ladies of London, a reality TV series that introduced international audiences to her life in Britain’s elite social circles. Rather than shy away from the exposure, she embraced the platform as an opportunity to tell her story on her own terms. The result was a growing global fanbase, particularly among women who related to her no-nonsense demeanor, strong sense of self, and evolving personal life.

But unlike many reality stars who fade with the final episode, Stanbury used television as a springboard—not a peak. She turned public interest into business leverage, crafting a unique position as both influencer and founder, entertainer and executive. This duality would become the backbone of her evolving empire.

Venture capital across the Middle East and North Africa has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. What was once an informal, fragmented investment environment is now emerging as a structured asset class, attracting institutional capital and fostering a new generation of technology-enabled enterprises. As governments shift their focus toward innovation-driven economies and private capital plays a growing role in scaling infrastructure, healthcare, fintech, and education, venture firms are stepping in to bridge critical funding gaps. This evolution is not only reshaping entrepreneurship in the region but also redefining how capital is allocated in some of the world’s most rapidly changing markets.

Amid this evolving investment industry, one figure has played a central role in shaping how venture capital is deployed, institutionalized, and scaled across emerging markets. Her career reflects both the maturation of the industry and the deliberate efforts required to build the infrastructure that supports long-term, sustainable growth.

Noor Sweid has built a career defined by deliberate growth,

Noor Sweid

Reshaping Venture Capital in Emerging Markets

strategic execution, and institutional impact across the Middle East and Africa. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, a Dubai-based venture capital firm, Sweid has emerged as a central figure in shaping the region’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape. Her trajectory reflects not only personal accomplishment but also the development of a professional infrastructure that did not exist in its current form when she began.

Sweid’s career spans entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and public sector involvement. Her ability to navigate and influence each of these spheres has allowed her to build one of the most respected investment platforms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She is also widely recognized for her efforts to formalize and scale venture capital as a professional asset class across emerging markets.

From Corporate Expansion to Market Creation

Sweid’s early professional experience was rooted in operational leadership. She joined her

family’s business, Depa Interiors, a major interior contracting firm, and led its strategic expansion. During her tenure, she oversaw four cross-border acquisitions and guided the firm through a dual listing on the London Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Dubai in 2008. That IPO was notable not only for its size but also for what it represented: a regional company, led by a woman, navigating international capital markets at a scale previously unseen in MENA.

Her time at Depa marked a significant evolution in her role—from strategist to operator to capital markets executive. The company’s successful IPO established her credibility in executing complex financial transactions and managing large-scale organizations.

After leaving Depa, Sweid founded ZenYoga, the first yoga and Pilates studio chain in the region. She expanded the business into the largest wellness brand in MENA before selling it to a private equity firm in 2014. The venture underscored her ability to identify market gaps and build sustainable businesses in sectors previously underserved or undeveloped.

Muna Easa Al Gurg

Leadership, Legacy, and Social Responsibility in the UAE’s Business Landscape

Muna Easa Al Gurg is a prominent figure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) business community, known for her significant role in one of the country’s largest family-owned conglomerates, the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), and her ongoing efforts to advance social and economic development, particularly for women and youth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Her career reflects a blend of corporate leadership, strategic philanthropy, and advocacy for gender equality, making her an influential voice within both the commercial and social sectors.

Background and Early Career

Muna Easa Al Gurg was born into a family with a strong entrepreneurial legacy. The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, established in 1960 by her father, Easa Saleh Al Gurg, is among the UAE’s oldest and most diversified family businesses. The group operates across multiple sectors including retail, manufacturing, real estate, and construction, and maintains partnerships with major international brands.

Muna joined the family business in 2001. Her early work focused on marketing and communications, a role that gave her foundational exposure to brand development and corporate strategy. By 2009, she was appointed to the board of directors, marking her formal entry into the group’s

executive leadership. Over the years, she has taken on increasing responsibility, culminating in her current position as Vice-Chairperson and Director of Retail for the group.

Leadership at Easa

Saleh Al Gurg Group

Under Muna Al Gurg’s leadership, the retail division of ESAG has expanded its footprint, managing several internationally recognized brands as well as local retail outlets. Her approach to management emphasizes strategic growth, operational excellence,

and customer engagement. This has included a focus on digitization and adaptation to changing market dynamics, especially as consumer behavior evolves with the rise of e-commerce and digital marketing.

Her role as Vice-Chairperson also involves corporate governance and long-term strategic planning for the group, which continues to diversify its business portfolio. The group employs thousands and contributes significantly to the UAE’s economy, particularly through its partnerships with multinational corporations and its role in promoting local business ecosystems.

Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr

Architect of Dubai’s Smart City Vision and Digital Transformation Advocate

The field of smart city development and digital transformation is a critical area of focus for urban centers worldwide. It involves the strategic integration of advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and liveability of urban environments. This encompasses a broad spectrum of initiatives, from digitizing government services and optimizing infrastructure to leveraging data analytics for improved urban planning and citizen engagement. Cities are increasingly adopting solutions that incorporate artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and data platforms to create interconnected and responsive urban ecosystems. The objective is to address challenges such as resource management, public safety, environmental sustainability, and the evolving needs of urban populations, ultimately aiming to foster more resilient and human-centric urban futures.

Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr stands as a solid figure in the realm of digital transformation and smart urban development. Her career, deeply intertwined with the Emirate of Dubai’s strategic ambitions, reflects a consistent and impactful leadership in leveraging technology to reshape governance, improve citizen experiences, and establish global benchmarks for urban innovation. Her influence extends from the foundational elements of smart city infrastructure to emerging digital frontiers like the Metaverse, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to technological integration.

Hana Al Rostamani

A Deep Exploration of Her Career and Leadership at First Abu Dhabi Bank

The global banking sector is currently navigating a period of significant transformation, characterized by both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities. Traditional financial institutions are contending with evolving regulatory landscapes, increased competition from agile fintech companies, and the imperative to adapt to rapidly

shifting customer expectations. Digital transformation is a central theme, with banks heavily investing in technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced data analytics to streamline operations, enhance security, and deliver more personalized and efficient services. Alongside technological shifts, the industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and

environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. There is a growing recognition that financial institutions play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, leading to increased demand for green finance, sustainable investment products, and more transparent reporting on financed emissions. This confluence of technological innovation and a deepening commitment to responsible banking is reshaping strategies and operations across the financial services spectrum.

Within the global banking sector, certain individuals rise to positions of considerable influence, shaping the direction of major financial institutions and contributing to the broader economic narrative of their regions. Their careers become indicative of the strategic responses and operational shifts taking place in response to the demands of a modern financial landscape. Among these figures, Hana Al Rostamani has emerged as a significant leader.

Hana Al Rostamani holds a distinguished position within the financial services sector of the United Arab Emirates, recognized for her leadership of one of the region’s largest banking institutions. As the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), her career demonstrates a sustained commitment to financial innovation, strategic growth, and the integration of digital advancements within the banking industry.

Raja Easa Al Gurg

A Deep Exploration of Her Career and the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group

Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg occupies a significant position within the economic framework of the United Arab Emirates. She is widely acknowledged for her leadership of a large, diversified conglomerate and for the substantial impact she has had on the economic growth and development of the region. In her capacity as the Chairperson and Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), her professional trajectory demonstrates a sustained involvement across numerous business sectors. This engagement is consistently paired with a dedication to making broader contributions to society, reflecting a career that extends beyond purely commercial endeavors to encompass civic and philanthropic commitments.

The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group: A Foundation of Diversification

The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, established in 1960 by H.E. Easa Saleh Al Gurg, is a privately held, family-owned conglomerate. Over six decades, it has expanded into a multi-divisional entity comprising over 27 companies. The group’s portfolio spans various sectors, including retail, building and construction, industrial operations, real estate, and joint ventures. ESAG operates across the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, with its reach extending to parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, America, Australia, and New Zealand.

ESAG’s business model is characterized by strategic partnerships

with international brands. It acts as a regional partner to over 370 international principals, including Siemens, Osram, British American Tobacco, Dunlop, Armitage Shanks, SieMatic, Danfoss, Zanussi, Smeg, and 3M. The group’s joint ventures include notable collaborations such as Al Gurg Unilever, Siemens LLC, AkzoNobel Decorative Paints LLC, Al Gurg Fosroc, and Al Gurg Smollan. This extensive network of partnerships underscores ESAG’s role in facilitating the presence of global entities within the regional market.

The group’s operational structure is segmented into four primary verticals. The Building & Construction vertical includes entities like Mac Al Gurg and Al Semsam Building Materials. The Consumer sector encompasses businesses such as Al Gurg Tobacco (BAT), Al Gurg Stationery, Al Gurg Tyres, Batteries and Accessories Division (Dunlop), and Target Auto Services. Retail & Lifestyle comprises brands like OFIS, Interiors, Chattels & More, KARE, Better Life, Al Gurg Living, Schmalenbach, SieMatic, and Bath & More. Finally, the Industrial vertical includes Al Gurg Building Services, Al Gurg Paints, Gulf Metal Foundry, Al Mashrabia Furniture, Scientechnic, AGAC, and Technical and Trading (TTE). With a workforce exceeding 3,000 professionals, ESAG has sustained growth and diversification, maintaining a debt-free status.

OWNING HER FUTURE

Salwa Arfaoui is Redefining Real Estate, Wealth, and Women’s Power

In a world where property and power have long been gatekept, Salwa Arfaoui is carving bold new pathways—inviting women to walk through the door, not just as homeowners, but as strategists, investors, and change-makers.

A multi-award-winning real estate strategist and Internation-

al Property Specialist certified by the National Association of Realtors®, Salwa’s influence stretches far beyond boardrooms and brochures. With affiliations in New Jersey, Washington, and global networks like FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation), she has emerged as one of the most compelling voices in real

estate innovation and women’s financial empowerment in the Middle East—and beyond. Her journey wasn’t handed to her. It was architected with intention.

From Strategy to Sisterhood

As the Founder and CEO of Women of Vision, Salwa has built more than a business—she’s built a movement. What began as an educational initiative has evolved into a transformative platform combining financial literacy, real estate investment strategy, and mental health awareness—a trio she believes is non-negotiable for women seeking true financial independence.

“Too often, women are excluded from wealth-building conversations. We’re told to budget, not to invest. To save, not to scale. I wanted to flip that narrative,” says Salwa. And flip it, she has.

Through Women of Vision, she delivers hands-on investment workshops, personalized consultations, and accessible digital tools that demystify property ownership—particularly for firsttime women investors. Her model integrates PropTech innovations and crowdfunding mechanisms, bridging the gap between women and real estate markets that often feel inaccessible or intimidating.

But her vision doesn’t stop at equity. It’s deeply rooted in emotional resilience. “Mental wealth and mental health go hand in hand,” she often says. Many of the women she works with are navigating toxic workspaces, unequal partnerships, or personal hardships. For Salwa, financial literacy is more than numbers— it’s about giving women the agency to leave what no longer serves them, and the confidence to design what will.

Health Is Power:

Why Women Entrepreneurs Must Lead with Well-being

Wellness isn’t a luxury — it’s a leadership strategy.

In the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, ambition is often worn like a badge of honor. But behind the success stories and scaled ventures, many women founders are quietly battling burnout, chronic stress, and hormone imbalances—trading health for hustle, one pitch deck at a time. The tide, however, is turning. A bold new narrative is taking shape, one where rest isn’t weakness, and boundaries are seen not as walls, but as foundations for resilience.

This shift is most visible among women leading the future—entrepreneurs who are no longer willing to sacrifice themselves for success. Instead, they’re proving that sustained brilliance begins from within.

The Wellness Wake-Up Call

Leadership today demands clarity, stamina, and emotional intelligence—all of which are directly tied to physical and mental well-being. Yet for decades, the business playbook ignored this, often glorifying 18hour workdays and sleepless nights as signs of drive.

Women, particularly in leadership, have long internalized this narrative—juggling boardroom strategies by day and caregiving responsibilities by night, rarely pausing to ask: At what cost?

A 2023 McKinsey report found that nearly 60% of women in senior roles reported symptoms of burnout, from decision fatigue to emotional exhaustion. Among entrepreneurs, the numbers are even higher. And in regions like the Middle East—where women are not only building businesses but also breaking social barriers—the pressure can be even more intense. But a new generation of women is changing that story.

Power grows where well-being is prioritized.

In the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, ambition is often worn like a badge of honor. But behind the success stories and scaled ventures, many women founders are quietly battling burnout, chronic stress, and hormone imbalances—trading health for hustle, one pitch deck at a time. The tide, however, is turning. A bold new narrative is taking shape, one where rest isn’t weakness, and boundaries are seen not as walls, but as foundations for resilience.

This shift is most visible among women leading the future—entrepreneurs who are no longer willing to sacrifice themselves for success. Instead, they’re proving that sustained brilliance begins from within.

The Wellness Wake-Up Call

Leadership today demands clarity, stamina, and

emotional intelligence—all of which are directly tied to physical and mental well-being. Yet for decades, the business playbook ignored this, often glorifying 18-hour workdays and sleepless nights as signs of drive. Women, particularly in leadership, have long internalized this narrative— juggling boardroom strategies by day and caregiving responsibilities by night, rarely pausing to ask: At what cost?

A 2023 McKinsey report found that nearly 60% of women in senior roles reported symptoms of burnout, from decision fatigue to emotional exhaustion. Among entrepreneurs, the numbers are even higher. And in regions like the Middle East—where women are not only building businesses but also breaking social barriers—the pressure can be even more intense. But a new generation of women is changing that story.

This shift isn’t just anecdotal—it’s measurable. Companies led by women who prioritize well-being report higher team morale, lower turnover, and more adaptive cultures. When leaders model healthy habits, they give their teams permission to do the same. And that’s where the real transformation begins—not in the boardroom, but in how we show up to work each day, fully nourished and grounded.

More women founders are also speaking openly about their health journeys, normalizing topics once considered taboo—fertility treatments, perimenopause, autoimmune conditions, and neurodiversity. By sharing their truths, they’re reshaping workplace conversations and creating safer, more human-centric spaces for everyone to thrive. Vulnerability, once viewed as a liability in business, is emerging as a powerful leadership asset.

The Future Is Female—and Fueled by Wellness

Across industries and regions, women are integrating wellness into their

business DNA. From five-minute breathwork breaks to sleep tracking, hormone health, and functional nutrition, well-being is no longer relegated to weekends or spa days—it’s a strategic priority.

These founders understand that:

Energy is capital and without sleep, nourishment, and move ment, even the most visionary ideas stall.

Calm is a leadership skill — and mental fitness tools like meditation, journaling, and digital detoxes are sharpening decision-making.

Rest is not a reward — it’s part of the process.

Boundaries are not barriers — they are how sustainable empires are built.

In fact, many are now designing their business models around well-being—from offering flexible work for teams to creating wellness-oriented brands that reflect this ethos externally.

And the shift goes beyond personal habits—it’s influencing investment trends. Women-led startups in the wellness, mental health, and hormone care space are gaining traction, backed by VCs who finally recognize the ROI of well-being. Wellness is no longer a niche category; it’s the future of every forward-thinking business model.

Executive Habits: Wellness Rituals of High-Performing Women

The new woman founder is part CEO, part chief wellness officer. Here’s what her toolkit often includes:

Biohacking Basics: Using wearables like Oura or Whoop to track recovery, heart rate, and stress levels.

Nutrition for Focus: Ditching caffeine crashes for slow-re lease energy from whole foods, adaptogens, and clean hydra tion.

Cycle-Syncing: Aligning launch timelines, meetings, and brainstorming sessions with hormonal peaks and valleys.

Mental Clarity Practices: Starting the day with guided meditations, breathwork, or grounding affirmations.

Functional Medicine: Seeking root-cause solutions for energy dips and mood swings instead of masking symptoms with stimulants.

These aren’t wellness fads— they’re executive strategies for thriving in a fast-changing world.

A Cultural Shift with Global Impact

In the Middle East, where women are not just participating in the economy but reshaping it, this shift is particularly powerful. The narrative of the exhausted superwoman is being replaced by something far more empowering: the rested, radiant, and well-supported leader.

She’s the founder who cancels meetings to protect her nervous

system. The CEO who builds in time for therapy, nature, and stillness. The investor who values a founder’s clarity of mind as much as their pitch.

She’s not slowing down. She’s sharpening her edge.

And perhaps most importantly, she’s paving the way for future generations. Young women entering the workforce are now seeing role models who lead with integrity, softness, and strength. They’re learning early that leadership doesn’t require self-abandonment—that building big dreams can, and should, coexist with building a well life.

Final Word: Lead Yourself First

As we celebrate the women driving innovation, leadership, and transformation across sectors, one thing becomes increasingly clear: the foundation of sustainable success is not scale. It’s self.

Health is not a detour on the path to greatness—it’s the road itself. And in a world that still glorifies the hustle, women entrepreneurs are showing us a different way: one rooted in balance, compassion, and intentional living.

Because the future is female—and she’s fueled, focused, and well.

Smart Money, Stronger Futures

How Financial Confidence Is Shaping the Next Generation of Women Leaders

In the evolving landscape of global business, leadership is being redefined—and at the core of this transformation is one essential skill: financial literacy. Across the Middle East and beyond, women entrepreneurs are no longer just building businesses—they’re building wealth ecosystems. They’re mastering their numbers, negotiating with confidence, and making decisions from a place of financial clarity, not fear.

Because in today’s economy, it’s no longer enough to have the vision—you need the valuation to match. Smart money is more than profit. It’s power. And a new generation of financially fluent women is rewriting what that power looks like.

Think Like a CFO— Before You Hire One

Every thriving business starts with a financially confident leader. For many women, that confidence begins with a simple but radical shift: seeing money not as a stressor, but as a strategic partner.

The best founders operate like their company’s first CFO. They track expenses, anticipate risks, project cash flow, and understand that money is a storytelling tool. It tells you what’s working, where to pivot, and how to scale. This mindset—proactive, data-driven, and empowered—is increasingly common among female leaders who are not just growing businesses, but engineering longevity.

“Money isn’t just capital— it’s confidence, clarity, and a tool for change. The future belongs to women who master it.”

And what’s becoming increasingly evident is that financial confi-

dence isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about commanding respect. Investors, partners, and even clients take note when a woman founder walks into the room armed not just with passion, but with projections, pricing logic, and a profitability plan. Financial fluency sends a powerful message: “I know the value I bring—and I can prove it.”

Habits of Financially Empowered Women

Financial freedom doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through consistent, intentional habits. Today’s financially empowered women don’t just chase top-line growth. They engineer healthy money ecosystems through discipline, diversification, and foresight. Here’s how they do it:

Monthly Budgeting Rit-

uals: Whether through Notion dash boards, Google Sheets, or fintech apps, regular money check-ins allow them to pivot fast and plan smarter.

Multiple Income Streams: From product sales and speaking gigs to investments and side hustles, they create layered revenue to weather market dips.

Profit with Purpose: Earnings are funneled back into business growth, mentor ship programs, employee up skilling, or emergency funds— not luxury splurges.

Cash Flow First: Understanding when, how, and from where money flows into the business helps prevent crunch periods and ensures strategic stability.

These women don’t wait for a “finance team” to rescue them from uncertainty. They ask the hard questions early, learn the systems that power their businesses, and

create sustainable foundations— long before scaling becomes trendy.

In a world of overnight funding and viral success stories, their approach is refreshingly grounded. Because true financial empowerment isn’t about chasing the next million—it’s about designing a business that can stand the test of time, with or without external capital.

From Pitch Decks to Profit: Women Who Raise Like Pros

Confidence in numbers is the new competitive edge. Across the region, more women are walking into investor meetings prepared— not just with passion, but with precision. They can articulate their market opportunity, justify valuations, and speak fluently about ROI and exit strategy. They’ve done the math, built the model, and practiced the pitch.

Programs like She Wins Arabia, Emirates Women Investor Network, and Bahrain’s Women SME Fund are making funding more accessible—but access alone doesn’t close the deal. Financial preparation does. The founders who win capital today are the ones who can connect data to vision and speak the language of scale.

Even more importantly, they understand how to negotiate terms that honor their equity, protect their values, and sustain long-term independence. These aren’t just women raising money—they’re raising the bar.

Beyond the Bank Account: Financial Feminism in Action

Today’s financial empowerment isn’t just about personal success— it’s about impact. With capital in hand, women entrepreneurs are

changing the rules of the game. They’re:

Hiring more women and minorities, creating inclusive company cultures.

Backing other female founders, building investment pipelines for future generations.

Investing in wellness, education, and sustainability, align ing profit with purpose.

This is financial feminism—the belief that money in the hands of women changes not just their lives, but their communities, their industries, and their legacies.

In many ways, this new era of leadership is about shifting the goalpost—from chasing funding to creating true financial autonomy. It’s not about being the richest in the room—it’s about being the most financially resilient, the most informed, and the most values-aligned.

Money as a Leadership Tool

Financial confidence unlocks more than spreadsheets. It fuels bold decisions—whether it’s launching a second location, saying no to toxic investors, or walking away from partnerships that no longer serve your purpose. It allows women to price with clarity, invest without fear, and scale with sustainability in mind. And in a region where female entrepreneurship is rising fast, financial literacy is more than a skill—it’s a form of leadership. When women understand their financial levers, they stop playing defense—and start building empires on their own terms.

Final Word: Your Money, Your Power

The most powerful thing a woman can do in 2025? Know her numbers. Speak them fluently. And use them boldly.

As more women take control of their finances, they’re not just changing bank balances— they’re changing boardrooms, investment pipelines, and policy conversations. This is the future of entrepreneurship: values-led, impact-focused, and financially fearless.

Whether you’re a founder raising capital or a freelancer setting your rates, know this: your financial confidence is your superpower. Use it well. Build with intention. And lead with the kind of wealth that multiplies beyond measure.

The Balancing Act:

How Mompreneurs Are Rewriting the Rules of Success

Not either/or—but both. Why more women are building businesses that grow with their families, not away from them.

There was a time when ambition and motherhood were considered opposing forces. “Pick one,” the world said. “You can’t have it all.” But across the Middle East today, a new generation of women is refusing to choose between diapers and dreams. These are the mompreneurs—women who are building companies in between school runs, nursing breaks, and bedtime stories. And they’re not just managing—they’re thriving.

From Dubai to Doha, Amman to Abu Dhabi, mom-led businesses are on the rise. Some are bootstrapped in kitchens, others

launched during maternity leave, and many are sparked by the most common entrepreneurial catalyst: necessity. What they share in common is a deep drive to create something meaningful— for their children, and because of them.

Motherhood Isn’t a Limitation. It’s a Launchpad.

Contrary to outdated narratives, many successful mompreneurs credit motherhood as the moment their vision became clear. Raising a child brings with it a unique set of challenges—and

those challenges often reveal powerful market gaps. No one understands the need for toxin-free baby food, wearable breast pumps, or flexible work tools better than a woman navigating it firsthand.

That’s why many of the most beloved mom-led brands today are built on deep personal insight and emotional intelligence. These aren’t hypothetical ideas tested in focus groups. They’re lived solutions created by women who are their target customer. That empathy? It translates into business models that are purpose-driven, community-focused, and built for long-term trust.

Quote Pullout:

“Motherhood didn’t make me smaller—it made me sharper. I stopped waiting for the right time. I created it.”

The Myth of Balance (And What Success Really Looks Like)

Let’s be honest: “having it all” is a myth—especially when you’re doing school drop-offs, managing client calls, and running payroll in the same afternoon. The glossy Instagram version of mompreneur life rarely shows the guilt, exhaustion, or midnight hustle behind the scenes.

But today’s mom-founders aren’t chasing perfection. They’re redefining success on their own terms. Maybe that means slower scaling to protect family time. Maybe it means launching from home instead of an office downtown. Either way, they’re proving that success doesn’t need to look one way to be real, valid, and powerful.

Smart mompreneurs build ecosystems of support—from spouses who handle bedtime to co-founders who step in for pitches. They outsource when they can, set boundaries without apology, and prioritize what matters most in that season of life. It’s not about doing it all—it’s about doing what aligns.

Building with Heart, Leading with Purpose

One of the most defining characteristics of mom-founded businesses is their values-first approach. These companies aren’t just about profit—they’re about impact. Many mompreneurs create brands that reflect their life priorities: sustainability, commu-

nity, health, and inclusion. They often:

Hire other mothers to create flexible, family-friendly work environments.

Donate a portion of proceeds to maternal health, education, or local causes.

Design products with real-world needs in mind—from time-saving tech to inclusive wellness tools.

It’s business—but with soul. And in a world that’s craving more authenticity and connection, that soul is their superpower.

The Power of Community in the Mompreneur Journey

If there’s one truth that keeps rising to the top, it’s this: you cannot do it alone. Communities like Womenpreneur Middle East, Mompreneurs ME, and Female Fusion are helping women find their people—those who understand what it means to scale a brand while nursing a toddler or negotiating a deal from the school parking lot.

These platforms offer more than networking. They provide:

Tactical support (think: funding

tips, marketing help, legal know-how)

Emotional safety nets (a place to say “I’m overwhelmed” without judgment)

Collaborative energy (where women raise each other up— not compete for space)

Mompreneurship is no longer a niche. It’s a movement. And with the right support, it’s proving to be a powerful engine of innovation and economic growth.

Final Word: Rewrite the Rules. Raise the Standard.

The next generation is watching—not just how we work, but how we live. And mompreneurs are modeling something revolutionary: that you don’t have to sacrifice motherhood to lead, and you don’t have to give up leadership to be present.

Whether your business is a fledgling idea or a scaling startup, remember this: You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. You’re allowed to lead with love. And you’re allowed to succeed without apology.

You are not behind. You are not too late. You are not too much.

You are exactly what the future of business looks like.