Female entrepreneurs are top honchos in companies

Egyptian women hog limelight in three categories listed by Forbes Middle East

Manama

About 60 per cent of the most powerful businesswomen hold executive management positions, with another 24 per cent having worked their way up to the top of their family business. For instance, Mona Almoayyed, Managing Director of YK Almoayyed & Sons and former head of the Bahrain Business Women’s Society, leads more than 2,000 people and represents over 300 brands.

 For its third annual ranking Forbes Middle East revealed three listings: Two that focus on the worlds of business and government, and one that looks beyond the borders to acknowledge those making a difference across the globe.

 Egypt continues to lead the pack, with 18 per cent of entries overall across all three rankings, including Nashwa Al Ruwaini, CEO at Pyramedia.  Nashwa appeared on Qatari radio and TV before launching her own media company in 1998.

 Egypt was closely followed by Lebanon and the UAE, both with 14 per cent of the overall entries. These included Maitha Al Dossari, CEO of Emaar Retail, whose portfolio includes the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania®, SEGA Republic, and Reel Cinemas. Also Kawthar Makahlah, CEO of BCI Group, a leading supplier of wholesale beauty products with eight subsidiaries across the GCC and 260 employees.

 Out of the outstanding top 100 line-up over half are working in the banking, investment and finance, and diversified sectors and there are 16 founders, including Maha Al-Ghunaim of Kuwait, who co-founded Global Investment House in 1998, which went on to become the first Kuwaiti firm to list on the London Stock Exchange.

 Mrs. Khuloud Al Omian, Editor-in-Chief, Forbes Middle East, said: “We at Forbes Middle East are very proud to have honoured the successes and positions of the most powerful Arab women for the third consecutive year. By doing this, we highlight the incredible achievements being made across our region.”

 “The Middle East still has some way to go to reach true equality in the workplace. By celebrating the women that are smashing through the glass ceilings and paving the way for future generations, we are throwing our support wholeheartedly behind them. We are also encouraging all women to strive for their goals and aspirations, no matter what they may be,” she added.