Middle East Special - 2023

Women leaders from Kuwait have emerged as influential leaders in the business world, breaking barriers and challenging traditional norms. These visionary women have played pivotal roles in steering businesses towards success, contributing to Kuwait's economic growth. Their leadership style is characterized by resilience and adaptability, navigating through a dynamic business landscape. These leaders have shattered gender stereotypes, proving that competence knows no gender. By fostering inclusivity and diversity, they have created workplaces that harness the full potential of their teams. Kuwait women business leaders often emphasize community engagement and corporate social responsibility. Their commitment to sustainable practices reflects a holistic approach to business, aligning profitability with positive societal impact. In a region where cultural norms can sometimes pose challenges for women in leadership, these individuals have shown that determination and skill set can overcome such obstacles. Through mentorship and advocacy, they actively promote the next generation of women leaders, contributing to a more balanced and equitable business environment. In conclusion, women business leaders from Kuwait stand as beacons of progress, demonstrating that gender equality is not just a societal aspiration but a strategic advantage for businesses and the nation as a whole.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the role of a Women Chief Legal Officer (CLO) holds significant importance in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the legal landscape. This trailblazing position symbolizes the nation's commitment to gender equality and empowerment. As the CLO, women contribute their expertise to shape legal frameworks that align with international standards while respecting the cultural nuances of the UAE. The Women CLO serves as a role model, inspiring aspiring legal professionals and breaking gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field. Beyond legal acumen, her leadership cultivates a workplace environment that embraces diversity, fostering creativity and collaboration. This representation at the highest legal echelons signifies the UAE's progressive approach in recognizing and harnessing the potential of its entire talent pool. Moreover, the Women CLO plays a pivotal role in advancing legal reforms that cater to the evolving needs of society, promoting justice and fairness. Her presence in such a prominent position reflects the UAE's commitment to building a society where opportunities are accessible to all, irrespective of gender. In essence, the Women Chief Legal Officer in the UAE is not just a legal professional but a symbol of the nation's dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable legal system.

In this issue, the Women Entrepreneur magazine brings a list of ‘Middle- East Special– 2023’, who are domineers of change in the corporate realm of the country. This list of ten leading and inspiring women is crafted by a team of CEOs, VCs, and the editorial board, delivering inspiring stories of their journey and the contributions & roles played by them in the creation and empowerment of an economically powerful nation.

  • Sofra on the table
  • Besma Al-Qassar

  • An inspiring business entrepreneur with strategic and progressive vision connecting brands to customers through interactive and result-driven technologies

1
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  • Brooke Lindsay

  • A legal officer with prior experience in legal practice focusing on corporate and project transactions in infrastructure and power generation

2
  • Dalia Al Mahmood Coaching
  • Dalia Al-Mahmood

  • A certified leadership coach focused in aiding the transformation of overwhelmed, highachieving women into clear, focused, and empowered leaders

3
  • Intisar Foundation
  • HH Sheikha Intisar AlSabah

  • Focused on providing refugee women with psychological care, and dedicated to providing psychological support and growth to refugee women

4
  • Enrule Legal Consultancy
  • Kanmani Karanchery’s

  • A visionary leader with a mission to address the legal issues faced by expatriates in establishing and navigating businesses, thus transforming obstacles into stepping stones

5
  • Zain Group
  • Maryam S

  • Experienced in HR leadership with a clear mandate to scale internal change strategically and effectively across multiple countries

6
  • TAQA Group
  • Mohammad Sharafi

  • A passionate leader focusing on the protection of intellectual property as well as legal rights of individuals and businesses and works closely with media industry

7
  • VO KUWAIT
  • Riham Al Ayyar

  • A seasoned leader with specialities and experience in facilities management, engineering maintenance, cleaning services, landscaping works

8
  • Servier
  • Saloni Tuteja

  • An experienced legal and compliance professional with a demonstrated history of working in the healthcare industry, skilled in crisis management, negotiation, corporate advisory, healthcare, and dispute management

9
  • Shuwaikh Economic Office
  • Yasmeen Al Jalal

  • A seasoned leader having experience covering operations for retail, f&b, and design sectors, also leads the strategic direction of the firm’s operations, working closely with the research team to ensure that the clients’ goals are met

10