The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is undergoing one of the most significant economic transformations in its history. At the heart of this shift is a powerful, often underrepresented force: women entrepreneurs. From Riyadh to Dubai, and from Cairo to Muscat, women-led startups are changing not only what business looks like—but what the future of the Gulf economy could become.
Women at the Center of Economic Diversification
As Gulf countries actively move beyond oil-based economies, female founders are playing a pivotal role in building the foundation of this new future. Whether in education, fintech, healthcare, or sustainability, women-led ventures are addressing real-world challenges with innovation rooted in deep cultural understanding.
Their startups are helping redefine industries, break taboos, and create new employment opportunities—all while generating economic value that could add trillions to the region’s GDP over the next decade.
Support for Women-Led Startups Is Growing
Governments across the Gulf are beginning to recognize the power of investing in women. Major strategies like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s National Strategy for Empowerment of Emirati Women are more than symbolic gestures—they are strategic blueprints aimed at increasing female participation in business and entrepreneurship.
In parallel, financial institutions and startup accelerators are offering targeted support for women-led ventures through grants, mentorship programs, and access to early-stage capital.
Understanding Local Needs: A Key Advantage
What sets many women entrepreneurs in MENA apart is their unique understanding of local social and cultural dynamics. This gives them a clear edge in industries like:
Education, where they design tools with community sensitivities in mind. Healthcare, where they improve access while respecting local norms. Finance, where they are reshaping how women interact with money.
This cultural fluency helps female founders build trust with users and scale their ventures more effectively across the region.
The STEM Paradox: High Talent, Low Funding
Despite a strong pipeline of educated women—many of whom dominate STEM classrooms in countries like Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia—the funding gap remains wide. Women-led startups receive just 1.2% of venture capital in MENA, slightly below the global average of 2%.
This disconnect is alarming given that gender-diverse founding teams are proven to deliver higher returns on investment. It points to a massive, still-untapped potential that could fuel the region’s next wave of innovation.
Success Stories: Leading the Way Forward
Mona Ataya – Mumzworld (UAE)
One of the Gulf’s most celebrated female founders, Mona Ataya, launched Mumzworld, an e-commerce platform for mothers. Today, it serves over 2.5 million users across the region. Her company has revolutionized how families access childcare products and information, making life easier for mothers while opening new markets.
“Every day is a balancing act – it’s a personal choice,” Ataya once shared, highlighting the emotional resilience required of female entrepreneurs balancing family and business.
Iman Abuzeid – Incredible Health (Saudi Arabia / USA)
Raised in Saudi Arabia and trained at Wharton, Iman Abuzeid co-founded Incredible Health, a healthcare staffing platform now valued at $1.65 billion. The company became vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping hospitals meet urgent staffing needs. With over $80 million in funding, her story proves how women from the Gulf can make global impact.
Dr. Derya Baran – RedSea Technologies (Saudi Arabia)
A leader in sustainable agriculture, Dr. Derya Baran founded RedSea Technologies in 2018. Her startup has developed a revolutionary agri-tech solution that reduces water and energy usage by 90%, helping address one of the region’s most critical challenges: food security.
The Road Ahead: From Representation to Reshaping Economies
Women entrepreneurs in the Gulf are no longer asking for a seat at the table—they’re building new tables entirely. As governments, investors, and institutions begin to recognize their value, the region stands at the edge of a powerful breakthrough.
This is not just about gender equality—it’s about economic sustainability. Unlocking the full potential of women in entrepreneurship could transform the Gulf into one of the world’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
The revolution has already begun. It’s being led by the women of MENA.
