TOP 20 ARAB WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT

Our first list of 20 Arab Women in Government recognizes the most impactful women in leading roles across government institutions, excluding ministerial and parliamentary positions.

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In the U.A.E., women fill two-thirds of the jobs in the public sector, with 30% in leadership roles and 15% in technical and academic roles, while the U.A.E.'s Gender Balance Council Strategy 2026 aims to reduce the gender gap across all sectors and achieve gender balance in decision-making positions. In December 2024, Syria appointed Maysaa Sabreen as the first woman to head its Central Bank.

From diplomacy and ambassadorship to leadership roles in culture, technology, media, and environmental sectors, this list highlights 20 women making a profound impact and delivering an empowering message. Emirati women dominate the list, with 11 entries, followed by Saudis and Egyptians with four and three entries respectively.

Methodology

For this list, we considered:

• Women leading government institutions excluding ministers and parliament members.

• Ambassadors and leaders of international organizations representing their countries.

• The level of impact of the leader's role.

• The other roles the leader holds.

• Number of years the leader has been in her role.

• Years of experience.

• Initiatives during 2024.

1 AI Mayassa Bint Hamad Al-Thani

Chairperson, Qatar Museums, Doha Film Institute, Reach Out to Asia, and Qatar Leadership Centre

Nationality: Qatari

Residence: Qatar

Al-Thani is engaged in the fields of culture, leadership, education, and philanthropy. She also founded the Doha Film Institute, which in 2024 announced the 11th edition of the Ajyal Film Festival, featuring independent filmmakers from the region. As chairperson of Qatar Museums, she has built the nation's growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, creative hubs, public art installations, and international outreach programs. In November 2024, Qatar Museums and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture cooperated to drive the cultural heritage conversation.