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Middle East’s Top 10 Influential Women Leaders Changing the Game in 2025

Middle east

The Middle East is undergoing a powerful transformation, driven by women who are breaking barriers, leading innovation, redefining norms, and reshaping industries. From boardrooms to startups, visionary women are redefining leadership and fueling inclusive growth across the region.

As more women step into influential roles across various sectors, including entrepreneurship, education, finance, aviation, media, and design, these women are not only inspiring future generations but also spearheading initiatives that foster innovation, economic growth, and social progress.

These trailblazing women are making an indelible mark in 2025. Get ready to meet the top 10 leaders who are changing the game and shaping a more empowered Middle East.

1. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei – UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship

Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei is playing a pivotal role in cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates. Appointed as the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, she focuses on unlocking the potential of startups, SMEs, and women-led businesses. Under her leadership, the UAE has launched various programs aimed at providing funding, mentorship, and global exposure to young entrepreneurs. Her work is crucial to diversifying the UAE economy and positioning it as a hub for innovation in the Middle East.

Al Mazrouei’s efforts reflect a broader commitment by the UAE government to empower women economically, and her initiatives are making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable, especially for the next generation of women innovators.

2. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi – President, American University of Sharjah; Founder, Kalimat Foundation

A dynamic advocate for education, publishing, and cultural empowerment, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi is a force for change. As the President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the American University of Sharjah, she is focused on transforming higher education to meet the demands of the future. Her leadership has ushered in strategic reforms to elevate the institution’s academic standards and global partnerships.

Sheikha Bodour is also the founder and chairperson of the Kalimat Foundation, an organization that promotes literacy and inclusive access to books for children across the Arab world, especially those affected by conflict or disability. Her unwavering commitment to knowledge as a tool for empowerment is making a profound social and cultural impact across the Middle East.

3. Dalal Al Qais – Group CEO, Bahrain Development Bank (BDB)

Dalal Al Qais has emerged as one of Bahrain’s leading voices in finance and economic development. As the Group CEO of Bahrain Development Bank, she oversees strategic initiatives that aim to nurture startups, SMEs, and social enterprises. Her leadership is marked by the promotion of inclusive financing models, support for female entrepreneurs, and fostering innovation-driven growth.

With a strong background in banking and investment, Al Qais is instrumental in driving Bahrain’s vision for a diversified economy. She’s not just managing a bank; she’s architecting a future where innovation, equality, and empowerment are at the forefront.

4. Elena Sorlini – Managing Director and CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports

Elena Sorlini is leading one of the most critical infrastructure segments in the UAE. As the CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, she is steering the aviation sector into a new era marked by modernization, sustainability, and enhanced passenger experience. Her vision includes not just expanding the physical infrastructure of airports but also integrating technology to improve operational efficiency.

Under her leadership, Abu Dhabi Airports is playing a central role in connecting the UAE to the world. Sorlini’s ability to lead in a traditionally male-dominated sector underscores her influence as a transformational leader in the region’s transportation and logistics ecosystem.

5. Elham Mahfouz – CEO, Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK)

Elham Mahfouz is a stalwart in the Kuwaiti banking sector. As the CEO of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, she has led the organization through strategic reforms that focus on digitization, customer-centricity, and sustainable banking. Her leadership is defined by a forward-looking approach that blends financial performance with social responsibility.

Mahfouz is also a strong advocate for female representation in finance and banking. Through mentoring programs and inclusive workplace policies, she is paving the way for more women to take leadership roles in the financial services industry in Kuwait and beyond.

6. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani – Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation

Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani is reshaping the landscape of education and research in Qatar. As Vice Chairperson and CEO of the Qatar Foundation, she oversees a vast network of institutions focused on education, science, and community development. Under her stewardship, the Qatar Foundation has become a global model for educational innovation and social impact.

Sheikha Hind is passionate about nurturing talent, promoting STEM education, and building knowledge economies. Her work is instrumental in achieving Qatar’s long-term development goals and positioning the country as a leader in academic excellence and research-driven innovation.

7. Khadija Al Bastaki – Senior Vice President, Dubai Design District (d3)

Khadija Al Bastaki is championing the creative industries in the UAE. As the Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District, she is fostering a dynamic ecosystem for designers, artists, and innovators. Her leadership is focused on attracting global talent, supporting homegrown brands, and integrating creativity into Dubai’s broader economic strategy.

Al Bastaki’s work at d3 is making the UAE a global destination for creative entrepreneurship. She is redefining how design, technology, and culture intersect—creating new economic opportunities and elevating the region’s global creative profile.

8. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi – Former UAE Minister; Vice President, Kalimat Foundation

Sheikha Lubna is a trailblazer who paved the way for women in governance and public service in the UAE. As the first woman to hold a ministerial position in the UAE, her legacy includes groundbreaking work in international cooperation, economic development, and education.

Today, as Vice President of the Kalimat Foundation, she continues to promote literacy, education, and inclusive access to knowledge. Her lifelong commitment to public service and social impact has made her an enduring icon of women’s empowerment in the Arab world.

9. Mona Ghanem Al Marri – Vice Chairperson and Managing Director, Dubai Media Council

Mona Al Marri is one of the most influential media figures in the Middle East. As the Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and the Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, she plays a key role in shaping the media landscape of the region.

Her focus is on storytelling, innovation, and supporting the next generation of media talent. Al Marri’s leadership has elevated Dubai’s global media presence and promoted the visibility of Arab women in media and communication.

10. Nadia Zaal – Co-founder and CEO, Zaya Group

Nadia Zaal is a visionary entrepreneur redefining real estate and luxury development in the UAE. As the co-founder and CEO of Zaya Group, she blends sustainability, wellness, and high-end living to create unique lifestyle experiences. Her projects are known for their innovation, eco-consciousness, and attention to community-building.

Zaal’s work is transforming the real estate sector, placing a strong emphasis on holistic living and environmental stewardship. She serves as a role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs looking to make a lasting impact in non-traditional sectors.

Outlook

In 2025, the Middle East stands as a testament to the transformative power of female leadership. These ten remarkable women are not only excelling in their respective fields but also challenging stereotypes, mentoring future leaders, and building inclusive, forward-thinking societies. Their stories serve as a beacon of inspiration, proving that when women lead, nations thrive. The journey toward gender parity and empowerment continues—and with leaders like these at the helm, the future looks exceptionally promising.

Read more: Top 10 Must-Read Illinois Magazines Leading in 2025

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