Recognition is probably the most satisfying thing after tedious hard work. Especially if you’re facing an unbearable amount of adversity whether personally or collectively. This is literally the case with women of the MENA region. But times have changed, slowly but surely we all witnessed as the years went by as women take their rightful place in our society. The numbers kept adding up in many aspects of life like the highest number of educated females in UAE or the number of women getting their driver’s license in Saudi. All these numbers lead us to this magical number of the 50 most powerful businesswomen women in the Middle East.
The List
Forbes is an American business magazine. It features articles on finance, investing, industries, and marketing topics. The Magazine also reports on related matters such as science, politics, law, technology, and communications. Published eight times a year, Forbes is known for its lists.
Their list of influential, most powerful figures is a staple in the business world. Including many figures from around the globe due to its editions produced under license in 27 countries and regions worldwide. There are many lists such as the richest Americans (the Forbes 400), of America’s Wealthiest Celebrities, of the world’s top companies (the Forbes Global 2000), Forbes list of the World’s Most Powerful People, and The World’s Billionaires. With the most recent list of 50 Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East.
The list is created using a specific measure, according to Forbes, “When creating the ranking, we considered the following criteria, with each point assigned a weight: Revenues, assets, AUM, market capitalization, and number of employees. Accomplishments achieved over the last year by the businesswomen. Designation. Overall work experience. CSR and other initiatives led by the businesswomen. Editorial points.”
The Names
2022 list featured an array of nationalities across the MENA region, 19 to be exact from 17 different sectors of businesses. Egypt and UAE took the lead with 7 entries each, followed by Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, and Oman, with four entries each.
These powerful women names include but are not limited to Saeeda Jaffar of Visa, Derya Matras of Meta, Sophie Doireau of Cartier, and Rima Assi of McKinsey & Company.
Sarah Al Suhaimi, Saudi Tadawul. Mona Ataya of Mumzworld and Sophie Doireau of Cartier.
According to Forbes “Over 25% of the women on this year’s list are leaders of regional offices and divisions for multinational companies.” The magazine also adds that “Banking and financial services sector is the most dominant with 16 entries, followed by diversified conglomerates and the retail sector with six entries each, and the technology sector with five.
The Power
As much as the world is used to Forbes’s lists and all the recognition they bring to important people. It is hard not to feel like this list is a first for us MENA people. Especially for women from all walks of life in the region. Whether 9 to 5 working women, a small business owner or even a new influencer and entrepreneur, the recognition feels like it includes all females of the Middle East. Truly a moment full of pride and hope for future generations of Arab girls wanting to leave their unforgivable mark on the world.
