Hana Al Rostamani Tops Forbes Middle East’s 2025 Power List 

Arab women are taking over the region in terms of business. Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), remains at the top of the Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen list for the second year running. Under the leadership of Hana, FAB has grown to become the largest bank in the UAE in terms of assets. In addition to her work in the banking sector, Al Rostamani is also working to encourage women’s empowerment and financial inclusion in the Middle East. 

Behind her are Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar, the Executive Director of NBK Group, and Shaista Asif, the co-founder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, who take second and third places, respectively. In the 2025 rankings, apart from the familiar names, readers can see the names of newcomers, for example, Tayba Al Hashemi, the Director of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen, the Chairperson of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani, the Group CEO of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects. The companies represented in the ranking include banking, financial services, various sectors, investments, retail, and healthcare. 

It is noteworthy that the largest representation of women in the 2025 ranking is in the banking and financial services sector, where 23 women are listed. In addition, there are 11 women in various sectors, eight women in investments, six women in retail, and five women in healthcare. The UAE and Egypt have the most powerful women, accounting for 15 and 12 women in the ranking, respectively. Then follow Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. These influential women set an example for young Arab women entrepreneurs and business leaders.