Arab women hold key executive leadership positions in the Middle East, transforming financial markets, industrial conglomerates, and investment spheres. Leading this development is Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the United Arab Emirates’ largest bank. Frequently named among the world’s most powerful women, Al Rostamani has overseen the bank’s expansion into a major player in global finance, with hundreds of billions of dollars in assets. In her capacity as the head of FAB, she has promoted the bank as a key enabler of green bonds, sovereign wealth funds, and trade finance.
Under Al Rostamani’s leadership, FAB has seen the development of digital banking services and the enhancement of wealth management services in Europe and Asia while also incorporating sustainability principles in its corporate lending. Her work in the banking sector demonstrates the extent to which Arab women can drive economic development and transformation in their respective countries while also positioning financial institutions to better serve the regional and global markets.
Another influential businesswoman in the Middle East is Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG). Dr. Al Gurg oversees one of the most successful family conglomerates in the Middle East, with operations spanning more than 30 diverse business areas. These include retail, construction materials, industrial manufacturing, and real estate. In her capacity as the head of ESAG, Dr. Al Gurg supports female entrepreneurship, healthcare, and education in the Middle East.
