Article: Women rising to leadership roles in the Middle East

Only around 3% of top C-suite roles in the Middle East are held by women, significantly below the 7% global average, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ “Route to the Top” report published last year.

Another report highlighted that among the top 50 Middle East companies, just 12% of C-suite executives are women, with most of them in CHRO or CMO roles. The CEO role remains the least represented, with women holding only 2% of these positions.

CEO women in Middle East

However, the landscape is gradually shifting. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is leading the region in hiring women onto leadership boards. Around 6.7% of CEO positions in the UAE are now held by women, compared to the regional average of 3% and the global average of 5–6%.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 also indicates a 4.5% annual increase in women being appointed to senior leadership roles this year, reflecting slow but steady progress.

Recent C-suite appointments across the Middle East further illustrate this momentum. Women are steadily rising into C-suite roles, signaling that systemic barriers like gender bias, limited talent pipelines, and inflexible policies are being actively addressed.

Here, we’ve listed some of the latest appointments where women have stepped into leadership roles, reflecting this important shift.

Fatema Al Nuaimi – CEO, ADNOC Gas

Fatema Al Nuaimi has been appointed CEO of ADNOC Gas, effective January 1, 2025.

She joined ADNOC Gas in 2023 as Director and has now transitioned into her current role, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience. Prior to this, she held key roles at VTTI, Borouge 4, ADNOC Refining, ADNOC Global Trading, ADNOC LNG, ADNOC Offshore, Emarat, and ADGAS.

Academically, Al Nuaimi holds an MBA from the American University in Dubai and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University.

Asma Al Sharif – CEO, Dubai Health Insurance Corporation

In May 2025, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, appointed Her Excellency Dr. Asma Al Sharif as CEO of the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation.

Dr. Al Sharif brings over 17 years of leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Deputy CEO at Al Madhala, where she led government-funded programs and held a longstanding advisory role supporting the regulator.

Mona Al Sharief – COO, SERA Saudi

SERA Saudi, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading recruitment firms, appointed Mona Al Sharief as Chief Operating Officer in April 2025.

Al Sharief brings over a decade of operational leadership experience to the role. She will oversee daily operations, drive operational excellence, optimize HR processes, and manage budgets. Previously, she worked with CV KSA, another leading recruitment firm, as Operations Leader.

Academically, Al Sharief holds a Master’s degree in HR Management and another in International Laws and Legal Studies from Cairo University.

Reem Alghanim – Deputy Minister of HR, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, appointed Reem Alghanim as Deputy Minister of HR in April 2025.

Alghanim brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector. She joined the Ministry in 2023 as Assistant Deputy Minister for Human Resources Development and Workforce General Director – Vision Realization Office. With her exemplary work in human capital management and workforce development, she was elevated to this prominent role.

She also chairs the Ministry’s Advisory Council for Women's Empowerment and is part of the Saudi Council of Leaders and the Advisory Board of the College of Applied Medical Sciences at King Saud University.

Previously, Alghanim served as Director General of the Manpower Department at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs and held leadership positions at the National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA).

She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Applications from King Saud University.

Sandra Marie Louw – CEO, RAK ICC

RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) appointed Sandra Marie Louw as CEO, effective January 2025.

Louw brings over 20 years of global leadership experience in international business structuring, fiduciary services, wealth management, and succession planning. She previously served as Managing Director of Trident Trust in Switzerland.

Academically, she holds a Law degree from the University of Port Elizabeth and a diploma in Cost and Management Accounting from Port Elizabeth Technikon.

Nedaa Al Mubarak – CEO, SRMG Media Solutions

SRMG appointed Nedaa Al Mubarak as CEO of its Media Solutions business unit, effective July 2025.

Al Mubarak brings over 15 years of strategic advisory and leadership experience across the government and private sectors. She has held prominent roles at the Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Economy and Planning, and Al-Dabbagh Group.

She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a BA in International Affairs and Economics from The George Washington University.

Sana Khater – CEO, Investcorp Capital

Sana Khater has been appointed CEO of Investcorp Capital, succeeding interim CEO Mohamed Aamer, effective July 2025.

Khater brings over 30 years of leadership experience, having held key roles at Aldar, Waha Capital, NBK Capital, and the National Bank of Kuwait.

She holds an MBA and a BSc in Mathematics from the American University of Beirut. Additionally, she has completed Executive Programs in Leadership and Strategy, Fintech, and holds certifications in accounting from leading global institutions.

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Hanadi Al Ali – Managing Director, Aliph Capital

GCC’s leading private equity fund manager, Aliph Capital, appointed Hanadi Al Ali as Managing Director, effective July 2025.

With 25 years of experience in investments, wealth management, and financial services, Al Ali will lead the Group’s expansion efforts. Previously, she held key roles at Malaz Capital, Arcapita, Al Rajhi Capital, and Samba Financial Group.

Academically, she holds a degree in Business Administration from Arab Open University, a diploma in Administration Secretariat from the Middle East Center for Human Resources Development, and certifications in investments, brokerage, audit, risk analysis, and accounting from globally recognized institutions.