30 Women in Tech: Pioneers of the Digital Revolution in the Region

At the heart of the digital revolution in the Middle East, 30 female tech leaders stand out as inspiring models of innovation and excellence, according to Economy Middle East magazine's 2025 list.

From Abu Dhabi to Riyadh, Cairo, and Dubai, these pioneers are leading a radical transformation in the fields of artificial intelligence, smart energy, financial technology, and digital education.

Their efforts contribute to supporting national visions such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2031, and Egypt Vision 2030, which strengthen the Middle East's position as a global center for women's innovation. Below are their inspiring stories that reflect their role in building a sustainable technological future.

Who are the 30 most famous female leaders in technology in 2025? Aisha Al Yamahi: Pioneer of Artificial Intelligence in UAE Education In Abu Dhabi, Aisha Al Yamahi, the first Emirati woman to earn a PhD in educational artificial intelligence research, is leading a revolution in digital education.

As an academic advisor for Alif Education, I oversaw the development of a smart learning platform that uses artificial intelligence to improve the learning experience in public schools.

Her expertise in integrating ethical AI into education contributes to the UAE's Vision 2031 to build a knowledge-based economy based on innovation.

Al-Jawhara Al-Muqbil: Digital Transformation Engineer in Saudi Tourism From Riyadh, Al-Jawhara Al-Muqbil, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Tourism, is leading initiatives to develop smart travel using artificial intelligence.

She has contributed to programs such as e-visas, which have enhanced Saudi Arabia's position as a global tourism destination . Her efforts align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to enhance efficiency and sustainability in tourism, embodying the power of female leadership in building a digital economy.

Ambreen Musa: The Gulf's Financial Future Maker In Dubai, Ambareen Musa, CEO of Revolut Gulf, is leading a fintech revolution with smart payment services that leverage artificial intelligence to analyze transactions in real time, serving 2 million users and generating $4 billion in revenue.

Its global expertise links artificial intelligence with financial independence, strengthening the UAE's position as a global financial center and supporting Dubai's economic vision.

Amal El Shazly: A Pioneer of Smart Energy in the Gulf From Dubai, Amal El Shazly, President of the Gulf Group at Schneider Electric, is leading an energy management revolution through digital solutions that leverage artificial intelligence to optimize smart grids.

Contributing to promoting sustainability through projects such as RES4Africa, supporting the UAE Vision 2031 to build a more efficient environment and inspire the next generation in the energy sector.

Shaikha Bodour Al Qasimi: Architect of Innovation in Sharjah In Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, is leading initiatives to foster technological innovation.

She led an initiative that attracted $4 billion in foreign investment and supported 150 startups, using artificial intelligence to analyze startup needs. Her efforts support the UAE Vision 2031 to build an innovation-driven economy, positioning Sharjah as a global technology hub.

Carlina Marani: Leader of Transcontinental Digital Transformation From Dubai, Carlina Marani, Accenture's managing director for the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, is leading a digital revolution with blockchain and AI-powered solutions, such as the TradeLens platform for shipping and oil, supporting Dubai's digital vision by using AI agents to make real-time decisions.

Christelle Boutros Konan: Dubai's Digital Education Maker In Dubai, Christelle Boutros Konan, CEO of Zedia and Director of Akinon in the Gulf, is leading a digital education revolution by developing an AI-powered cloud-based learning platform.

With experience in Microsoft and Amazon Web Services , she has overseen CRM/ERP projects to improve the education experience in the UAE.

Dima Al Yahya: Pioneer of Global Digital Cooperation From Riyadh, Deema Alyahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, leads digital cooperation efforts among 16 countries, using artificial intelligence to automate government processes. With her experience at Microsoft, she supports Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting women's innovation and technological cooperation.

Ebtisam Al Mazrouei: Global AI Architecture In Abu Dhabi, Ebtesam Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence Office, is leading the development of Falcon, a globally competitive open-source AI model.

She led the integration of AI into the UAE government , focusing on AI ethics, supporting UAE Vision 2031.

Elissa Freha: Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs From Dubai, Elissa Freiha founded Womena, the first women-led angel investment network in the Middle East. Her platform, Womentum, has supported dozens of startups using artificial intelligence to analyze investments .

Through her work on the Dubai Chamber Digital Council, she supports Dubai's economic vision and inspires a new generation of female entrepreneurs.

Eman Al Kuwari: Smart Qatar Maker In Doha, Eman Al Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, is leading the Tasmu program to transform Qatar into a smart city using artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency across sectors.

With its expertise in digital transformation, it supports entrepreneurship and AI centers , contributing to the realization of Qatar's Vision 2030 to make the country a regional technology hub.

Kholoud Al-Manea: Saudi Artificial Intelligence Innovator In Riyadh, Kholoud Al-Manea, founder of HKB Tech, leads the development of AI solutions for smart city and fintech projects.

As a university professor and investor in Fordward Angel, she promotes female innovation and inspires Saudi youth in science and technology, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 .

Latifa Al Shehhi: Digital Privacy Protector In Dubai, Latifa Al Shehhi, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Ministry of Investment, is leading the development of an open data portal that protects user privacy.

Its AI strategies enhance investment attraction, supporting the UAE Vision 2031 to foster data-driven innovation .

Lorena Boyka: The Smart Health Revolution From Abu Dhabi, Lorena Boyka, founder of syd, leads a preventative health platform that leverages artificial intelligence and digital twin technology to improve quality of life. With experience managing £250 billion in investment portfolios, she brings her expertise to health AI.

Manal Jalloul: Pioneer of Ethical Artificial Intelligence In Lebanon, Manal Jalloul, founder of AI Lab, leads the development of AI solutions for startups . As an NVIDIA-certified trainer, she contributes to promoting AI adoption in Lebanon with a focus on ethics in technical applications, embodying the spirit of Arab innovation.

Mirna Arif: Microsoft's Leader in Egypt From Cairo, Mirna Arif, General Manager of Growth Markets at Microsoft Middle East and Africa, is leading digital transformation in Egypt through AI solutions for the public sector. With her experience at GE and the Ministry of Petroleum, she supports Egypt's Vision 2030 , inspiring a new tech generation.

Mona Ataya: E-commerce Pioneer In the Gulf, Mona Ataya founded Mumzworld, the largest e-commerce platform for mothers and babies, generating significant annual revenue. With her experience at Bayt.com, she uses artificial intelligence to enhance customer experiences, supporting the digital transformation of e-commerce.

Nadine Mezher: The Maker of Financial Independence In Dubai, Nadine Mezher Sarwa founded a digital investment platform serving 40,000 users and raising $15 million.

It uses artificial intelligence agents to provide personalized financial advice , supporting financial independence in the region and Dubai's economic vision.

Najwa Araj: Global Innovation Leader In Abu Dhabi, Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, is leading the development of the Falcon AI model. With her experience at Intel, she supports AI ethics and contributes to transforming the UAE into a global hub for technological innovation.

Noha Al-Harthi: NEOM's Smart Engineer At NEOM, Noha Alharthi, Head of Artificial Intelligence, is leading the design of smart cities that leverage AI to enhance efficiency and sustainability, inspire women in technology, and support Saudi Vision 2030 through NEOM's ambitious projects.

Nour Sweid: Investor of the Digital Future In Dubai , Nour Sweid founded Global Ventures, a leading venture capital firm in the UAE focused on investing in startups in the Middle East and Africa, particularly in the fintech and healthtech sectors.

Previously, she served as Executive Director of Investments at the Dubai Future Foundation, contributing to the expansion of two predecessor companies: Depa (listed on the LSE and NASDAQ in 2008) and ZenYoga (sold to a private equity firm in 2014).

Petra Sherin: Intelligent Communications Leader In the Gulf, Petra Sherin, President of Ericsson Gulf and Europe , Middle East, and Africa, is leading the expansion of 5G networks and artificial intelligence to support smart cities.

Its efforts contribute to enhancing digital communications in the region, supporting digital transformation and innovation in the public and private sectors.

Prakriti Singh: Digital Payment Innovator In Dubai, Prakriti Singh, Executive Vice President of Core Payments for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Mastercard, leads AI-powered payment programs such as the Small Business Credit Program and Farmers Network, which have reached over one million users.

With over a decade of experience in the payments industry, it is promoting financial technology in the region, supporting Dubai's digital vision and inspiring a new generation.

Rima Diab: Pioneer of Technological Innovation In San Francisco, Dr. Rima Diab, founder and CEO of Galaxy for Technology and an AI consultant at Tesla, leads AI and big data applications to enhance corporate performance.

She received the US Congressional TechWomen Award 2019, the UNDP Women in Africa Award 2022, and the AI Global Ambassador Award 2023. She contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals as a Youth Influencer at the World Economic Forum, inspiring women in technology and social entrepreneurship.

Saida Jaafar In Dubai, Saeeda Jaffar, Visa's Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), is leading the growth of digital payments across the Middle East, focusing on advanced FinTech solutions for banking and government clients.

As a member of the Board of Trustees of Kuwait University, inspired by her background in chemical engineering at MIT, she promotes sustainable financial innovation in the digital economy.

Sandra Helo: Creator of the Arab Metaverse In Lebanon, Sandra Helou, CEO and co-founder of MetaMinds Group, leads AI-powered virtual experiences in education and entertainment as part of Metaverse-as-a-Service. An expert in digital transformation and Web3, she participates in global conferences in Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Sarah bint Youssef Al-Amiri In Abu Dhabi, Her Highness Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education and Chairperson of the Emirates Scientists Council, is leading the integration of artificial intelligence into education for all students as part of the global leadership strategy in advanced technologies.

It successfully launched the Advanced Drone Program in 2014, developing a successful UAV prototype in the world's most crowded fields, and stimulating educational innovation to inspire the young generation in science and technology.

Sonia Weymuller: Pioneer of Conscious Investing In Dubai, Sonja Weymüller, Co-Founder and Managing Director of VentureSouq, leads venture capital investments in FinTech and ClimateTech, focusing on environmental and social challenges across the Middle East as part of Conscious Collective's sustainability startup support program.

Sulafa Jabarti: Pioneer of Digital Transformation In Riyadh, Sulafa Jabarti, founder and CEO of Clear Vision, leads AI and digital transformation solutions in the Saudi education sector , focusing on data management and software development for organizational efficiency.

As a member of the Global Childhood Academy, inspired by her background at Columbia University, she supports inclusive education and promoting women's leadership in technology.

Yasmine Al-Anzi: Pioneer of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence In Dubai, Yasmine Al Enazi, Head of Women in AI Middle East and Director of the Industrial Innovation Program at Maxbyte Technologies, is leading the development of robotics and embodied AI for industrial transformation.

She was selected as one of the "Top 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics 2024" by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), and founded startups like AISTHESIS for community solutions using AI to support people with disabilities. As a former global ambassador, she supports technical diversity with her 13 years of experience in empowering women in modern technologies.

The role of women in driving artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the Middle East remains a fundamental turning point. Thanks to their commitment to technology leadership, the region has become a fertile ground for smart initiatives, cutting-edge projects, and inspiring achievements.

The stories of these pioneering women prove that leadership is not the exclusive domain of anyone; rather, it is an opportunity that creates success when vision, creativity, and determination meet.