10 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs Shaping the UAE in 2025

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

The United Arab Emirates has rapidly become a hub for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship—and women are leading the way. As of 2025, women entrepreneurs are not just participating in the UAE’s economy—they are shaping its future. From fintech and fashion to sustainability and startups, these powerful businesswomen are breaking barriers, creating jobs, and inspiring the next generation.

Table of Contents

• Raja Easa Al Gurg – The Legacy Leader
• Mina Al-Oraibi – Media and Strategy Visionary
• Amna Al Qubaisi – Sports Icon Turned Techpreneur
• Alia Al Mazrouei – Startup Ecosystem Enabler
• Noor Sweid – Venture Capital Pioneer
• Reem Al Marzouqi – Inventor and Design Thinker
• Sara Al Madani – Serial Entrepreneur and Public Speaker
• Muna Easa Al Gurg – Retail & Philanthropy Leader
• Huda Kattan – Beauty Mogul and Digital Influencer
• Nayla Al Khaja – Filmmaker and Cultural Entrepreneur
• Frequently asked questions

1. Raja Easa Al Gurg – The Legacy Leader

Chairperson of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and one of the most influential businesswomen in the Arab world, Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg continues to expand her family empire into new sectors in 2025. A vocal advocate for women in leadership, she supports female entrepreneurship through mentoring and philanthropic initiatives.

Notable Achievement: Launched a new women-led investment arm focused on healthcare and sustainability startups.

2. Mina Al-Oraibi – Media and Strategy Visionary

As Editor-in-Chief of The National, Mina Al-Oraibi has redefined modern journalism in the UAE. In 2025, she expanded into entrepreneurship by launching a digital media consultancy empowering women-led media startups across the MENA region.

Notable Achievement: Founded a media accelerator to train female journalists and content creators in emerging tech and storytelling tools.

3. Amna Al Qubaisi – Sports Icon Turned Techpreneur

Known as the first Emirati female F1 driver, Amna Al Qubaisi has shifted gears into the tech and sports innovation space. In 2025, she co-founded a sports-tech platform that leverages AI to train young athletes and promote gender inclusivity in competitive sports.

Notable Achievement: Secured Series A funding for her platform from major Gulf-based investors.

4. Alia Al Mazrouei – Startup Ecosystem Enabler

Founder of Pinnacle Group and a strong voice in UAE’s startup scene, Alia Al Mazrouei has become a key player in accelerating entrepreneurship in the Emirates. Her firm offers startup funding, mentorship, and access to global markets.

Notable Achievement: Launched a pan-GCC startup accelerator focused on female-led businesses in 2025.

5. Noor Sweid – Venture Capital Pioneer

As the Founder of Global Ventures, Noor Sweid is one of the UAE’s top venture capitalists investing in tech, health, and sustainability. She continues to champion diversity in investment and backs groundbreaking startups led by women across the Middle East.

Notable Achievement: In 2025, she launched a $100 million fund targeting women-led AI and biotech startups in the region.

6. Reem Al Marzouqi – Inventor and Design Thinker

An engineer and inventor, Reem Al Marzouqi gained global fame for her patented car design for people with disabilities. In 2025, she launched a Dubai-based design and innovation studio focused on accessibility, smart infrastructure, and inclusive tech.

Notable Achievement: Her studio recently partnered with the Dubai government on smart city development projects.

7. Sara Al Madani – Serial Entrepreneur and Public Speaker

Sara Al Madani is a well-known figure in the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. From fashion to tech startups, she has mastered multiple industries. In 2025, she launched a self-funded mentorship platform helping young Emirati women launch their own ventures.

Notable Achievement: Recognized in 2025 as one of Forbes Middle East’s Most Influential Women in Business.

8. Muna Easa Al Gurg – Retail & Philanthropy Leader

A trailblazer in retail and corporate leadership, Muna Al Gurg serves as Director of Retail at the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group. In 2025, she focuses heavily on social entrepreneurship and has founded a foundation supporting female students in STEM.

Notable Achievement: Partnered with top UAE universities to offer scholarships for women in AI, robotics, and green tech.

9. Huda Kattan – Beauty Mogul and Digital Influencer

Still dominating the global beauty industry in 2025, Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, is expanding her influence beyond cosmetics. She has recently invested in female-led clean beauty and wellness startups under her new angel investment brand.

Notable Achievement: Launched an initiative supporting emerging female influencers in business branding and e-commerce.

10. Nayla Al Khaja – Filmmaker and Cultural Entrepreneur

The UAE’s first female filmmaker, Nayla Al Khaja, continues to push boundaries in cinema and creative entrepreneurship. In 2025, she launched a production company incubator to help young women break into film, media, and storytelling.

Notable Achievement: Her latest feature film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was produced entirely by a female Emirati team.

In 2025, women-owned businesses in the UAE contribute significantly to the national economy. Government support, gender-inclusive policies, and platforms like SheTrades, Sharjah Business Women Council, and Dubai Business Women Council have created a fertile ground for growth. These women aren’t just building brands—they’re building legacies.

Their success stories are paving the way for a more inclusive and diversified economy aligned with the UAE Vision 2031 and Emirati Women’s Day initiatives.

Why These Women Matter in 2025

The UAE government’s initiatives like “Projects of the 50”, National Strategy for Empowering Emirati Women, and the Gender Balance Council have created a fertile ground for female entrepreneurship. But it’s the passion, innovation, and resilience of these women that drive real change.

In 2025, these entrepreneurs are not just building businesses — they are:

• Creating jobs
• Promoting sustainability
• Mentoring future leaders
• Shaping industries
• Expanding the UAE’s global reputation for innovation and inclusion

The journey of these 10 women reflects not only their personal determination but also the progressive landscape of the UAE that supports female entrepreneurship. As we move deeper into 2025, their impact continues to ripple through industries—from tech and media to retail and design.

Their leadership reaffirms that the UAE is not just a land of opportunity—it’s a land where women lead, innovate, and inspire.