Forum calls for stronger support to Gulf women-led enterprises

Doha, Qatar  – The 7th Gulf Businesswomen Forum has wrapped up in Doha with a call to reinforce support systems for Gulf women-led enterprises, expand access to knowledge and innovation, and enhance women’s role in driving sustainable economic growth across the region. 

Event overview and organisers

The two-day forum was held from 12–13 November 2025 at the Mandarin Oriental, Msheireb, under the theme “Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Investment.” It was organised by the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC) in cooperation with Qatar Chamber, under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber. The event was supported by the GCC General Secretariat, with Qatar National Bank (QNB) as strategic partner. 

Senior representatives from chambers of commerce and business councils across the GCC attended, including Ibtihaj Al-Ahmadani, Qatar Chamber Board Member and Chairperson of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, and Noura Al Salem, Assistant Secretary-General of the Federation of GCC Chambers. They joined heads of delegations, entrepreneurs and policymakers from across the region. 

Panel discussions: Key themes

The second day of the forum centred on three panel discussions and live case studies highlighting the evolution of Gulf women’s entrepreneurship into knowledge-driven, technology-enabled and regionally connected business models.

1. Gulf businesswomen and sustainable investment

The first session, “Gulf Businesswomen and Sustainable Investment,” focused on:

• The contribution of women-led enterprises to the knowledge economy
• Barriers facing non-traditional and impact-oriented investments
• The role of modern technologies in scaling and professionalising women-led projects

Speakers from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman examined how businesswomen are expanding into sectors aligned with sustainability, education, and evolving regulatory and technological trends in the GCC.

2. From tradition to innovation in women’s entrepreneurship

The second panel, “Women Entrepreneurs in the Gulf: From Tradition to Innovation,” looked at how Gulf women are moving from conventional business activities into innovation-driven ventures. Discussions covered: 

• The importance of education, training and upskilling for modern investment areas
• The outlook for women’s entrepreneurship in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and similar Gulf national visions
• Priority and emerging sectors attracting women entrepreneurs, including non-traditional fields linked to digital transformation and new economy industries

Speakers from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain shared perspectives on diversifying women’s participation beyond legacy sectors into automotive, consulting, philanthropy-linked business models and digital-first enterprises. 

3. Arbitration and the business environment

The third session, “Role of Arbitration in Enhancing the Gulf Women’s Business Environment,” spotlighted the legal and institutional foundations needed to protect women’s investments. The panel examined: 

• Arbitration as a mechanism to resolve commercial disputes efficiently
• The importance of clear, fair and transparent contracts in cross-border and domestic deals
• How robust dispute-resolution frameworks can increase investor confidence and encourage women to expand their business activities

Experts from the legal community and the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre outlined how better use of arbitration can reduce risks for women-led enterprises and support a more predictable business climate.

Success stories of Gulf women entrepreneurs

Alongside the policy and thematic discussions, the forum showcased several success stories illustrating the breadth of Gulf women’s entrepreneurial activity. 

• Jawaher Al-Mannai (Qatar) shared the development of her jewellery brand “Ghand,” founded in 2015, detailing its growth through participation in local, Gulf and international exhibitions, and contributions to national events such as Qatar National Day.
• Amal Sand (Bahrain) presented her “Kayan Jewelry” project, characterised by designs that merge heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Her brand has gained regional and international recognition since its launch in 2021.
• Shuaa Duhailan (Saudi Arabia) outlined her journey as a businesswoman and makeup artist, becoming an early prominent figure in the beauty sector in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and building a profile through awards and international event participation.

These case studies underscored the diversity of women-led ventures across creative industries, luxury goods and personal services, demonstrating how Gulf businesswomen are building brands with regional and international reach. 

Regional significance

By bringing together businesswomen, policymakers, financial institutions and chambers from across the GCC, the 7th Gulf Businesswomen Forum reinforced a common regional agenda: positioning women as central actors in entrepreneurship, sustainable investment and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. The forum is set to remain a key platform for shaping that agenda and tracking progress in the years ahead.