The UAE’s Women Leaders: Driving Innovation and Redefining the Future of Business
Women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UAE are shaping the future of industries by driving innovation, leading transformation, and breaking long-standing barriers. At the Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 — organized by Gulf News in collaboration with BeingShe — leading voices came together to share perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the impact of female-led change.
The discussion highlighted how women in the UAE are excelling in technology, healthcare, sustainability, and social impact, supported by the nation’s progressive environment for female entrepreneurship.
Stories of Leadership and Resilience
Debanjali Kamstra, Founder and Director of Veloche Global and Mrs. Earth 2023, set the tone with her inspiring journey from Emirates flight attendant to serial entrepreneur leading six companies. “In my 15-year career, I did not have to smash, reshape, or innovate anything to get opportunities. The UAE has provided an equal, if not greater, playing field for women to succeed,” she said, underscoring the supportive ecosystem for women in business.
For many women leaders, the challenge lies in balancing multiple roles. Anisha Sagar, Managing Partner at Créo Global, emphasized the importance of prioritization and building strong support networks: “We can do it all, but should we do it all? No. Focus on what is purposeful. Build strong teams and allies who can carry the vision forward.”
Jessica Schroeder, who leads corporate communications and government relations at BASF for the Middle East and Egypt, reflected on the challenges of navigating a male-dominated sector: “In the chemicals industry, I am often the only woman at the leadership table. That’s why it is essential to ensure my voice is heard.” By leading sustainability projects, she has carved a space for women in critical industries.
The Role of Organizations and Allies
Neeta Tarachandani, Head of Business at Doo Group, shared how leadership support was key to her growth. When faced with skepticism upon assuming her role, her CEO firmly defended her position: “I don’t want people who don’t support women or see their potential.” This moment, she explained, exemplifies how organizations can empower women.
Latika Chopra, Founder of Hola Keto, spotlighted the power of digital platforms in scaling women’s businesses. “Technology and social media are helping women scale their ventures globally — Instagram, LinkedIn, and digital tools are game-changers,” she said.
Another key theme was the importance of allies. Nikita Taimni, Marketing and PR Specialist at Inaayat, noted: “Allies speak for us in rooms we haven’t yet entered. Women make up half of society — when we uplift each other, we uplift everyone.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
The forum concluded with a collective call to action: nurturing future women leaders requires more than mentorship. It means ensuring women are present at decision-making tables, creating opportunities to make impact, and advancing a vision for inclusive leadership.
The Future Women Leaders Forum 2025 showcased how women in the UAE are not only contributing to the nation’s business success but are actively reshaping its future. With resilience, innovation, and collective support, they are paving the way for generations of female leaders to come.
