Breaking Barriers: Celebrating the Power of Women in GCC | Emirati Women’s Day Feature

Women leaders in GCC are reshaping business, policy, health, and culture. Our feature brings together top leaders who drive growth and open new opportunities across the region. They lead firms, launch services, and build platforms that create jobs and scale impact. Their work spans corporate services, trade, education, healthcare, real estate, and technology.

In business and finance, Manal Ragheb grows startups and partnerships at Carltrix, and Kristina Tantsyura guides companies into the Middle East with SKY Consulting Group. Somaya El Sherbini utilises data at Opus Talent Analytics to help firms plan for the future. Zoya Ali Khan builds procurement systems that deliver clear returns. Ritjana Ceveli runs executive search across emerging markets. Jumana Saeh simplifies banking journeys with Wayyak. Sandi Rich Saksena shows late-career reinvention after 28 years in financial planning. Scheherazade Hasan helps women claim financial confidence. Subarna Gupta applies conversational AI to keep customer experiences human.

Education and skills feature strongly across this group. Dr. Mariam Shaikh connects students and universities and wins awards for leadership. Lara Tseng blends storytelling with refugee education through Laraglobalpedia. Debbie Thornley trains leaders with neuroscience-based tools at H.E.A.L. Cindy Van Pollaert delivers live experiences and amplifies women’s stories through Min Al Qalb. Dr. Desziree Richardson celebrates inclusive leadership through global awards. Rachana Buttan builds e-learning and training at scale. Lisa Sisson frames risk as a people-first leadership tool. Carine Bouery drives creative talent development and cultural exchange through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Health, sustainability, design, and law also see strong female leadership. Mas Watad brings culturally grounded wellness to thousands through Dawsat. Maha Alateeki builds pharma and medical supply partnerships aligned with national goals. Yamini J. Iyer leads eco-conscious solutions for hospitality and foodservice. Barbara Pizzi designs sustainable, human-centered spaces. Dr. Sofica Bistriceanu links communication and care through research and practice. Henrietta Newton Martin advises on governance and policy. Silvana Straccia guides international real estate investors, and Rana Al-Maeeni shapes award-winning hospitality brands.

What connects these leaders across sectors? It is clear: expertise, resolve, and a focus on measurable results. Dr. Aishwarya Joshi blends architecture and social sustainability to rebuild communities. Dr. Ajose Osigbodi steers business transitions and mentors emerging women leaders. Katerina Filunets opens trade platforms that connect markets. Heba Elnahas brings resilient storytelling to PR and media. Together, the women we feature show how leadership in the GCC now centers on impact, inclusion, and practical action. Will the next wave follow their lead? Yes. Their work already maps the path other leaders will take.