The tech scene across the Middle East and North Africa continues to grow, with Egyptian professionals making their mark in leadership, cybersecurity, scientific research, and more. The fourth edition of the Women in Tech MENA Awards will take place in Cairo, Egypt, on November 14, 2026, celebrating the people driving innovation and creating opportunities across the region.
With nominations spanning several categories, six Egyptians are among those being recognized for their contributions to the tech industry. Here’s who they are and what they’re nominated for.
Marwa Abbas
Global Leadership Award
With more than 30 years of experience in technology, Marwa Abbas has built a career in leadership and digital transformation. She previously served as General Manager and Technology Leader for IBM Egypt and North East Africa, where she helped drive technology adoption, business growth, and digital skills development.
In July 2026, Abbas was appointed CEO of Raya Information Technology, taking on a new leadership role at one of Egypt’s major technology companies.
Maryam Samy
Aspiring Teen Award
Representing the next generation of Egyptian tech talent, Maryam Samy is a student at the College of International Transport and Logistics at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Alexandria.
Samy was selected as one of the finalists for the Aspiring Teen Award, a category celebrating young people making their mark in technology and innovation.
Abeer Khedr
Lifetime Achievement Award
Abeer Khedr is the Group Head of Cyber Security at the National Bank of Egypt and Chair of the Cyber Security Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Banks. With more than 20 years of experience in technology and information security, she has played an important role in strengthening cybersecurity practices within the banking sector.
Before joining the National Bank of Egypt, Khedr led technology risk, security consulting, and IT audit work at Deloitte Egypt. Her work has included developing cybersecurity strategies and information security systems, helping protect banking operations and customer data.
Mona Ali
Lifetime Achievement Award
Mona Ali is an IT director and Data and AI advisor with more than 26 years of experience across technology, digital transformation, and financial services. Her work brings together technical expertise, business strategy, and leadership, helping organizations navigate an increasingly digital landscape.
Beyond her professional experience, Ali is passionate about empowering women in technology, mentoring emerging talent, and building stronger connections between technical teams and business leadership.
Elham Fadaly
Most Disruptive Award
Elham Fadaly is a photonics research scientist and laser integration engineer at Apple, where her work focuses on laser technology and photonics applications. Her research explores advanced materials and optical properties that can contribute to the development of next-generation optoelectronic technologies.
Fadaly earned her PhD in Applied Physics from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands in 2021, with research focused on silicon-germanium alloys for optoelectronic applications.
Mahmoud Fahmy
Best Ally Award
Mahmoud Fahmy is the CEO and co-founder of Engineerex, an Egyptian technology ecosystem platform that brings professionals, companies, and aspiring talent together through industry events and community initiatives.
Through Engineerex, Fahmy is associated with events including Engineerex Summit, TechUp Women, and HWT Summit, which help create opportunities for people to connect, learn, and engage with the technology industry. His Best Ally Award nomination recognizes the role allies can play in supporting women in tech.
From leading major tech companies to pushing the boundaries of scientific research and championing the next generation, these six Egyptians are bringing different strengths to the MENA tech scene.
With the Women in Tech MENA Awards 2026 coming to Cairo this November, all eyes are on the region’s innovators, and we’ll be keeping an eye on which Egyptian nominees take home the wins.
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