Top 10 Women Leaders in GCC - 2025
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region - comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates has been witnessing a significant transformation in leadership representation over the past decade. Women leaders in the GCC are increasingly stepping into influential roles across government, business, education, technology, and social sectors, redefining traditional narratives and contributing to the region’s rapid modernization.
Policy reforms, national visions such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2071, and growing awareness of gender equity have created an enabling environment for women to lead. From heading multinational corporations and pioneering entrepreneurial ventures to driving innovation in science, finance, and public administration, women leaders are emerging as pivotal forces in shaping the future of the Gulf economies.
Their leadership is not only symbolic but also deeply impactful. Women executives in the GCC are championing diversity, mentoring future talent, and setting benchmarks in resilience and innovation. They are bridging cultural heritage with contemporary global practices, ensuring that the region maintains its unique identity while advancing on the global stage.
Despite challenges such as cultural perceptions and structural barriers, the progress is undeniable. The presence of women leaders across boardrooms, ministries, and academic institutions reflects the GCC’s commitment to unlocking its full human potential. As the region accelerates toward knowledge-driven and diversified economies, women leaders are proving to be central to this transformation - demonstrating that leadership knows no gender boundaries.
In this issue, the Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine brings a list of 'Top 10 Women Leaders in GCC - 2025, 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.
-
-
Annie Rose, Head - Marketing, Dubai
She has expertise across the marketing spectrum, particularly in executive communication, digital engagement, and content operations
-
-
Elena Moiseeva, Group CMO, Dubai
She has experience in building business processes and conducting market research, leadership skills, creativity, PPC, SEO, content marketing, and partnerships
-
-
Emma Burdett, Founder & CEO, Dubai
She brings experience in leadership development, helping organizations build cultures, while advising on leadership strategy, hiring frameworks, executive presence, and more
-
-
Harjeet Kaur, Vice Principal, Muscat
With experience in curriculum development and teacher mentorship, she drives programs that enhance student learning, faculty performance, and inclusive education
-
-
Lara Barkouki, Head - Marketing, Branding & Creative, Dubai
A marketing and creative professional with over 18 years of experience across multiple disciplines, including brand creation, brand development and planning, and more
-
-
Lorraine Haughey, Principal, Abu Dhabi
An educator with a passion for teaching and learning, she has served in both government and private sectors for over 20 years
-
-
Mae Al Mozaini, Founder & CEO, Al Khobar
She specializes in management consulting, non-profit consulting, corporate training, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, educational consulting, and more
-
-
Rania Nasr, Founder & Managing Director, Dubai
She has devoted her career to driving educational change by empowering teachers and strengthening cultural identity through the teaching and learning of Arabic and Islamic education
-
-
Sadia Noori, CMO, Dubai
She has over 18 years of experience leading marketing for insurance, fintech, and WealthTech brands, combining strategic vision with executional excellence
-
-
Tamara P, CMO, Dubai
She is skilled in brand communication in the digital space, brand strategy, content marketing, digital media, and social media management