DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — October 15, 2025. Under the patronage of The Private Office of Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum, the 6th Edition of the Middle East Women Leaders Summit & Awards 2025 concluded in Dubai this week, celebrating the region’s most accomplished women in business, innovation, and leadership.
The two-day conference, held under the theme “Aspire, Inspire, Lead,” brought together a distinguished assembly of speakers, executives, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The event served as both a forum for dialogue on women’s empowerment and a platform to recognize exceptional achievements across multiple sectors.
Organized as a flagship regional initiative, the summit featured a series of keynote discussions, networking sessions, and a grand awards ceremony honouring women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and excellence.
Honouring Exceptional Leadership
The awards ceremony recognized outstanding women leaders whose work has made measurable contributions to business and community advancement across the Middle East. Among this year’s honourees were:
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Appreciation Award: H.E. Sheikha Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Executive Director – Integrated Environment Policy and Planning, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.
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Women Icon of the Year Award: Dr. Hanadi Al Hamad, Professor at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar.
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Millennial Leader Award: Cynthia Martina Pereira, HR Manager, Global Leisure & Entertainment.
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Breaking the Bias Award: Megan Brittain Adams, VP Strategic Partnerships, Outreach & Compliance, Professional.me.
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Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Ioana Selner, Founder, Nunta pe Plaja (Beach Wedding).
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Women of Courage Award: Dr. Sarra Lajnef-Taylor, Olympian Athlete & Founder, SLT Sports.
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Women Leader in Business Award: Dr. Divya Sreekumar, Director of Business Development and Legal Affairs, Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi.
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Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Narin Ammara, Digital Creator and Entrepreneur, Narin’s Beauty.
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Best Organization Led by a Woman Award: Fadia Jabbour, Managing Director, GVF Group.
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Inspiring Journey Award: Sherin Ammara, Digital Creator & Founder, Skin by Sherin.
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Women Driving Digital Transformation Award: Dr. Emily Mogano, VP of My Neo Group & MD of NREC.
In addition to individual honours, the summit also recognized the Top 100 Women Leaders in the Middle East, acknowledging women whose influence extends across business, government, and social impact.
Among those named were Munira Rahman, Director, Brand Ambassador, CMO, and Influencer at Al Haramain Perfumes; Rahmah Khaled Al Ali, Director – Procurement and Contracts, Dubai World Central – Dubai South; Dr. Shanila Laiju, Group Chief Executive Officer, Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres; Halima Jumani, CEO, Kibsons International LLC; Mouna Abbassy, Founder & CEO, Izil Beauty; Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, CEO of EHS Agency and Director of Health & Safety Department, Dubai Municipality; and Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National Bonds.
Voices of Inspiration
Reflecting on the significance of women’s leadership and empowerment, H.E. Sybille Pfaff, Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dubai, highlighted the importance of representation in global decision-making.
“I’ve been in diplomacy for exactly 25 years now, and I still love my job—it’s the best choice I ever made,” said Pfaff. “I encourage all young women who have a passion for international relations and for bringing people together to pursue it—it’s an amazing career. There’s an important role for women to play in negotiations, in projects, and in shaping global discussions. Inspiration is what drives this journey—it keeps you focused, helps you navigate expectations, and gives you strength to continue your path. And that’s why events like this matter—they inspire and empower us all.”
Among this year’s honourees, Narin Ammara, Digital Creator and Entrepreneur of Narin’s Beauty, emphasized the value of visibility and mentorship. “Being amongst other talented and successful women leaders from the Middle East brings me great pride and responsibility, this leading platform allowed me to share my achievements, fulfilling the responsibility to inspire other females to unlock their talents, follow their passions, and pursue their full potential. This platform is critical in showcasing the powerful impact and importance that successful women have on our modern society,” she said.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
The 2025 edition of the summit featured an impressive roster of speakers, including Dr. Maryam Ali Ficociello, Group Chief Governance Officer at Red Sea Global; Sherin Amara, Digital Creator & Founder of Skin by Sherin; and Dr. Ghuwaya Al Neyadi, Senior Vice President – Group Medical & Wellbeing at ADNOC Group.
Supported by key partners and sponsors, the event drew participation from organizations committed to advancing gender equity and leadership development. This year’s sponsors included PSA BDP as Silver Sponsor, PUNT ROMA as Fashion Exhibitor, Al Haramain Perfumes as Fragrance Partner, and GVF Interior and Trading as Procurement Consultancy Partner.
With its continued growth, the Middle East Women Leaders Summit & Awards has established itself as one of the region’s premier platforms recognizing women who are shaping business and society. Through shared experiences and leadership stories, the event continues to encourage a culture of aspiration, inspiration, and progress across the Middle East.
For more information, visit https://menawomenleaders.com.
