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Forbes Middle East's 100 Most Powerful Arab Women
21 September 2015

As reported by Nisaa FM, CEO Middle East in March announced its fifth ranking of the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women. Last week, on September 16 2015, Forbes Middle East unveiled its own ranking of the Most Powerful Arab Women for 2015. The names were announced at an impressive ceremony in Dubai, where the achievements of women in reaching the top of their fields in business and government were recognized. Beyond the impressive ambition, skill and resourcefulness these women have demonstrated in order to reach the positions they have today, they also serve as important role models for women across the Middle East, and are through their achievements contributing to creating a more fair and gender-balanced working environment in the region.

For its third annual ranking, Forbes Middle East revealed three listings: two focus on the worlds of business and government, and one looks beyond the Middle East to acknowledge those making a difference across the globe. Egypt continues to take the lead, with 18% of entries overall across all three rankings, including Nashwa Al Ruwaini, CEO at Pyramedia.  Egypt was closely followed by Lebanon and the UAE, both with 14% of the overall entries. These included Maitha Al Dossari, CEO of Emaar Retail; and Kawthar Makahlah, CEO of BCI Group, a leading supplier of wholesale beauty products with eight subsidiaries across the GCC and 260 employees.

60% of the most powerful business women hold executive management positions, with another 24% having worked their way up to the top of their family business. Out of the outstanding top 100 line-up over half are working in the banking, investment and finance, and diversified sectors and there are 16 founders, including Maha Al-Ghunaim of Kuwait, who co-founded Global Investment House in 1998, which went on to become the first Kuwaiti firm to list on the London Stock Exchange.

Mrs. Khuloud Al Omian, Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East, said: “We at Forbes Middle East are very proud to have honored the successes and positions of the most powerful Arab women for the third consecutive year. By doing this we highlight the incredible achievements being made across our region. The Middle East still has some way to go to reach true equality in the workplace. By celebrating the women that are smashing through the glass ceilings and paving the way for future generations, we are throwing our support wholeheartedly behind them and encouraging all women to strive for their goals and aspirations, no matter what they may be.”

The full list is available at Forbes Middle East.