‘Women play an increasingly prominent role’, says Forbes

Saudi Arabia dominating Forbes Middle East ranking for women London  Arabstoday Arab women are playing an increasingly prominent role in the region's economies and societies while taking up “hard-earned leadership positions”, an article by Forbes Middle East has revealed. The magazine is currently compiling a list of the region’s most accomplished females for a list entitled “The Most Influential Arab Women in the MENA Region.”
In developing this ranking, the Forbes Middle East team conducted research into ministries in each country across the region, using information sourced from official government and company websites. Along with Forbes Middle East's extensive pool of resources, relevant data about women in high-profile businesses was also used.
So far Saudi Arabia seems to be dominating the Forbes Middle East ranking of 'The Most Influential Arab Women in Family Business' with 12 companies from a total of 33. The UAE achieved the top spot with Emirati inspiration, Raja Easa Al Gurg, Managing Director of the Saleh Easa Al Gurg Group, just ahead of Saudi Arabia's Lubna Olayan from the Olayan Group. Bahrain's Mona Almoayyed, Managing Director of Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons Group followed in third place.
From family prowess to national prosperity, the Arab world's women are also proving themselves more than capable of guiding their countries to economic success and social progress. On the ranking of 'The Most Influential Arab Women in Government', the UAE once again shines bright, boasting a total of 11 women in government positions or at the helm of high profile government-backed companies.
These included the high-ranking positions of Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade, Salma Hareb, CEO of JAFZA and Economic Zones World, and Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Group CEO of TECOM Investments occupied the top three spots. “
“Arab women today are equipped with immense untapped potential which if utilized judiciously, will take the future of the Arab world to a greater level of excellence. Forbes Middle East is dedicated to highlighting the substantial achievements of Arab women in two of the region's most vital sectors -- family business and government through its two rankings: The Most Influential Arab Women in Family Business and The Most Influential Arab Women in Government,” said Forbes Middle East's Editor-in-Chief, Khuloud Al Omian.
"Our study equips key decision makers with vital information that will help identify and provide opportunities to these rising stars in all areas, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region, " she added.