The agreement seeks to support businesses and enterprises owned and managed by women in Abu Dhabi by offering exclusive deals, packages, and discounts to Council members. Additionally, it facilitates the promotion of local, artisanal, and creative products, as well as specialized services from women-owned businesses within the Council, leveraging Rotana Hotels’ extensive presence as a key hospitality and tourism hub in the UAE.

Her Excellency Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, emphasized the Council’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and forging strategic partnerships with both public and private sector entities. She stated:

“The Council is dedicated to expanding opportunities for female entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and supporting their business growth. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to introduce incentive programs and tailored initiatives that empower businesswomen to develop their ventures with a high level of creativity and innovation, ensuring their sustainable expansion both locally and internationally. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for business, investment, and entrepreneurship.”

Her Excellency further highlighted that such collaborations unify efforts to provide targeted initiatives that inspire and equip women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to scale their businesses successfully.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the partnership, she added: “We are pleased to collaborate with Rotana Hotels Group, a distinguished leader in the hospitality and tourism sector, known for its commitment to excellence and community engagement. This partnership marks an important step towards enhancing the services offered to our members, reinforcing the ecosystem that supports women-led businesses in Abu Dhabi.”

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The program empowered more than 450 Emirati and Arab women, equipping them with critical skills in leadership, problem-solving, and digital innovation to excel in today’s competitive work landscape. Participants attended workshops on topics such as time management and strategic leadership, while a capstone case study titled Driving Sustainability Through Digital Innovation, allowed them to apply these skills to real-world challenges.

“The Nomu Al Ghurair Program is a testament to our commitment to empowering women as architects of change,” said Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. “By equipping women with the tools to reach their full potential, we are not just transforming lives—we are igniting a movement that drives progress across the region. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), this program enables women to lead, innovate, and accelerate sustainable development.”

Sarah Sefiane, Founder & CEO of Skyrize Partners, said: “Dubai continues to be a global leader in innovation, and it has been inspiring to see the women in this cohort engage in forward-thinking topics like technology. This program has proven to be a unique and successful platform for women to grow, learn, and connect with international corporations. We are excited to see what they will accomplish after the program.”

Nadya Abdulla Kamali, UAE’s country managing director at Accenture, said: “Accenture is delighted to partner with AGF and the Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program to upskill the region’s women in today’s most critical competencies. Such initiatives will open opportunities for them to pursue careers that can make a difference in their own lives and in the wider community. As technology enablers, we are continually aiming to improve efficiencies for businesses and young professionals.”

Participants showcased their innovative solutions to a panel of industry leaders at the program’s conclusion, demonstrating their ability to integrate sustainability with digital innovation.

The Nomu Al Ghurair Women Empowerment Program is a flagship initiative that aims to foster leadership and personal growth among young women in the UAE and across the Arab region. By equipping participants with market-relevant skills, the program contributes to building a skilled and capable workforce for the future.

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Salima Gutieva, Vice President and Country Manager for UAE, Visa, stated, “We are thrilled to celebrate International Women’s Day by highlighting the significant strides women entrepreneurs have made in embracing AI and digital technologies. Our collaboration with Meta for the Marketplace for Good event exemplifies our commitment to supporting women-owned businesses and fostering a community of innovation and empowerment. We believe that by providing these platforms and resources, we can help women entrepreneurs continue to thrive and make a positive impact on their communities.”

Moon Baz, Director of Global Partnerships, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Meta, said, “We are excited to partner with Visa for the Marketplace for Good event, which aligns perfectly with our mission to support small businesses and creators. This event not only provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products but also reinforces our collective commitment to giving back to the community during the holy month of Ramadan. Together, we aim to create opportunities for women-owned businesses to grow and succeed in the digital economy.”

Key findings from the Women SMB Digitalization Index:

Raising Capital. Access to funding remains a critical challenge for women entrepreneurs as they navigate financial constraints and investment priorities.

• Over half (57%) of women-owned businesses in the UAE rely on personal finances, while (43%) turn to family and friends to set up their businesses.
• Similar to the previous year’s results, most surveyed women entrepreneurs in the UAE continue to rely on personal savings (41%) or reinvesting profits (37%) to fund their business.
• Nearly 4 in 10 women plan to allocate additional funds toward developing new products or services and expanding into new markets.

Technology Adoption. Women entrepreneurs in the UAE are actively embracing digital advancements to enhance their businesses’ efficiency, security, and customer experience.

• Over 7 in 10 women recognize the impact of AI in business and apply it to HR function (71%), sales and marketing (68%), and data analysis and decision-making (68%).
• More than half of survey respondents reported a better payment experience with AI, citing increased accuracy in transactions and reconciliations (57%) and faster approvals and authorizations (50%) in daily operations.
• Women-owned businesses in the UAE actively use business social media accounts (67%) and their company websites (43%) to sell products and services online.
• Women entrepreneurs in the UAE prioritize employee awareness and training (59%) as well as advanced security measure (51%) to safeguard their digital transactions.

Growth Priorities. Growth and skill development remain key priorities for women entrepreneurs in the UAE, with many looking to expand into new markets.

• More than half of respondents (51%) in the UAE aim to expand into new markets or industries to grow their businesses.
• Nearly half of surveyed women-owned businesses (46%) seek to broaden their range of products.
• Many women entrepreneurs are interested in learning more about payment security and eCommerce setup (38%), financial and budget management (30%), and business fundraising (28%).

As women entrepreneurs focus on digital growth and business expansion, Visa remains committed to supporting them with tools, resources, and platforms they need to thrive in the digital economy.

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What are the most significant changes you’ve observed in the Middle Eastern entrepreneurial ecosystem for women in recent years?
In my short time here in the UAE, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable energy and drive of women entrepreneurs. The country’s open and accepting culture provides a powerful platform for women to thrive and build successful businesses, a significant shift I’ve observed in the Middle Eastern ecosystem. The energy is inspiring. The inspiring energy is undeniable.

What are the most persistent challenges that women entrepreneurs in the Middle East still face, particularly regarding access to funding and networking opportunities?
While progress is being made, the limited representation of women at key events, like the recent Dubai conference I attended, remains a significant hurdle. Seeing only one woman speaker made it clear that more platforms are needed to amplify women’s entrepreneurial stories. This lack of visibility restricts access to crucial networking and funding connections.

How do you perceive the role of government initiatives and private sector support in fostering women’s entrepreneurship in your country or region?
While I acknowledge the government’s strong support for entrepreneurship overall, I believe there’s a missed opportunity to specifically elevate women entrepreneurs. The current initiatives, though beneficial, lack the targeted focus needed to truly highlight and advance women’s contributions in this space.

Who are the women who have most inspired you on your entrepreneurial journey, and what lessons have you learned from them?
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, has been a constant source of inspiration, particularly her resilience and innovative spirit. Additionally, Taylor Swift’s dedication to her community and the sheer scale and impact of her Eras tour have taught me the power of building a strong connection with your audience and the importance of unwavering dedication.

How do you believe we can best celebrate and amplify the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the Middle East, not just on International Women’s Day, but throughout the year?
For me, celebrating women is a daily commitment, not just a yearly event. To truly amplify their achievements in the Middle East, we need to foster a culture of self-reliance. Empowering more women to start their own businesses is, in my view, the most impactful way to achieve this throughout the year.

What advice would you give to young women in the Middle East who aspire to start their own businesses, especially in light of the evolving socio-economic landscape?
My strongest advice is to take initiative and build your own path. Don’t wait for anyone’s approval. Leverage the resources at your fingertips—like a laptop and internet, as I detail in my book ‘Wealthy Moves‘—to create your own financial independence. The time is now for women in the Middle East to claim their economic power.

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The DFF series will provide a unique platform for aspiring and established female entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. Each month, the events will feature a unique theme, brought to life through interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and inspiring founder stories designed to equip women with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

The inaugural event highlighted ‘Founder Stories,’ featuring Saba Yussouf, General Partner of Nettle Ventures. A successful entrepreneur, she sold her first company at 24 for £2 million and now leads a $60 million biotech firm. Saba will share key insights on investor readiness, what investors look for, and how founders can better prepare for funding.

The inaugural event will also feature Marisa Peer, celebrity therapist and best-selling author of I Am Enough. Marisa will deliver a powerful session focused on overcoming limiting beliefs, building self-confidence, and achieving entrepreneurial success. Known for her work with global leaders, athletes, and high-profile clients, she brings invaluable insights to help female founders unlock their full potential.

The series will also feature speakers like Nacho Floristan, Director of Generative AI Solutions Architecture at Google Cloud. They will also feature “founder stories” where successful women will share their journeys and insights. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being for entrepreneurs, the series will also include Dr. Louise Lambert, PhD, a renowned expert in positive psychology. Dr. Lambert will speak about applying the science of positive psychology toward social capital and joyful living—proving that even entrepreneurs can build success while maintaining balance and fulfillment.

Faranak Farahmand Pour, Director of Global Strategic Initiatives at Google Cloud, said: “Through our support of the DXB Female Founders event series, we aim to help unlock the immense potential of female talent in this region and contribute to the UAE’s ambitious goals for economic growth and technological advancement.”

Nicki Bedford, Founder & CEO of DXB Female Founders, added, “DXB Female Founders is dedicated to providing women entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and network they need to succeed—while being surrounded by a supportive community of women who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Our monthly series offers practical workshops, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community to help women overcome challenges, scale their businesses, and achieve their full potential. We are incredibly grateful for Google Cloud’s sponsorship and their commitment to empowering women in tech. Their support will enable us to reach more women and provide them with unparalleled access to resources and expertise.”

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As part of the ‘All For Her’ initiative, Tally Solutions unveiled an exclusive offering: a complimentary three-month subscription to its advanced business management software, TallyPrime, for women entrepreneurs in the UAE. With this initiative, Tally aims to support women entrepreneurs in the region by equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and scale their ventures.

Vikas Panchal, General Manager, MENA, Tally Solutions, said: “At Tally, we’re dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs globally and in the UAE. Through initiatives like ‘All For Her’, we aim to create a supportive ecosystem where their voices are amplified, their stories are celebrated, and their journeys are inspired. Our commitment to women’s empowerment is aligned with the UAE government’s vision to foster a thriving entrepreneurial landscape, where women are key drivers of economic progress and success.”

The event featured an inspiring keynote session by Anishkaa Gehani, Founder & CEO of Yardstick Marketing Management under the theme ‘SheLeads Finance: Essentials for Business Growth’. The keynote address highlighted the importance of financial literacy for women entrepreneurs and offered actionable insights into effective business growth strategies.

The event also hosted an engaging panel discussion titled ‘Empowered Voices: Inspiring Women, Transforming Futures’, which brought together prominent women leaders across industries to share their unique perspectives and experiences. Reema Mahajan, Founder of Indian Women in Dubai, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive communities to foster empowerment and collaboration among women. Harjyot Oberoi, Head of Marketing at Khaleej Times, shared valuable lessons on building a successful career in media and marketing, highlighting the crucial role of creativity and innovation.

Aparna Bajpai, Founder of Being She, spoke about the significance of empowerment in transforming the journeys of women entrepreneurs and fostering a multinational ecosystem for their growth. Karishma Fernandez, a well-known TV Presenter, Radio Personality, and Podcaster, skilfully moderated the session and brought engaging and thought-provoking perspectives to the conversation.

Tally Solutions has supported women entrepreneurs globally, helping countless women-led businesses streamline operations and achieve their growth aspirations. Through its innovative solutions and initiatives, Tally Solutions has consistently enabled women to overcome challenges and thrive in their entrepreneurial journeys.

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The event, held at the bank’s headquarters in Manama, provided a platform for insightful dialogue and knowledge exchange, underscoring the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting women in entrepreneurship.

During the session, participants shared key milestones from their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing using digital solutions and modern technology to develop innovative products and services that address evolving market needs. They also showcased aspects of their projects, explored strategies for growth and expansion, and discussed approaches to boost their presence in local and regional markets.

The discussion addressed challenges women entrepreneurs face, including liquidity constraints, marketing hurdles, intense competition, and access to financing. Additionally, the participants explored opportunities presented by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and their potential to drive growth across diverse sectors.

The speakers warmly congratulated Bahraini women on the occasion of Bahraini Women’s Day, celebrated annually on December 1st, extending their best wishes for continued progress, leadership, and success. They also highlighted the vital contributions of Bahraini women to the nation’s development, underscoring their remarkable achievements across various fields.

Ten women-led startups have been selected for the fifth cohort of the “Women in Tech” program, representing a wide range of industries. These startups operate in sectors such as e-sports, B2B marketplaces, food technology, educational technology, human resources and employee wellness, event management platforms, restaurant management systems, health technology, and corporate rewards and loyalty programs.

The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Program is conducted in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay and strategic collaborators, including the Central Bank of Bahrain, the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), the Supreme Council for Women, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain). Since its inception, the program has supported over 40 local startups through mentorship and training, with 16 of these startups receiving financial awards totalling more than $230,000.

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The entities hosted three workshops across Jeddah, Riyadh, and Khobar, with more than 100 participants across all the cities. Each workshop enabled the opportunity to foster connections among women from around the Kingdom, offering participants access to all-important learning and networking. The competition held at each workshop also provided the opportunity for one winner form each city to be granted the mentorship program.

Reima Sras, founder of Buthoor Tech, Munirah Alkadi, founder of Mawsim, and Sarah Albaiz, founder of Qantara Studio were selected as the competition’s three winners, each being enrolled on the innovative ‘Her Voice’ mentorship program facilitated by Blossom Accelerator.

Each participant was evaluated based on leadership, product viability in the market, business model strength, and other key criteria.

“As more Saudi women take the reins of leadership and drive the future of the Kingdom’s SME space, we must work to ensure that we continue pioneering innovative programs that bridge the entrepreneurship gender gap,” said Maria Medvedeva, Country Manager, Saudi Arabia, Mastercard. “At Mastercard, we believe collaboration is crucial to launching the effective platforms required to accomplish this goal, and we are pleased to have partnered with Saudia and Blossom Accelerator to empower even more women for season three of ‘Her Voice’. We look forward to seeing our mentees grow, flourish and thrive, realizing their considerable potential and serving as champions of Saudi female excellence.”

Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of Marketing at Saudia, stated: “As Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, we are deeply invested in the nation’s future and believe women are central to its success. Through ‘Her Voice,’ we empower female entrepreneurs to thrive, inspiring future generations and creating pathways for small businesses to prosper. By showcasing their remarkable stories on our in-flight entertainment system, we not only highlight their achievements but also reinforce Saudia’s commitment to promoting local content that fuels economic growth and social progress.”

“At Blossom Accelerator, we are proud to be a global leader in driving inclusive innovation, recognizing that diverse perspectives are key to unlocking economic potential and maximizing investment returns. Our mission is to empower female-led startups across the globe, equipping them with the essential tools and resources to excel in the competitive digital economy,” said Emon Shakoor, CEO & Founder. “We are thrilled to partner with Mastercard for the third season of ‘Her Voice,’ a strategic initiative aimed at amplifying the impact of women-led startups and SMEs. Through our comprehensive mentorship program, we provide participants with critical insights, invaluable experiences, and powerful connections to enhance their growth and attract investment.”

‘Her Voice’ season three shed an informative light on the stories of five guests — five inspiring women — showcasing how their love for their respective passions drove them to overcome the various hurdles they faced and attain unprecedented success.

The season focused on connecting people to their passions, with each episode exploring a different passion point, namely: “Gaming,” “Tech,” “Sustainability,” “Culinary,” and “Sport”. Over the course of each interview, guests recounted their personal and professional journeys in their own voices in conversation with the host, renowned Saudi actress and broadcaster, Danyah Shafei.

To tune into ‘Her Voice’ seasons, please click here: https://www.priceless.com/m/hervoice

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Eight Years of Data Reflects Growth in Women’s Entrepreneurial Intentions
The 2023-2024 GEM KSA Women’s Report, encompassing eight years of data, reveals that nearly half of Saudi women express intentions to start a business within the next three years—a 30% increase over previous years. This rise reflects the success of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to nurture an inclusive environment where women thrive at all phases of business development, contributing positively to society across all age groups, education levels, and income brackets.

Societal Impact and Innovation on the Forefront
Highlighting the influence of women entrepreneurs in the consumer sector and beyond, the report shows a strong commitment to societal value, with over 75% of women entrepreneurs implementing strategies to maximize social impact and reduce environmental impact. As the report was unveiled at Biban 24, it highlighted the importance of the event in fostering global connections and encouraging new ventures, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Building a Network of Opportunity
Saudi women entrepreneurs benefit from strong personal and professional networks, with 86% of women knowing another entrepreneur personally. Additionally, a significant proportion of women investors support close family and friends in launching new ventures. This trend is driving not only economic growth but also community resilience and self-reliance, as women investors support other women to strengthen the Kingdom’s business landscape.

“Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial landscape is enriched by the contributions of women, whose role continues to expand across all areas of business,” stated Dr. Zeger Degraeve, Dean of MBSC. “The GEM KSA Women’s Report demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity, and we are proud to contribute to this vital progress.”

Launched as part of a strategic partnership with Monsha’at, the Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and MBSC, the 2023-2024 GEM Women’s Report emphasizes the role of Biban 24 as a global platform for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a gateway to opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide.

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Handpicked from a pool of over 50 applicants from across the UAE, the winning woman-owned small business received a $50,000 grant along with a three-month online mentorship from PublisHer as well as a one-year license from Sharjah Publishing City. The winner was selected from a pool of applicants from the UAE publishing industry.

A jury evaluated entries based on the following criteria: the progression of applicant’s entrepreneurial journey; robustness of their business metrics; digital presence; and demonstrated ability to problem-solve confidently. The members of the jury included: Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, Koula Al Mujaini, Director of Activities and Marketing at Sharjah Book Authority, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of Emirates Publishers Association, and Zhora Qureshi, from PublisHer.

PublisHer Founder Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “Supporting women-led businesses in publishing is a vital part of building an inclusive, truly innovative industry. The She’s Next program highlights the strength and creativity of women entrepreneurs in the UAE, empowering them to bring fresh perspectives to publishing. I am thrilled by this partnership, which provides talented women with recognition and resources to grow and thrive, contributing to a vibrant, diverse future for our industry.”

According to Visa’s SMB Women Digitization Index in the UAE, women-owned businesses rely on personal finances (57%) and family and friends (43%) to set up their businesses. This underscores the importance of programs like She’s Next in providing essential financial support and resources for women-owned business to grow and succeed.

“At Visa, we believe in the power of women to drive innovation and transform industries. This year’s She’s Next in Publishing program has showcased the exceptional talent and entrepreneurial spirit of women in the UAE. We are thrilled to support their journey and can’t wait to see the incredible impact they will make,”  said Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s SVP and Group Country Manager for GCC.

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