Top 10 Women Leaders in UAE - ­ 2022

The UAE government has made significant progress on the women empowerment front and they have been giving equal constitutional rights to men and women. A country of contradictions, where you might see abayas and bikinis or mosques and Irish pubs alongside each other, the United Arab Emirates is unique, to say the least. Women's rights in the UAE are often contradictory. It remains a highly traditional culture, even alongside the glitz and glamour of being an expat hub. The country has signed onto, or ratified, progressive international treaties on protecting women.

Legally, women in the UAE receive equal pay for equal work. They can freely work in jobs of their choosing, including in the government. In fact, two-thirds of public sector jobs are held by women and women make up approximately 40 percent of the general workforce. Women in the UAE can freely open businesses and there has been an eagerness to support them in recent years. More and more female-led entrepreneur groups, such as Womena, are driving the conversation about women entrepreneurs in the Emirates. Currently, women-business owners form 10 percent of the UAEs private sector and hold 15 percent of the seats in the boards of chambers of commerce and industry throughout the country. In fact, a recent study found that 30 percent of the property in Dubai is owned by women. The UAE has ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and continues to declare gender equality a top priority. That said, many of the government's policies do not live up to those ideals.

Although, the UAE remains a highly patriarchal country, women's empowerment is a popular idea. The government continues to point out female success stories and the important role of women in the nation-building process. Emirati women are defining and redefining their ideas and relationship towards feminism. The issue brings together established women, from entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, educators, to politicians in support of female-based social action. A glance at the UAE women leaders who have been conquering heights in diverse fields proves the fact.

Women Entrepreneur in this issue is introducing a list of `Top 10 Women Leaders in UAE - ­ 2022', who have contributed to the growth of fashion industry in India. These young women have risen to top positions in their job and their stories will be a true motivation to women all over the world, those who want to chase their dreams. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board.

1
  • Maison Clad
  • Coralie Francois, Founder

  • A former fashion buyer, uses her knowledge of the industry and flair for spotting emerging talents to bring an avant-garde approach to the fashion scene in Dubai

2
  • The Flying Daf Squash Academy
  • Kanzy El Defrawy, Founder & CEO

  • She is one of the Arab world's most established and recognisable squash extraordinaries, boasting 220 professional accolades stretching across a 15-year career

3
  • Xoom Delivery Services
  • Laila Faisal, Co-Founder & COO

  • Highly experienced Financial Services & Technology professional with over 17 years of experience specializing in business transformation projects, achieving delivery excellence through focus on planning, productivity improvement and cost containment

4
  • ZSR Consulting
  • Mahrukh Ahmad, Founder & CEO

  • An accomplished executive with over two decades of experience across a myriad of global organizations in the US and the Middle East. and she has built a reputation as an exceptional leader by partnering with organizations to drive transformational ch

5
6
  • The Qualidad
  • Ola Attia, General Manager

  • She has amassed over 18 years of HR experience at several multinational corporations, her passion and philosophy has always been to support team members and dedicate efforts to resource management

7
  • Kanzi
  • Raghda Taryam, Founder

  • Her passion for the firm can be seen in her creativity, color and dedication to the brand where she channels her refined approach to design in a contemporary perspective

8
  • Sensasia Spas
  • Salina Handa, Founder

  • Drawing from her childhood in Thailand alongside her degree acquired in the states, she opened the doors to the firm's wellness facility in 2004

9
  • Multiply Group
  • Samia Bouzza, CEO & Managing Director

  • She leads the strategic development, and growing organically and inorganically a diversified portfolio of businesses and committed to growth through tech infusion, efficiencies, synergy, acquisitions and driving sustainable growth within the group's

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