Top 10 Influential Women Founders from UAE - 2026
Women entrepreneurs are driving change across the UAE by leading innovation in every field possible. Their ability to use their knowledge and experience within the tech, health, fashion, and finance industries has opened doors for other women to take part in these industries and has also given them a new definition of how to lead within the traditional male-controlled structure of these fields. While ambition and determination are central to their success, resilience has been a defining trait. Many of these entrepreneurs have faced societal and cultural expectations, yet they’ve used these challenges as stepping stones toward business success. Their journeys stand as powerful testaments to creativity, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Beyond building thriving businesses, these founders have made it a priority to nurture the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Through mentoring programs, workshops, and investments in women-owned ventures, they are creating opportunities for others to achieve success at the highest levels. By providing the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, they are paving the way for future business leaders to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
"In the heart of the UAE’s business boom, women are emerging as the true architects of the future, blending creativity, technology, and empowerment to craft the next generation of industry leaders"
In the dynamic environment of EMEA, women are proving they can lead with both compassion and intellect. They combine groundbreaking ideas with a strong social conscience, addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, from sustainability to healthcare access and social inequality. Women founders in the UAE are leaving an undeniable mark on the entrepreneurial landscape. Their growing presence is not only inspiring the next generation but also shaping the future of global entrepreneurship.
In this issue, the Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine brings a list of ‘Top 10 Influential Women Founders from UAE - 2026’, 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.
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Chada El Islam Benmahcene, Founder & CEO , Dubai
She specializes in environmental consulting, management consulting, career development coaching, executive coaching, interview preparation, public speaking, leadership development, corporate training, and IT consulting
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Fay Wong, Founding Partner & CEO, Sharjah
A 3D design and production specialist, she drives the company’s core philosophy and has contributed to numerous large-scale global projects, consistently delivering cutting-edge, and high-quality 3D solutions
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Dr Hanane Benkhallouk, Founder, Dubai
She specializes in change management, leadership development, public speaking, business consulting, marketing consulting, event planning, HR consulting, executive coaching, management consulting, and more
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Julie Nguyen, Co-Founder, Abu Dhabi
She has experience in career development coaching, corporate training, diversity and inclusion, executive coaching, leadership development, marketing consulting, and search engine optimization (SEO)
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Kushboo Surana, Founder & CEO, Dubai
With a commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment, she has created a platform that nurtures women-led ventures and helps them scale
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Laurie Drummond, Co-Founder, Abu Dhabi
With a passion for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals, she has played a key role in developing effective, sustainable training programs that cater to diverse fitness levels
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Loulou Khazen Baz, Founder & Managing Partner , Dubai
She is skilled in venture capital, podcasting, digital transformation, public speaking, and start-ups, and her services include public speaking, brand consulting, management consulting, brand design, and marketing strategy
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Nicki Bedford, Founder & CEO , Dubai
An executive business leader and entrepreneur, passionate about building innovative, scalable businesses, she leads a network dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources and support
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Sarah Hashwani, Co-Founder, Dubai
A business leader, philanthropist, and emerging UAE manufacturer with leadership experience in corporate governance, hospitality, and real estate, driven by sustainable social impact and long-term value creation
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Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder & Vice Chairperson, Dubai
With a focus on sustainable growth and innovation, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the group's success across fashion, lifestyle, and footwear sectors


