Women of MENA — Spotlights

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights , we profile Hanan Al-Shayeb , a commercial leader whose two-decade career has been defined by scaling businesses at the intersection of fintech, e-commerce, and cross-border expansion . As the CEO of Altery MENA Ltd , Al-Shayeb is a central figure in the region's digital transformation. We explore her trajectory from executive leadership roles at...

In this spotlight, we profile Majd Khalifeh , a visionary financial architect who is transforming the entrepreneurial landscape of Palestine. As the first Accredited Financial Advisor in the country, Khalifeh has been instrumental in building the structural foundations for growth—from managing high-profile IPOs to placing Palestinian equities on global investment platforms . According to the sourc...

In this spotlight, we explore the professional journey of Diana Fayad, SPHRi , a leading Regional HR and People Transformation Consultant who is redefining the role of human resources across the Middle East and North Africa. With over 17 years of strategic experience spanning the GCC, Diana has built a reputation for treating HR not as a support function, but as a strategic architecture essential...

In this spotlight, we profile Lamia Hanafi , a leading figure in innovation diplomacy and the Founder and CEO of Nest Accelerator . Headquartered in Paris and Riyadh, her work focuses on building transcontinental bridges between startup ecosystems in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East . The episode explores Hanafi’s extensive leadership in the global entrepreneurial landscape, including her tenur...

In this episode of Women of MENA , we take an in-depth look at the career of Ghada Rashwan , a "path maker" and "fiercely driven" leader who is at the center of Saudi Arabia’s evolving business ecosystem. Although she isn't joining us today, her extensive portfolio speaks for itself—from her 15-year tenure in the financial and real estate sectors to her current roles as a g...

This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights profiles Rim Mathlouthi , a seasoned executive with a prolific career in private investment funds, capital raising, and international business strategy . With over 13 years of experience as a Member of the Board of Advisors for Licorne Gulf Holding , Mathlouthi has navigated complex markets across Qatar, Bahrain, Geneva, and Saudi Arabia. We examine her d...

This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights profiles Rawan Almogbil , a Riyadh-based serial tech entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Lenks.ai . Transitioning from a successful career in law , Almogbil has dedicated her expertise to the intersection of artificial intelligence, immersive technology, and education . We explore her professional evolution from practicing law in the UAE and Kuwait to...

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights , we profile Walaa Alattas , a visionary brand strategist and the founder of Project32 Creative Studio . With over 15 years of experience in brand transformation, Alattas has become a pivotal figure in the Middle Eastern design landscape, advising boards and government leaders on cultural influence and global positioning. We examine her extensive portf...

In this spotlight, we profile Dr. Hamida Ouled Slimane , an internationally renowned Clinical and Forensic Neuroscientist and World Scientific Diplomat . We explore her extensive leadership across global institutions, including her roles as a High-Level Expert for the European Commission , an accredited expert at the United Nations , and the International Vice President of PSAF . The episode highl...

In this spotlight, we profile Dina Sam’an , a pioneering Jordanian entrepreneur and the Founder and Managing Director of CoinMENA . As one of the first to provide digital asset access in the Middle East and North Africa, Sam'an led CoinMENA to become a premier regulated platform with over 1.5 million users and a total trading volume exceeding $5 billion. This episode explores her role in a lan...

In this spotlight episode, we explore the professional journey of Nora Almalik , a product leader based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , with a decade of experience in innovation, digital transformation, and design-driven strategy . Currently serving as a Digital Product Manager at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority , Nora has dedicated her career to guiding high-impact ideas from concept to launch....

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights , we explore the professional journey of Dr. Raihan Jumah , the Group CEO of Kingdom International Real Estate . Dr. Jumah’s career is defined by a unique blend of executive leadership and deep academic expertise. Holding a PhD in Management Leadership and Organisational Behaviour from Henley Business School, her research has focused on women’s economi...

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights , we explore the journey of Maha Shirah , a serial entrepreneur, venture builder, and dedicated advocate for women’s economic empowerment in Saudi Arabia. As the founder and CEO of SHEWORKS , Shirah established the first licensed business hub for women created and managed by women, providing a critical ecosystem for female startups to achieve their pro...

This episode features Sofia Ikhlef , the Founder and CEO of Neia Solutions and General Manager of SYMO Bahrain , who is driving digital transformation across the MENA region. Sofia focuses on empowering local artisans and designers by facilitating their transition into the Web3 economy , leveraging decentralized technologies to enhance transparency and business ownership. Recognized as a global fi...

In this spotlight, we explore the career of Eithne Treanor, a Dubai-based communications expert, media trainer, and seasoned international business journalist. As the Managing Director of E Treanor Media and a Special Correspondent for CNBC in the Middle East, Eithne has spent over two decades shaping the way industry leaders and high-level executives engage with global audiences. Drawing on her e...

This episode features Zainab Al Bacha , a results-driven entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Ajeer Pay based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over 13 years of expertise in leadership and operational excellence, Zainab has built a distinguished career centered on Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) practices and strategic governance. The spotlight explores her professional journey,...

This spotlight episode features Zoe Upson , a Dubai-based Commercial Futurist and Advisor who has been ranked as the No. 1 Woman in Shipping . The episode explores Upson’s mission to redefine leadership in global maritime trade, emphasizing that the industry's true competitive advantage lies in people and talent strategy rather than technology alone. Listeners will learn about her work as the...

This episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights highlights the career of Arwa Alkhayyal , a pioneering Saudi entrepreneur and strategic leader with over 11 years of experience in the entertainment, tourism, and cultural sectors. As the founder of 24 Event , Alkhayyal has led the design and execution of high-profile national projects, ranging from large-scale conferences to initiatives under royal patro...

In this episode of Women of MENA — Spotlights , we highlight the professional journey of Raneem Zaarour , a dedicated leader in the United Arab Emirates' insurance industry. Currently serving as Unit Sales Manager at Takaful Emarat-Insurance (P.S.C) , Raneem has built a robust career over more than six years, progressing from a Senior Officer in direct sales to her current leadership role in A...

In this episode of the Women of MENA podcast, we profile Abeer Khoja, a strategic leader in Riyadh who is redefining the intersection of human resources and corporate identity. With a career spanning over ten years, Khoja has transitioned from foundational roles in recruitment at Banque Saudi Fransi to becoming a visionary in internal communications and employee experience. We examine her current...

In this spotlight, we profile Rana Alnasir-Boulos , a distinguished entrepreneur and the Chairperson of the Global Women Forum (GWF) . A recipient of the World Woman Leader AWARD , Rana has established herself as a pivotal figure in empowering women and youth through her work as a public speaker and intercultural trainer. Her journey began as a student entrepreneur, later leading to a prominent ro...

In this episode of the Women of MENA podcast, we profile Mirna Al Ali, a strategic leader based in Saudi Arabia with over a decade of experience across business development, strategic consulting, and human capability building. Her career is defined by a commitment to creating impact through national transformation projects and government initiatives that empower people and strengthen organizationa...

In this profile episode, we examine the professional journey and strategic impact of Nada Kabbani, the Director of Data Intelligence at D360 Bank, one of Saudi Arabia’s pioneering digital banks. With more than 15 years of experience across the banking and financial services sector, Nada has become a recognized leader in bridging technical data capabilities with high-level strategic decision-making...

In this episode, we explore the career and impact of Hebah Abbas, a trailblazing leader at the intersection of engineering, sustainability, and national development in Kuwait. With over two decades of experience, Abbas has become a central figure in reshaping how infrastructure and environmental stewardship coexist in the Arab region. We discuss her pivotal role as Chief Specialist Electrical Engi...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the career and leadership of Katie Purcer Golding, a figure recognized as one of the Forbes Middle East Top 10 Women in Marketing. With over 27 years of experience in senior marketing and commercial roles, including more than 17 years within the MENA region, Katie has established herself as an award-winning media leader who thrives in complex, highly compe...