Women Empowerment in Business
For working women and female entrepreneurs in the Arab world, things are gradually becoming better in many aspects. Every day, Middle Eastern women are achieving their goals in life. However, during the past few decades, doors and opportunities have opened up for women throughout the Arab world, enabling them to reach their maximum potential. This article sheds light on such distinguished female entrepreneurs in various fields in the Middle East countries.
1. Jessica Michelle Kahawaty
Country: Lebanon
Alma Mater: University of Technology, Sydney
Business Field: Culinary Business
Designation: Founder and CEO, Mama Rita
Lebanese-Australian model, philanthropist, former TV host, and beauty pageant champion Jessica Michelle Kahawaty starred in movies and commercials for several well-known businesses. In addition to pursuing a combined Bachelor of Laws and Business degree with a Finance concentration in Sydney, she is also a social media sensation. Kahawaty with her mother Rita, started a cooking company–Mama Rita. The couple’s food delivery service employs premium ingredients and specializes in nutritious, home-cooked meals. The firm has grown nationwide and now provides deliveries throughout the capital area.
2. Buthaina Al Ansari
Country: Qatar
Alma Mater: Nottingham Trent University
Business Field: Social and Humanities
Designation: Founder, Qatariat
The company Qatariat, which assists Qatari women in entering the workforce, was founded by Buthaina. The organization consists of three divisions: Qatariat Development Consultancy, Qatariat Magazine and Qatariat Training and Development. Buthaina, who was listed by Arab Business magazine as one of the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in 2012 and 2013, is a board member of the Qatari Business Forum and the Arab International Women Forum in London. Apart from that, Buthaina is a Doctor of Business Administration, a writer in Human Strategic Development, and a Social &Humanities Researcher.
3. Hind Bahwan
Country: Oman
Alma Mater: Harvard Business School
Business Field: Logistics
Designation: Founder and CEO, Bahawan CyberTek Group
The founder and CEO of the engineering, logistics and IT company Bahwan CyberTek Group is Hind Bahwan. The ultimate chairwoman is a graduate of Harvard Business School and is regarded as one of the most recognized businesswomen in the area. She manages her own company and holds positions on the boards of various prominent organizations and businesses.
Furthermore, Bahwan is a renowned businesswoman who won the ‘Woman of Power Award’ from Asian Business Leadership in 2011 and the ‘Global Young Leader’ award from the World Economic Forum in 2007.
4. Sheikha Hanadi
Country: Qatar
Alma Mater: Qatar University and London School of Business
Business Field: Real Estate
Designation: Founder and Chairperson, Amwal
Power player and influential personality in the real estate industry, Sheikha is the Vice Chairman of Nasser Bin Khaled Al-Thani & Sons Group, the Founder and Chairperson of Amwal, the Founder and CEO of the Al Waab City Real Estate development project, and the Founder and Chairperson of Q-Auto. Sheikha is a member of numerous boards and has consistently been included among the most powerful Arabs in Arabian Business for several years. She has won numerous awards including Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2005, CEO of the Year in 2006 by the Middle East CEO Awards Institute, World’s 100 Most Influential Awards by Arabian Business magazine, etc.
5. Ayah Bdeir
Country: Lebanon
Alma Mater: Media Lab, MIT
Business Field: Electronics and Technology
Designation: Founder and CEO, littleBit
Ayah Bdeir is one of the most inspiring businesswomen in the world. The Lebanese engineer is an interactive artist, and founder of founder/CEO of littleBits. The company is ‘An award-winning platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that is empowering kids everywhere to create inventions.’ She had always wanted to create her firm to enable as many people as possible around the world to have access to innovation and knowledge. After starting her company, Ayah is now a trailblazer in her industry, having had a great impact on millions of kids worldwide. Her goods are also utilized as instructional tools in schools.
6. Jouhayna Samawi
Country: Syria
Alma Mater: Far Eastern Federal University
Business Field: Art
Designation: Founder, Ayyam Gallery Damascus
Jouhayna is an art entrepreneur who is leading and revolutionizing the region’s art industry. Established in 2006 in Damascus by collectors and cousins Khaled and Hisham Samawi, alongside Jouhayna, Ayyam Gallery effectively revitalized enthusiasm for Syria’s art history while simultaneously fostering the country’s thriving and vibrant contemporary art scene. The gallery was very successful and the founders were able to expand it to Beirut, Dubai, London, and Jeddah.
7. Noor Al Qatami
Country: Kuwait
Alma Mater: Bentley University
Business Field: Shopping and Selling
Designation: Founder, Saveco
Saveco is a local ‘mega-market’ that was founded by Kuwaiti businessman Noor Al Qatami. Its first physical location opened its doors in 2014. Al Qatami had attempted to start enterprises in the US, where she had lived for a while, but nothing had come out as she had anticipated. As a result, she returned to Kuwait and started working for her father’s steel company until she could decide what she wanted to do. While doing this, she noticed a gap in the market in Kuwait; this is when the idea for Saveco was born, combining her love of grocery shopping with the convenience of American shopping. Saveco has opened since its debut.
Wrap-up
Arab women in business have overcome barriers, showcasing resilience and innovation. Their contributions are reshaping industries, fostering economic growth and inspiring a new era of female leadership. These women embody the spirit of progress, challenging stereotypes and driving societal change. As they ascend corporate ladders, start enterprises, and excel in diverse fields, Arab women continue to redefine the narrative, proving that empowerment knows no boundaries.
