Emirati Women Making an Impact
In the first half of 2025, over 2,875 Emirati businesswomen joined the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), underscoring their growing impact on the emirate’s economy and the increasingly supportive environment for female entrepreneurship. Mobdea licences accounted for nearly half of these new memberships, with 1,352 issued, reflecting a strong surge in creative and home-based businesses. Meanwhile, 891 women joined through Tajer Abu Dhabi, highlighting the rise of e-commerce and individual ventures.
Today, Emirati women are making significant strides across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, commerce, services, creative industries, agriculture, and manufacturing, demonstrating not only their expanding role in driving economic growth but also their contribution to innovation, sustainability, and the diversification of the UAE’s business landscape.
In celebration of this milestone, we shine a spotlight on five Emirati women who are making a real impact and inspiring the next generation to aim higher and dream bigger:
Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Vice President of Digital Transformation, The Global Diwan
Few names are as closely linked to the UAE’s digital transformation as Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr. With nearly three decades of experience, she has been the driving force behind Smart Dubai, one of the world’s most ambitious smart city projects. Her leadership has positioned Dubai as a global benchmark for digital governance, but what sets her apart is her unwavering belief in human-centered innovation, ensuring that technology enriches lives without compromising social values. Today, her influence extends across borders, inspiring governments and organizations to reimagine the cities of tomorrow.
Ambareen Musa, Chief Executive Officer – GCC, Revolut
A pioneer in fintech, Ambareen Musa currently heads Revolut GCC, where she is reshaping how people manage their money in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial markets. Before this role, she founded Souqalmal.com, which Forbes Middle East recognized as one of the region’s most promising startups before its acquisition in 2022. Not stopping there, she launched Yabi, the first bilingual financial education platform for corporates, governments, and students. Named among the Top 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World and winner of the Emirates Women Award, Ambareen’s journey reflects both innovation and impact.
Mona Ataya, Founder, Mumzworld
As the founder and CEO of Mumzworld.com, Mona Ataya has built more than just a business, she has created a movement. What started as an e-commerce platform for mothers, babies, and children has grown into a trusted household name and the region’s leading vertical in its category. Under her leadership, Mumzworld has attracted strong investor backing, secured multiple funding rounds, and earned the title of the most funded women-led e-commerce company in the Middle East. Beyond commercial success, Mona’s mission is deeply personal: empowering mothers and transforming communities, one family at a time.
Najla Al-Midfa, Vice Chairperson, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)
Najla Al-Midfa has become synonymous with entrepreneurship in the UAE. As the founding CEO and now Vice-Chairperson of Sheraa, she built a thriving ecosystem that has incubated over 200 startups, secured more than $270 million in investments, and created thousands of jobs. She also established the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, a flagship gathering for innovators and changemakers across the MENA region. Alongside her work with Sheraa, Najla serves on the boards of leading companies in banking, energy, and education, where she advocates for sustainable growth and forward-thinking governance. Her influence lies not only in building startups but in shaping the very fabric of the UAE’s entrepreneurial future.
Kinda Ibrahim, Regional GM, Operations – METAP, Central and South Asia, TikTok
With over 17 years of global leadership experience, Kinda Ibrahim has carved a niche at the intersection of media, technology, and innovation. Known for driving strategic partnerships, market expansion, and digital transformation, her career spans industries as diverse as entertainment, e-commerce, financial services, and advertising solutions. She has become a prominent voice for the region at international conferences, representing her organizations and advocating for the convergence of technology and media. Passionate about supporting startups and empowering women in tech, Kinda continues to inspire new generations of leaders to think boldly and act decisively.
Reflecting on the Journey
On this special day, it is evident that Emirati women are not only breaking barriers but also shaping the nation’s future across technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. From driving smart city initiatives and pioneering fintech solutions to empowering mothers, fostering startups, and bridging media with technology, these trailblazers exemplify vision, resilience, and leadership. Their achievements reflect a broader narrative of progress, where Emirati women are central to economic diversification, social development, and the UAE’s emergence as a global hub for innovation.
As the nation looks toward the next 50 years, these inspiring leaders serve as a powerful reminder that when women lead, communities, economies, and societies thrive.
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