Sheikha Lubna tops female power list

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna is the world’s most powerful female Arab, according to a new list published by CEO Middle East.

Sheikha Lubna, according to the magazine, “has been challenging traditional opinions about women in business ever since she developed a system that reduced cargo turnaround at Dubai Ports Authority from one hour to ten minutes.”

She  also sits on board of directors for Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry amongst many others and is on the board of directors (honorary) for the National US Arab Chamber of Commerce.

The Emirati was placed just ahead of Saudi Arabia’s Lubna Olayan, boss of Olayan Financing, with another Emirati, Salma Hareb – CEO of JAFZA – in third place.

The head of the Alwaleed Foundation in Lebanon, Leila El Solh, was ranked fourth, while Dalia Mogahed, an advisor to President Obama, came in at fifth.

The list examined the influence of Arab women across the globe across all sectors, including business, science, media, sports, academia and entertainment.

To read the full 100 Most Powerful Arab Women 2011 list, click here