DUBAI, Feb 15: Kuwait continues to demonstrate its growing influence in the regional business world with six remarkable women featured in Forbes Middle East’s prestigious 2025 list of the 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Middle East. These leaders, who span various industries, are shaping the future of the region’s economic landscape with their exceptional leadership and contributions to their respective sectors.

Topping the list of Kuwaiti businesswomen is Sheikha Khaled Al-Bahar, Deputy CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait Group, who secured an impressive second place. Al-Bahar, who has led the bank since 2014, has been instrumental in its success, with the group reporting profits of $1.6 billion and assets totaling $128.5 billion in the first nine months of 2024. Her commitment to advancing women in leadership roles was further demonstrated with the launch of the second edition of NBK RISE in November 2024, an initiative designed to empower women.

In fourth place is Wadha Ahmad Al-Khateeb, CEO of the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC). Al-Khateeb, who has been with the company since 1994, has steered KNPC to remarkable success, with the company reporting $41.2 billion in revenues for the fiscal year 2023/24. She is also serving as the acting CEO of the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company and is an influential voice in the Gulf Downstream Association.

Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, CEO of Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) – KIPCO, secured fifth place on the list. Since joining KIPCO in 2004, Al-Sabah has played a key role in the company's impressive financial performance, which included profits of $205.7 million in the first nine months of 2024. Al-Sabah is also a prominent figure in the education sector as the founder and chair of the American University of Kuwait and holds leadership positions at several other companies, including Jordan Kuwait Bank and the OSN Group.

Nadia Bader Al-Hajji, CEO of the Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC), earned the 17th spot on the list. Al-Hajji, who has been with PIC since 2019, has successfully guided the company to a net profit of $127 million for the year ending March 2024. She also holds key leadership roles in the EQUATE Group and the Kuwait Olefins Company and is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the petrochemical industry.

Henadi Al-Saleh, Chairwoman of Agility, was ranked 22nd. Al-Saleh joined Agility in 2007 and has been instrumental in leading the company to global recognition, with over 65,000 employees and operations across six continents. Under her leadership, Agility generated $3.7 billion in revenues in 2024, and her strategic decisions, such as Menzies Aviation’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Jardine Aviation Services Group, have enhanced the company’s global footprint. Al-Saleh is also actively involved in the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations.

Donna Sultan, President and CEO of KEO International Consultants, was ranked 58th. Sultan has been with KEO since 1985 and played a pivotal role in leading the company’s growth. In 2024, KEO launched its OPTIMA consultancy and expanded into Jordan. Sultan’s visionary leadership has helped KEO remain a leader in the architecture and consulting sector, designing projects such as the Kuwait Center for Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, which became operational in June 2024.

Elham Mahfouz, an Egyptian national, ranks 54th on Forbes’ 2025 list of the Most Powerful Businesswomen in the Middle East. She has served as CEO of Al-Tijari since 2014, leading the bank through a digital transformation. In 2024, Al-Tijari partnered with Network International to advance its digital capabilities. The bank reported $15.2 billion in assets and net profits of $290.6 million in the first nine months of 2024. Mahfouz has been with Al-Tijari since 2000, holding various senior roles, including general manager of the New York branch.

Forbes’ annual list, which reflects the growing diversity and influence of female leaders in the region, also highlights Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank, as the most powerful businesswoman for the third consecutive year. Al Rostamani, who has been recognized globally as one of the world’s most powerful women, led the UAE’s largest bank to net profits of $3.5 billion in the first nine months of 2024.

This year’s list also saw the addition of 27 new leaders, further emphasizing the expanding role of women across 32 sectors and 29 nationalities in the Middle East. While the banking and financial services sector dominates, with 25 leaders featured, healthcare and technology sectors are also represented by nine leaders each. The banking sector comprises 40% of the top 10 rankings, with leaders from Pakistan and India standing out among the Arab-majority.

The UAE leads the rankings with 46 women, followed by Egypt with 18, and Saudi Arabia with nine. Among the most represented nationalities on the list are Egyptians, Emiratis, and Lebanese, underscoring the regional diversity and impact of women in leadership positions.

Many of the women featured have made significant strides in supporting the broader community. Notable initiatives include Susana Rodriguez Puerta, Chief Operating Officer at Oracle for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa, who launched the Sayidaty initiative with the Dubai Business Women Council to equip 500 female members with AI skills. Lamia Tazi, Chairwoman and Managing Director of Sotima, also led a partnership to provide scholarships for PhD students from low-income families, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for the next generation.

The success of these women reflects not only their personal achievements but also the ongoing transformation of the Middle East’s business and leadership landscape. As more Kuwaiti women rise to prominence on the global stage, they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female leaders.