50 WOMEN BEHIND MIDDLE EASTERN BRANDS 2023

Meet the Female Founders

1 Huda Kattan
Brand: Huda Beauty
Category: Beauty Establishment: 2013 Nationality: Iraqi-American Headquarters: U.A.E.

Kattan started her makeup brand, Huda Beauty, with her two sisters in 2013. She launched her brand with a collection of false lashes, then expanded into skincare and cosmetics, retailing direct-toconsumer and in stores like Sephora around the world. In 2021, she launched the GloWish line of makeup as a sub-brand of Huda Beauty. Today, Huda Beauty sells more than 140 products, bringing in about $200 million in annual sales. Forbes recognized Kattan as one of America’s Richest Self-Made Women in 2023, with an estimated net worth of $400 million as of May 12, 2023.

2 Rayan Al Sulaimani 
Brand: Atelier Zuhra
Category: Fashion Establishment: 2015 Nationality: Omani Headquarters: U.A.E. and Oman

Atelier Zuhra was founded in the U.A.E. in 2015 by Rayan Al Sulaimani’s mother, Mouza Al Awfi. The brand creates haute couture pieces, bridal wear, abayas, and embellished work on upcycled denim. Global celebrities that have worn the brand include Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow, Madelaine Petsch, Nora Fatehi, and Paris Hilton. Beyoncé wore Atelier Zuhra at the opening of the Atlantis The Royal in January 2023.