Arabian Business pays tribute to the most powerful and influential Arab women.
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The Most Powerful Arab Women
MARIA MAALOUF: Although Maria Maalouf (36) is best known for being the face of New TV, she is anything but only a presenter. Her career started with editing and presenting, from 2002 until 2004, the political programme “Bila Rakib”, which was broadcasted on New TV, hosting key Arab and international politicians and various industry experts. Maalouf continued a similar role from 2006 until present with her political programme “Maa Maria Maalouf” on NBN satellite channel. The show attracted the attention of both Arab and international media, mainly due to Maalouf’s bold and controversial interview style.
ELISSA: The Lebanese pop singer, Alissar Khoury (38, from 97), known to fans of her music as Elissa, has been playing with Vogue and enjoying skyrocketing album sales as her popularity continues to surge, driving her up almost 60 spots to number 38 on this year’s power list. The performer has gained much attention over the last year with the recent ads for Pepsi and a modeling venture for Vogue sunglasses with supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Often performing in both Arabic and English, her concerts have attracted a high profile fan base, with audiences including ex-US president Bill Clinton, Jordanian Queen Rania and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum enjoying her music.
LUBNA OLAYAN: No wonder both Forbes and Time magazines have named Lubna Olayan (44, from 12) as one of the world’s most influential women in the past year, due to her role as the Chief Executive of the Olayan Financing Company which now operates and actively participates in more than 40 companies. OFC is a private multinational enterprise engaged in distribution, manufacturing, services and investments. Lucrative Middle East distribution franchises for brands include Colgate-Palmolive, Burger King, Nestle and Coca-Cola while international partners comprise BP Solar, Credit Suisse and JPMorgan. OFC is also one of the largest investors in the Saudi and regional stock markets. Olayan is also well known for her championing of women’s rights. At the Jeddah Economic Forum in 2004 she was the first woman to speak at a “mixed” conference in Saudi Arabia and delivered a speech reminiscent of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream”.
NAHED TAHER: At a time when female Gulf nationals are increasingly making their mark in the regional business world, heads turn to pioneer Nahed Taher (45 from 22) who is the founder and chief executive officer of Gulf One Investment Bank, as an example of how to reach the highest rung of the corporate ladder in heels. She is one of four Arab women to be recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the top 100 most influential women in the world. Dr Taher is now a prominent figure in the local financial scene with many published articles on regional economics and trade.
