Arab Businesswomen Lead Regional Transformation in 2025–2026 
Arab women are taking a significant step towards taking over the Middle East by storm, as more women are entering the ranks of businesswomen and political figures at a rapid pace. The Middle East is seeing a rise of powerful women who are breaking stereotypes as they rise to the helm of various industries and businesses.
The most inspirational women in the Middle East were unveiled from the shortlist of Arabian Business 100 Most Inspiring Women 2025. They include HE Mona Al Marri, who is playing a leading role in bringing Dubai to the world, and Mona Kattan, the founder of Kayali cosmetics and beauty group, is shaking up the beauty industry.
Lubna Al Olayan, a businesswoman from Saudi Arabia, continues to reign as one of the most influential businesswomen in the region while running her family’s business empire that spans continents. In the fields of government and culture, Shaikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, director general of Qatar Museums Authority, is changing the face of museums, and Sarah Al-Suhaimi, chairperson of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), is shaking up the financial markets in the Kingdom. The UAE’s Raja Easa Al Gurg and Fatima Al Jaber are among the top 10 most powerful Arab businesswomen, representing the Middle East’s most influential businesswomen in the world.
Women are influencing the Middle East business scene as female executives drive economic growth while wielding power in different fields. Empowerment and reform movements throughout the Middle East have resulted in women being appointed to numerous boardrooms. As a result, women business leaders may continue to flourish in the Middle East, inspiring a large number of women and young girls across the region and around the globe.
