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Sunday, Aug 31, 2025

UAE Tops Forbes Middle East List of 20 Most Powerful Arab Women in Government

UAE Tops Forbes Middle East List of 20 Most Powerful Arab Women in Government

The UAE leads with 11 women recognized for their contributions to public sector leadership and global representation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the leading nation on the Forbes Middle East list of the 20 Most Powerful Arab Women in Government, featuring 11 nominees who have been acknowledged for their roles in driving transformation within public institutions, representing their countries in global organizations, and shaping policies across key sectors such as diplomacy, culture, technology, media, and the environment.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, ranked fourth on the list, while Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), secured the third position.

Mona Al Merri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, placed fifth.

The Forbes list's rankings are based on several criteria, including leadership positions, additional roles held by each leader, scope of experience, and notable initiatives undertaken during the year 2024.

Notable figures from the UAE on the list include Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, at seventh place, and H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Al Mehairi, Head of International Affairs at the Presidential Court and CEO of 2PointZero, at eighth.

Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, came in tenth.

Other Emirati women listed include Maryam Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Securities and Commodities Authority; Nourah Khamees Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi; Al-Reem Al Falasi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood; Naima Ahli, Executive Director of Dubai Women’s Foundation; and Aisha Harib, Chair of the Innovation Council at Dubai Police.

Topping the list is Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of the Qatar Museums Authority, Doha Film Institute, Reach Out to Asia (ROTA), and Qatar Leadership Centre.

Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the United States, holds the second spot.

The UAE's representation of 11 women is followed by Saudi Arabia with four and Egypt with three, underscoring the growing influence of Arab women in the public sector and their pivotal role in shaping the future of governance in the region.

Global collaboration remains a significant priority for these influential leaders as they spearhead cross-border initiatives across various sectors.
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