DUBAI’S MOST VALUABLE

Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, is also home to a vibrant community of female leaders who are making waves in the creative industries, sustainability, and social innovation. These women are not just excelling in their fields; they are actively shaping the future of Dubai by integrating sustainability, diversity, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their work. Here are six inspiring women leaders from Dubai who are redefining success in the modern era.

 Rana El Kaliouby – Co-founder, Affectiva

Bringing empathy to AI, Rana Al Kaliouby's tech makes machines care.

Makaani Nominee for: Pioneering the integration of emotional intelligence into artificial intelligence at Affectiva, transforming how technology understands and interacts with human emotions. Rana Al Kaliouby is a pioneer in the field of artificial emotional intelligence (AI), co-founding Affectiva, a company that uses AI to recognize human emotions. Based in Dubai, Rana is at the forefront of integrating technology with human-centered design, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in tech innovation. Her work is transforming the way we interact with technology, making it more empathetic and responsive to human needs.

Rana says: "Technology should enhance our humanity, not replace it. At Affectiva, we are committed to creating AI that is inclusive, diverse, and aligned with our emotional needs."

Farah Foustok – CEO, Lazard Gulf Ltd and Founder, Tamakkan

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Weaving sustainability into the fabric of finance.

Makani Nominee for: Leading sustainable investment strategies and fostering corporate responsibility through Tamakkan, inspiring ethical business practices across the UAE. Farah Foustok is a leading figure in Dubai’s financial sector and a passionate advocate for sustainability and corporate responsibility. As the CEO of Lazard Gulf Ltd, she has been instrumental in driving sustainable investment strategies. Farah is also the founder of Tamakkan, a platform that supports CSR initiatives and social enterprises across the UAE. Her work focuses on promoting ethical business practices and encouraging companies to integrate sustainability into their core strategies.

Farah believes: "Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Through Tamakkan, we are helping companies realize that doing good is good for business."

Hala Badri – Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

Hala Badri paints a vibrant future for Dubai’s art and culture scene.

Makaani Nominee for: Championing Dubai’s creative economy and cultural diversity, ensuring the arts are a thriving and inclusive pillar of the community. Hala Badri is a cultural powerhouse in Dubai, serving as the Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. She is a key figure in promoting Dubai’s creative economy, fostering an environment where art, culture, and creativity can thrive. Hala is deeply committed to sustainability and inclusivity in the arts, ensuring that Dubai’s cultural landscape is diverse and accessible to all.

Hala explains: "Culture and creativity are at the heart of sustainable development. We are working to make Dubai a global hub for the arts, where creativity is nurtured, and diverse voices are heard."

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi – Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi paints a sustainable future through the vibrant strokes of Middle Eastern art.

Makani Nominee for: Championing Middle Eastern art and promoting cultural dialogue through the Barjeel Art Foundation, which he founded to manage his extensive collection of Arab art. Sultan’s efforts extend beyond preservation; he actively works to integrate art into broader societal conversations about heritage and identity, often focusing on sustainability and the role of art in public discourse.

“Art should not only mirror society but also inspire change in it. Through the Barjeel Art Foundation, we strive to foster a dialogue that transcends borders and generations, aiming to create a sustainable cultural ecosystem that respects and celebrates diversity.”

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi’s role as a curator and patron of the arts has positioned him as a pivotal figure in not only preserving but also propagating the understanding and appreciation of Arab art on a global scale. Through exhibitions, lectures, and collaborations, he ensures that art serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of the Middle Eastern identity in a sustainable and inclusive manner. His work in promoting these dialogues makes him an ideal Makani Nominee, representing the harmonious blend of cultural sustainability and artistic expression.

Nez Gebreel – Former CEO, Dubai Design and Fashion Council

Nez Gebreel designs a sustainable, stylish future for Dubai.

Makani Nominee for: Elevating Dubai’s design and fashion landscape, fostering young talent, and integrating sustainability into the creative industries. Nez Gebreel has been a driving force behind Dubai’s emergence as a global design and fashion hub. As the former CEO of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council, she played a pivotal role in nurturing the city’s creative talent and promoting Dubai as a center for innovation in design. Nez is passionate about creating opportunities for young designers and ensuring that sustainability and diversity are integral to Dubai’s creative industries.

Nez explains: "Dubai’s creative scene is vibrant and diverse, and it’s essential that we continue to support and nurture this talent. Sustainability and innovation must be at the core of everything we do in the creative industries."