4th edition of Middle East Women Leaders Summit & Awards 2024 kicks off today in Dubai

The fourth edition of the Middle East Women Leaders Summit & Awards 2024, under the patronage of The Office of His Highness Sheikh Abdulhakim Obaid Suhail Buti Al Maktoum, kicked off at the Jumeirah Creekside in Dubai on Tuesday.

Business heavyweights, leading speakers, panelists, financial experts and business thought leaders are participating at the event, which opened its doors to the public on Tuesday.

The forum marks the evolution of contemporary leadership and aims to inspire the next generation of women leaders. Let’s join forces to harness this momentum and support women in continuing to break down barriers.

The 2-days summit seeks to advance the conversation beyond traditional notions of women’s empowerment.

Women have historically played key roles in society and have been influential decision-makers. However, their representation in the workforce has often been lacking. Global statistics reveal that only 6% of women hold leadership positions, and this percentage further declined during the pandemic.

Myriam Kermane, CEO & Founder, Myriam•K, said: “Being a woman entrepreneur means juggling multiple roles, but our courage, determination, and vision set us apart. We build with heart, always thinking of the future and the next generation. We create not just for today, but to leave a lasting legacy.”

Rania El Khouly, Global HR Shared Services Sr. Director, Weatherford mentioned that a thriving company starts with a thriving workforce. By prioritizing employee wellbeing, we are not only nurturing individual success but also building a stronger, more resilient organization together. It is a commitment to fostering a culture of support, growth, and success for all.

Fatenah Danab, Head of Trade and Working Capital, Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, pointed out that the true freedom begins with financial independence. “When women master their finances, they gain the ability to define their own path. This event is a true gathering of the community, allowing us to connect, share information and prop each other up,” she added.

Khadija Al Hammady, Deputy Chief Operation Officer, RAKBANK, said: “Empowering women through mentorship and community support leads to financial independence and security.”

“Sharing resources and experiences helps women support each other in achieving financial empowerment.” “Collaborating on financial education and strategies can build a brighter financial future for all women.”

“With mentorship and community support, women can gain the confidence and skills needed to take control of their financial well-being and build a secure future for themselves and their families.” Al Hammady concluded.

Manal Bahman, COO of Emirates Nature at  WWF, said:  “Empowering women is not just about fairness—it is a catalyst for sustainable development and innovation. “Women have been custodians of nature throughout history, from the pioneers of agriculture to trailblazers like Fatima al-Fihri, founder of the world’s oldest existing university, Al-Qarawiyyin.” Bahman added. “Today, the UAE continues this legacy through initiatives like the UAE Gender Balance Council, advancing women’s leadership across all sectors. At Emirates Nature-WWF, we’re proud that our team is predominantly women, reflecting their enduring role as guardians of the planet. By investing in women, we honor our heritage and empower those protecting our natural world.”