Top 10 Women Leaders in Retail from UAE - 2026
The United Arab Emirates has developed into a dynamic center for retail innovation because of its female leaders, who possess visionary qualities and who create new competitive advantages in the industry. The executives lead major retail companies throughout the area by utilizing their market knowledge and their ability to adapt to changing consumer patterns, digital advances and international supply chain challenges.
Women leaders in UAE retail use their dual ability to maintain traditional values while introducing new ideas to create unique brand identities that appeal to the diverse multicultural audience of the region. Their leadership requires them to develop omni-channel strategies which connect physical stores with digital platforms to create unique customer experiences across all market segments, including luxury fashion, fast-moving consumer goods and specialized markets. They use data analytics and AI tools to discover useful customer information, which helps them, improve their inventory and pricing methods while creating personalized customer experiences at every interaction point.
The leaders of this organization focus on two main areas, which include their economic results and their organizational culture development, together with their employee training programs. The organization develops inclusive work environments which enable employees from different departments to work together while developing their own business ideas. The business world prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility because companies have started to promote ethical product sourcing and circular retail programs while creating brands that serve their social missions, and these efforts connect their retail operations to their environmental and social responsibility objectives.
The organization establishes its international presence through global partnership development, brand rights negotiation and territorial business expansion activities. Through their retail leadership, women in the UAE retail sector create local business development, and they establish leadership standards which follow best practices in governance and innovation through their strategic development work.
In this issue, the Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine brings a list of ‘Top 10 Women Leaders in Retail 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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Caroline Dumont Frotiee, Managing Director, Dubai
She has more than 20 years of experience in luxury, marketing, business development, and retail, driving brand growth, leading high-performing teams, expanding market presence, and more
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Holly Joint, Founder & Partner, Abu Dhabi
She specializes in Leadership Development, Business Consulting, Management Consulting, Public Speaking, Strategic Planning, Change Management, IT Consulting, and Program Management
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Kate Kikano, Managing Director, Dubai
She brings experience in intimate apparel retail and brand development and is known for her strategic leadership, sharp commercial acumen, and ability to drive growth in competitive fashion markets
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Muna Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson & Director - Retail, Abu Dhabi
She oversees the group’s retail portfolio and drives strategic growth initiatives, and is known as a business leader for her forward-thinking approach to brand development, corporate governance, and sustainable expansion
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Rosie Gunn, Founder & CEO, Dubai
She brings over two decades of entrepreneurial experience to the evolving resale and retail landscape, building and scaling ventures with a focus on governance, operational discipline, and long-term value creation
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Safiya Mehbaliyeva, Founder, Dubai
A systems-oriented, research-led leader who combines intellectual rigor with entrepreneurial vision, she establishes credible standards, strengthens consumer confidence, and more
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Sima Barazi, Founder, Dubai
An entrepreneur for over 25 years, her multicultural upbringing across Syria, the United States, and the South of France has shaped her distinctive aesthetic and deep passion for individuality
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Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder & Vice Chairperson, Dubai
As an entrepreneur and retail visionary, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the Group’s global portfolio of fashion, lifestyle, and F&B brands across multiple markets
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Tina Oberoi, CEO - Retail, Dubai
A business leader with experience in driving growth across fashion and lifestyle segments, she is known for her strategic acumen in brand development, retail expansion, and operational excellence
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Wella Mañabo, Founder & CEO, Dubai
She has over 15 years of experience crafting and executing strategies that drive sales growth and deliver exceptional ROI, she brings expertise in Marketing Strategy, Corporate Social Responsibility, and more
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