The United Arab Emirates is not only a global hub for innovation and startups but also one of the safest countries in the world for women entrepreneurs. With tax-free incentives, government-backed startup programs, and a supportive ecosystem, women in the UAE are breaking barriers and reshaping industries.
From beauty to tech, retail to social impact, these women are defining the future of business in the region.
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Why UAE is a Hub for Women Entrepreneurs
The UAE provides unique advantages for female founders:
- Tax-Free Policies: No personal income tax and reduced corporate taxes for startups.
- Startup Incentives: Government programs, funding, incubators, and accelerators for women-led businesses.
- Safety & Quality of Life: Dubai is globally recognized as one of the safest cities for women.
- Supportive Infrastructure: Easy company registration, housing support, and flexible business licensing.
This environment encourages women to innovate, grow, and lead successful enterprises.
1. Huda Kattan – Founder of Huda Beauty
Website: hudabeauty.com
Background: Makeup artist turned beauty mogul, Huda Kattan started with a small blog and $6,000 investment in 2013.
Achievements:
- Founded Huda Beauty in 2013; now a global brand.
- Annual revenue reached $200M by 2018; brand valued over $1B.
- Available in 140 countries including Sephora.
- 54M+ Instagram followers; leveraged social media for marketing.
- Mentors young women in beauty, fashion, and digital marketing.
Life Transformation: From blogger to CEO, Huda shows how passion and strategy can create a billion-dollar empire.
2. Mona Ataya – CEO of Mumzworld
Website: mumzworld.com
Background: Mona Ataya founded Mumzworld in 2011 to simplify shopping for mothers in the Middle East.
Achievements:
- Largest online baby store in the region.
- Offers 200,000+ products from 5,000+ brands.
- Serves millions of customers annually; multi-million-dollar revenue.
- Featured in Forbes as one of the most powerful women in MENA.
- Supports mothers through employment and education initiatives.
Life Transformation: Created a platform empowering mothers, proving women can lead digital enterprises.
3. Raja Easa Al Gurg – Managing Director of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group
Website: esagroup.com
Background: Leading one of the UAE’s largest conglomerates in retail, real estate, and manufacturing.
Achievements:
- Expanded operations across multiple sectors since 2006.
- Revenue grew from $200M to $1.2B under her leadership.
- Recipient of French Legion of Honor.
- Advocates women in corporate leadership.
- Supports education and social welfare initiatives.
Life Transformation: Raja shows women can helm multinational businesses while inspiring equality.
4. Sima Ganwani Ved – Founder & Chairwoman of Apparel Group
Website: apparelgroup.com
Background: Sima Ganwani Ved turned a passion for fashion into a global retail empire.
Achievements:
- Founded Apparel Group in 1996.
- Operates 2,300+ stores in 14 countries; represents 85+ brands.
- Employs 24,000+ staff; revenue exceeds $2B.
- Forbes-listed as a top Middle Eastern businesswoman.
- Mentors women leaders across retail and fashion.
Life Transformation: Vision and perseverance helped her create a global retail powerhouse.
5. Nicole Rodrigues – CEO & Founder of Diva Group of Companies
Website: nicolerodriguesdubai.com
Background: Model turned entrepreneur, founder of Diva Group encompassing modeling, real estate, and lifestyle businesses.
Achievements:
- Multi-million-dollar revenue across various sectors.
- Featured in Forbes’ Top Indian Leaders in Arab World.
- Mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs.
- Recognized for business and community impact.
- Promotes innovation and empowerment in Dubai’s startup ecosystem.
Life Transformation: Nicole’s journey shows women can pivot industries and inspire future leaders.
6. Elissa Freiha – Founder of Womena
Website: womena.com
Background: Founded Womena to economically empower women through angel investment and tech accelerators.
Achievements:
- Supported 50+ startups with multi-million-dollar funding.
- Created Womentum, a tech accelerator for female-led startups.
- Recognized among ‘Most Powerful Business Women in MENA’.
- Board member of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
- Advocates for gender equality in entrepreneurship.
Life Transformation: Elissa created a supportive ecosystem enabling female founders to thrive.
7. Rasha Al Danhani – Owner of PappaRoti UAE
Website: papparoti.com
Background: Introduced PappaRoti coffeehouse brand to UAE in 2009.
Achievements:
- Expanded to 50+ stores across UAE and GCC.
- Signature coffee-coated buns gained loyal customers.
- Implemented franchise model for rapid growth.
- Recognized for entrepreneurship excellence in F&B.
- Supports women-led initiatives and youth entrepreneurship.
Life Transformation: Rasha’s innovation inspires women to explore F&B entrepreneurship.
8. Habiba Al Marashi – Founder of Emirates Environmental Group
Website: eeg-uae.org
Background: Environmentalist and entrepreneur focused on sustainability since 1991.
Achievements:
- Launched 100+ campaigns promoting recycling and awareness.
- Founded Arabia CSR Network in 2004.
- UN Global Compact board member; multiple accolades.
- Encourages women in sustainability leadership.
- Leads initiatives for corporate social responsibility.
Life Transformation: Habiba combines entrepreneurship with social impact, empowering women in sustainability.
9. Sara Al Amiri – Minister of State for Advanced Technology
Website: mohesd.gov.ae
Background: Led UAE Mars Mission with 80% women on her team.
Achievements:
- UAE became 5th country to reach Mars in 2020.
- Advocates gender equality in STEM.
- Receives international recognition for innovation leadership.
- Mentors young women in science and tech.
- Combines tech innovation with societal empowerment.
Life Transformation: Sara proves women can lead national-level innovation projects.
10. Aikta Sharma – Founder of Narifirst
Website: narifirst.com
Background: Celebrates women of substance and their achievements.
Achievements:
- Hosts events promoting women-led businesses.
- Launched Narifirst in 2018 with focus on storytelling.
- Connects women leaders globally.
- Recognized as advocate for female entrepreneurship.
- Mentors women for confidence and career growth.
Life Transformation: Aikta inspires collective empowerment, highlighting women’s contributions globally.
Government Support for Women Entrepreneurs in UAE
- Tax-free personal and corporate policies.
- Startup funding, accelerators, and incubation programs.
- Housing support and rental agreements for founders.
- Legal and administrative assistance for women-led startups.
- Dubai is recognized as one of the safest cities for women, encouraging more female entrepreneurs.
The UAE continues to be a powerhouse for women entrepreneurs, offering safety, incentives, and a supportive ecosystem that allows female founders to thrive. These 10 trailblazing women prove that vision, determination, and innovation can transform industries and inspire future generations.
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